Mississippi CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Mississippi CHIP

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

Mississippi has a CHIP program covering children above Medicaid income limits — apply through DOM

Mississippi has a Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) under Title XXI of the Social Security Act, administered by the Division of Medicaid (DOM). CHIP covers children under 19 whose family income is above the Medicaid threshold for children (194% FPL) but within CHIP limits. Apply through DOM at medicaid.ms.gov, by calling 1-800-421-2408, or at a DOM regional office. One application covers both Medicaid and CHIP.

Who qualifies for Mississippi CHIP?

Mississippi CHIP is designed for children whose family income is too high for standard Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance. Mississippi's Medicaid program covers children up to 194% FPL. CHIP covers children above that threshold up to the program's upper income limit.

Child must be under age 19
Family income above the Mississippi Medicaid threshold (194% FPL) and within CHIP income limits
Child must be a Mississippi resident
Child must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present immigrant
Child must be uninsured or have recently lost coverage
Child must not be eligible for employer-sponsored coverage at a cost considered affordable under federal guidelines

Source: Mississippi Division of Medicaid CHIP program information at medicaid.ms.gov. For exact upper income limits, contact DOM at 1-800-421-2408 or visit your regional office.

What Mississippi CHIP covers

Mississippi CHIP provides comprehensive child health benefits. Per CMS CHIP requirements and DOM benefit documentation, coverage includes:

Well-child preventive care and immunizations
Primary care and specialist visits
Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
Prescription drug coverage
Emergency and urgent care
Dental services (comprehensive)
Vision care — exams and corrective lenses
Mental health and behavioral health services
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy when medically necessary
Lab tests and diagnostic imaging

Cost sharing for Mississippi CHIP

Federal CHIP rules allow states to charge modest premiums and copayments for children in the CHIP income range. Under 42 USC 1397cc, total annual cost sharing cannot exceed 5% of family income. Families at or below 150% FPL cannot be charged premiums. Mississippi's CHIP cost-sharing structure follows these federal limits.

Contact DOM at 1-800-421-2408 for current premium and copayment amounts, since these are updated periodically and may be subject to change. Missing a premium payment can result in coverage termination — contact DOM immediately if you fall behind.

How to apply

Apply for Mississippi CHIP through the same application as Medicaid. DOM determines which program applies based on family income. You do not need to know in advance whether your child will qualify for Medicaid or CHIP — a single application at medicaid.ms.gov covers both.

Mississippi has 30 regional offices where staff can process applications in person and assist with document verification. Find your regional office at medicaid.ms.gov/about/office-locations/. For phone applications or questions, call 1-800-421-2408.

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 Mississippi CHIP

Apply through Mississippi 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.