Arizona CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Arizona CHIP

For current eligibility thresholds and enrollment, visit https://www.azahcccs.gov. CHIP and Medicaid applications are processed together in most states — apply once and both programs are considered.

Arizona's CHIP program is called KidsCare — it covers children at 133%–225% FPL

KidsCare is Arizona's Children's Health Insurance Program, covering children under 19 whose family income is above the AHCCCS Medicaid limit but at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level. Per the February 2026 AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements chart, the monthly income limit for KidsCare is $2,993 for a household of 1 and $6,188 for a household of 4. Apply at healthearizonaplus.gov.

Who qualifies for KidsCare

KidsCare covers uninsured children under 19 who live in Arizona and whose household income is above the AHCCCS Medicaid limit but at or below 225% FPL. The program applies the same application process as AHCCCS — a single application through Health-e-Arizona Plus determines whether a child qualifies for AHCCCS Medicaid or KidsCare CHIP.

Child must be under age 19
Family income above AHCCCS Medicaid limit and at or below 225% FPL
Monthly income limit: approximately $2,993 for household of 1; $6,188 for household of 4 (Feb 2026 AHCCCS chart)
Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified non-citizen
Child must reside in Arizona
Child must not be enrolled in AHCCCS Medicaid or other creditable government coverage
State employees and their children are not eligible

Source: AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements chart, February 1, 2026; AHCCCS KidsCare program information.

KidsCare premiums and cost-sharing

KidsCare charges monthly premiums based on family income. One premium per household covers all eligible children in the family. Premiums range from $10 to $70 per month. The specific premium amount is calculated when the application is approved, based on the family's income at the time of enrollment.

Small co-pays apply to some services — typically $2 to $5 per visit. Preventive care, well-child checkups, and immunizations are generally not subject to co-pays. Total annual out-of-pocket costs for KidsCare families are capped under federal CHIP rules.

What KidsCare covers

KidsCare provides comprehensive children's health benefits equivalent to EPSDT, covering the same categories of services as AHCCCS Medicaid for children — delivered through AHCCCS Contractor Health Plans.

Well-child visits and immunizations
Doctor visits and specialist referrals
Prescriptions
Emergency and urgent care
Inpatient hospital care
Mental health services
Dental care (full scope, including orthodontics when medically necessary)
Vision care and eyeglasses
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

How to apply for KidsCare

Apply for KidsCare through Health-e-Arizona Plus at healthearizonaplus.gov. The same application covers both AHCCCS Medicaid and KidsCare CHIP — the system automatically determines which program your child qualifies for based on household income.

You can also apply by calling 1-855-HEA-PLUS (1-855-432-7587) or by visiting a DES Family Assistance Office in your county. Applications are typically processed within 45 days.

Apply even if a parent is undocumented

Eligible children can apply for KidsCare regardless of the immigration status of their parents. Parents do not need to provide their own Social Security numbers or immigration documents when applying only for a child's coverage. This is an explicit AHCCCS policy.

KidsCare vs. AHCCCS: income limits side by side

Program	FPL %	Monthly limit (hh of 4)
AHCCCS Medicaid (children 6–18)	133%	$3,658/mo
KidsCare (CHIP)	225%	$6,188/mo

Source: AHCCCS Eligibility Requirements chart, February 1, 2026. Children at or below 133% FPL qualify for AHCCCS Medicaid (no premium). Children above 133% and at or below 225% FPL qualify for KidsCare CHIP (with a monthly premium of $10–$70).

What CHIP is

CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like Medicaid, CHIP is jointly funded by the federal government and each state, and each state administers its own program.

CHIP serves children up to age 19 (some states cover to 21 for children in foster care). It is not available to adults — CHIP is specifically designed to address the coverage gap for children in working families.

Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data. In most states, it is a seamless part of the broader children's health coverage system alongside Medicaid.

What CHIP covers

Federal law requires CHIP to cover certain core benefits. States may add to the list. Standard CHIP coverage includes:

Doctor visits, including well-child checkups and sick visits
Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
Emergency room and urgent care services
Prescription drug coverage
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Dental care — preventive and restorative
Vision care, including eye exams and glasses
Laboratory and imaging services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids when medically necessary

How to apply for Arizona CHIP

Apply through Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) — the same application covers both Medicaid and CHIP. Online applications are typically fastest and allow document uploads. You can also apply by phone or in person at a local eligibility office.

See the how to apply page for the complete application process, required documents, and what to expect during review.

CHIP and Medicaid income ranges overlap — apply regardless

If you're not sure whether your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, apply anyway. The eligibility system determines which program applies based on your income. A child who earns out of Medicaid may qualify for CHIP, and vice versa. Don't let uncertainty about which program applies prevent you from applying.