Nebraska CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Nebraska CHIP

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

Nebraska's CHIP program is called Kids Connection — it covers children above the Medicaid income limit

Kids Connection is Nebraska's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), covering uninsured children under 19 whose family income is above the Nebraska Medicaid limit but who otherwise could not afford private health insurance. Kids Connection is also administered by Nebraska DHHS and uses the same iServe Nebraska application process. Apply at iserve.nebraska.gov or call 855-632-7633.

Who qualifies for Kids Connection

Kids Connection covers children under 19 who are Nebraska residents, are not eligible for Nebraska Medicaid, and whose family income falls within the CHIP income range. Nebraska Medicaid covers children up to 205% FPL; Kids Connection serves children in households above that level. DHHS determines the exact upper income limit — contact 855-632-7633 or apply through iServe Nebraska for a current eligibility determination.

Child must be under age 19
Family income must be above the Nebraska Medicaid limit for children (approximately 205% FPL)
Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified non-citizen
Child must be a Nebraska resident
Child must not already be covered by employer-sponsored health insurance or other creditable coverage
Child must not be eligible for Nebraska Medicaid

Source: Nebraska DHHS Kids Connection CHIP program information.

Kids Connection premiums and cost-sharing

Kids Connection charges monthly premiums based on family income. Premiums are lower at the bottom of the income range and increase as income rises. DHHS calculates the exact premium amount when it approves the application.

Small co-pays apply to some services. Preventive care, well-child checkups, and immunizations are generally not subject to co-pays. Federal CHIP rules cap total annual out-of-pocket costs at 5% of household income per year.

What Kids Connection covers

Kids Connection provides comprehensive children's health coverage comparable to EPSDT, including all the services children receive under Nebraska Medicaid.

Well-child visits and immunizations
Doctor visits and specialist referrals
Prescription drugs
Emergency and urgent care
Inpatient hospital care
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Dental care — comprehensive, including orthodontics when medically necessary
Vision care and eyeglasses
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Home health services

How to apply for Kids Connection

Apply for Kids Connection through the same process as Nebraska Medicaid. The iServe Nebraska application at iserve.nebraska.gov/apply/start covers both programs — DHHS determines whether the child qualifies for Medicaid or Kids Connection CHIP based on household income.

You can also apply by calling DHHS at 855-632-7633 or visiting a local DHHS Public Assistance office. Applications are typically processed within 45 days under federal rules.

Apply even if a parent is undocumented

Eligible children can apply for Kids Connection and Nebraska Medicaid regardless of their parents' immigration status. Parents do not need to provide their own Social Security numbers or immigration documents when applying only for a child's coverage. This is standard policy under federal Medicaid and CHIP rules.

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 Nebraska CHIP

Apply through Nebraska 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.