Maryland CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Maryland CHIP

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

Maryland's CHIP program covers children up to 317% FPL — among the highest limits in the country

Maryland's children's health coverage program is the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). It covers uninsured children in families with income up to 317% FPL ($98,838/year for a family of four in 2025). This is one of the highest CHIP income limits nationally. Apply at marylandhealthconnection.gov or call 1-855-642-8572.

Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

Maryland's children's health coverage program is the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). MCHP provides health coverage to uninsured children under age 19 in families whose income exceeds the Medicaid threshold but falls at or below 317% of the Federal Poverty Level. MCHP is a CHIP Medicaid expansion program administered by the Maryland Department of Health through the HealthChoice managed care system.

Maryland's 317% FPL limit is among the highest in the United States. For comparison, most states set their CHIP upper limit between 200% and 250% FPL. A family of four with income up to approximately $98,838 (2025 figures) may qualify for MCHP — covering many working families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

For children in families above 317% FPL, Maryland offers MCHP Premium — a buy-in program where families pay monthly premiums for coverage through the HealthChoice system. MCHP Premium serves as a connector plan for families just above the income limit who are priced out of private insurance.

MCHP income eligibility

Program	Income Limit	Premium
Medicaid for children	0–138% FPL	No premium
MCHP (CHIP-funded)	138%–317% FPL	No premium for most families
MCHP Premium	Above 317% FPL	Monthly premium applies; contact MDH for rates

Source: Maryland Department of Health MCHP program page; KFF State Health Facts CHIP eligibility. The 317% FPL limit is Maryland's CHIP upper income limit as of 2025. FPL dollar amounts update annually. Verify current figures at marylandhealthconnection.gov.

What MCHP covers for children

Children enrolled in MCHP receive comprehensive coverage through a HealthChoice MCO. Per the federal EPSDT mandate and Maryland's program design, covered services include:

Well-child visits, EPSDT screenings, and immunizations
Sick visits and specialist care
Comprehensive dental through Maryland Healthy Smiles
Vision — exams and glasses
Mental health and behavioral health services
Substance use disorder treatment
Prescription drugs
Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
Emergency services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Durable medical equipment (DME)

How to enroll a child in MCHP

Apply for MCHP through Maryland Health Connection at marylandhealthconnection.gov or by calling 1-855-642-8572. Children can also be enrolled in person at local Department of Social Services offices or through a certified enrollment assister. Newborns born to MCHP-enrolled mothers are automatically enrolled at birth. Children losing employer-sponsored insurance qualify for a Special Enrollment Period — contact Maryland Health Connection within 60 days of losing coverage.

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 Maryland CHIP

Apply through Maryland 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.