Kansas CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Kansas CHIP

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

HealthWave is Kansas's CHIP program — covers children up to 238% FPL through the same three KanCare MCOs

HealthWave is the name of Kansas's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), authorized by Title XXI of the Social Security Act. HealthWave covers children under 19 in families between the Medicaid income limit and 238% FPL. Coverage is delivered through the same three KanCare managed care organizations: Aetna Better Health, Sunflower Health Plan, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Apply through the KEES portal at cssp.kees.ks.gov or by calling 1-800-792-4884.

Who qualifies for HealthWave?

HealthWave covers children under 19 who earn too much for KanCare Medicaid but are still within the 238% FPL limit. Kansas uses MAGI income rules for CHIP, and there is no asset test. At 238% FPL for a family of 4, the approximate monthly income limit is $6,604 (based on 2026 HHS poverty guidelines).

Child must be under age 19
Family income within 238% FPL (above the KanCare Medicaid threshold for children)
Child must be a Kansas resident
Child must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant
Child must be uninsured — HealthWave is generally not available to children with access to affordable employer coverage
No asset test

Source: KDHE HealthWave program documentation at kancare.ks.gov. Income limits are based on 2026 HHS federal poverty guidelines. Verify current limits with KDHE at kancare.ks.gov or call 1-800-792-4884.

What HealthWave covers

HealthWave provides comprehensive child health benefits through the KanCare MCOs. Per KDHE, covered services include:

Well-child preventive visits and immunizations
Primary care visits
Specialist visits
Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
Prescription drugs
Emergency care
Dental services (comprehensive EPSDT)
Vision care — exams and eyeglasses
Mental health and substance use treatment
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Lab and diagnostic services

Cost sharing for HealthWave

HealthWave may include modest cost-sharing depending on family income. Federal CHIP rules (42 USC 1397cc) cap total annual cost sharing at 5% of family income. Families at or below 150% FPL cannot be charged premiums. Above that threshold, small premiums may apply. Kansas's HealthWave premiums are structured to remain well below private insurance costs.

For current HealthWave premium and copayment amounts, visit kancare.ks.gov or call 1-800-792-4884. Missing a premium payment can result in termination — set up auto-payment if your MCO offers it.

Comparison: KanCare Medicaid vs. HealthWave CHIP

Feature	KanCare Medicaid (children)	HealthWave CHIP
Income range	Up to ~100% FPL	Above Medicaid limit to 238% FPL
Premium	No	Small monthly premium may apply
Benefits	Full Medicaid (EPSDT)	Comprehensive CHIP benefit package
MCOs	Aetna, Sunflower, UHC	Same — Aetna, Sunflower, UHC
Application	KEES portal	Same KEES portal

Source: KDHE KanCare and HealthWave documentation at kancare.ks.gov. Medicaid children's income percentage is approximate; verify exact KanCare Medicaid threshold with KDHE.

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 Kansas CHIP

Apply through KanCare (Kansas 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.