Hawaii CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Hawaii CHIP

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

Hawaii does not operate a separate CHIP program — children are covered directly through Med-QUEST (QUEST Integration)

Hawaii uses its federal CHIP funding to extend Medicaid-equivalent coverage to children, rather than operating a separately branded CHIP program. Children in Hawaii are covered under QUEST Integration (the standard Med-QUEST managed care program) up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. There are no separate CHIP premiums, no separate CHIP application, and no coverage gap between Medicaid and CHIP. Children apply through the same KOLEA system at medquest.hawaii.gov.

Why Hawaii has no separate CHIP program

Under federal law, states have two options for using CHIP (Title XXI) funding: operate a separate CHIP program with its own premiums and cost-sharing rules, or extend Medicaid eligibility to cover more children (a "CHIP Medicaid expansion"). Hawaii chose the Medicaid expansion approach.

This means Hawaiian children whose household income falls between the standard Medicaid limit and 300% FPL receive the same Medicaid benefits, the same managed care plans, and the same federal EPSDT protections as children at lower income levels — not a second-tier program. No premiums apply below certain income thresholds, and cost-sharing is limited by federal CHIP rules.

Hawaii's history of universal coverage — the 1974 Prepaid Health Care Act preceded the ACA by decades — reflects a state policy commitment to integration over fragmentation. The CHIP expansion is consistent with that approach.

Children's eligibility under Med-QUEST in Hawaii

Under age 19
Hawaii resident
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen (certain immigration statuses qualify)
Household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (~$7,775/mo for a family of 4 in 2025)
Not enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance that meets minimum value and affordability standards

Source: Hawaii Med-QUEST Division; 2025 HHS Federal Poverty Level guidelines. Monthly figures are approximate — verify current thresholds at medquest.hawaii.gov or 1-800-316-8005.

What Med-QUEST covers for children

Children enrolled in QUEST Integration receive the full Medicaid benefit package, including all EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) services required under federal law (42 U.S.C. § 1396d(r)). EPSDT requires coverage of all medically necessary services identified through screening — there is no fixed benefit cap on what children can receive.

Comprehensive well-child exams at required EPSDT intervals
Vision screening and corrective eyewear when medically necessary
Hearing screening and hearing aids when medically necessary
Full dental care — preventive, restorative, and emergency (see dental coverage page)
Immunizations per CDC schedule
Mental health and behavioral health services
Substance use disorder treatment services
Specialty care, including referrals to pediatric specialists
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Prescription medications

How to apply for a child's Med-QUEST coverage

Apply for a child through the same KOLEA online application system used for all Med-QUEST coverage. Visit medquest.hawaii.gov and select "I Need to Apply." Applications can also be submitted by calling 1-800-316-8005 (TTY: 711) or in person at a DHS Med-QUEST office on your island.

Parents and guardians with undocumented immigration status can still apply for their child if the child is a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen. The parent or guardian's immigration status is not considered when determining the child's eligibility. You do not need to provide the parent's Social Security number to apply for the child.

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 Hawaii CHIP

Apply through Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid) — 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.