North Dakota CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Who qualifies for North Dakota CHIP

North Dakota CHIP is designed for working families whose income exceeds the Medicaid limit for children but who cannot afford private health insurance. The child must be uninsured — children who have other credible health insurance do not qualify.

• Child must be 18 years of age or younger (or a single 18-year-old meeting income limits)
• Must be a North Dakota resident
• Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen
• Must not have other credible health insurance coverage
• Family income must exceed the Medicaid level and be at or below 205% FPL
• Monthly income limit for a family of 4: $5,638 (April 2026)

Source: ND HHS CHIP page (hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/chip); income levels effective April 1, 2026, set by the North Dakota Legislature as amended by the ACA.

CHIP income limits for North Dakota (April 2026)

Source: ND HHS CHIP page. Income levels include the 5% income disregard per ACA. Add $971/month ($11,644/year) for each additional person beyond 6. These figures are MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) limits.

CHIP benefits in North Dakota

North Dakota CHIP provides the same insurance coverage as Medicaid for children. Per ND HHS, "although CHIP and ND Medicaid are different coverage groups, the insurance coverage is the same." Both programs provide EPSDT-equivalent comprehensive coverage, including dental and vision.

• Well-child visits and Health Tracks developmental screenings
• Immunizations
• Doctor visits, specialist referrals
• Emergency and urgent care
• Inpatient hospital care
• Prescription drugs
• Dental care (comprehensive)
• Vision exams and eyeglasses
• Mental health and substance use services
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

There is no separate premium for most North Dakota CHIP families at the standard income levels. Some cost-sharing applies at higher income bands, but annual family out-of-pocket costs are capped at 5% of family income under federal CHIP rules.

How to apply for North Dakota CHIP

Apply using Form SFN 1909 (Application for Health Care Coverage), available at hhs.nd.gov/healthcare/medicaid/apply. This is the form specifically for children's health coverage and pregnant women — it screens for both Medicaid and CHIP with a single application.

You can also call (866) 614-6005, email applyforhelp@nd.gov, or visit a local Human Service Zone office. Applications are processed within 45 days under federal rules. If your child's income qualifies for Medicaid (below the Medicaid threshold), the system will route them to Medicaid automatically — CHIP is for children whose income falls between the Medicaid limit and 205% FPL.

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 North Dakota CHIP

Apply through North Dakota 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.