Virginia CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Virginia CHIP

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

Virginia's CHIP program is called FAMIS — Family Access to Medical Insurance Security

FAMIS is Virginia's name for the federal Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). There are two FAMIS programs: FAMIS Plus (Medicaid-funded for families up to 133% FPL) and FAMIS (CHIP-funded for families from 133% to 200% FPL). Both are administered by DMAS and applied for through commonhelp.virginia.gov or CoverVirginia at 833-5CALLVA.

Who qualifies for FAMIS (Virginia CHIP)

FAMIS covers uninsured children under 19 whose family income is between 133% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level — the income range above standard Medicaid (FAMIS Plus) but below the point where private insurance is typically affordable without a significant subsidy. Children must not have access to other creditable health coverage.

Child must be under age 19
Family income between 133% and 200% FPL (approximately $36,777 to $55,080 per year for a family of 4)
Child must be uninsured and not eligible for other government health programs
Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified non-citizen
Family must reside in Virginia

Source: DMAS FAMIS program guidelines; CoverVirginia eligibility overview. Income figures are approximate based on 2025 FPL.

FAMIS vs. FAMIS Plus: what's the difference

FAMIS and FAMIS Plus are closely related programs with the same application, similar benefits, and the same Cardinal Care managed care structure — but they are funded differently and serve different income ranges.

Feature	FAMIS Plus (Medicaid)	FAMIS (CHIP)
Income range	Up to 133% FPL	133%–200% FPL
Funding source	Medicaid (federal/state)	CHIP (Title XXI)
Premiums	None	Small monthly premium (income-based)
Dental and vision	Full EPSDT coverage	Full EPSDT coverage
Delivery model	Cardinal Care MCO	Cardinal Care MCO

What FAMIS covers for children

FAMIS covers a comprehensive benefit package equivalent to EPSDT. Like FAMIS Plus, FAMIS delivers coverage through the Cardinal Care managed care plans. Children enrolled in FAMIS receive most of the same services as children enrolled in Medicaid.

Doctor visits and well-child checkups
Prescriptions
Emergency room care
Inpatient hospital care
Mental health services
Dental care (full EPSDT scope)
Vision screenings and eyeglasses
Specialty care referrals
Medical transportation when needed

How to apply for FAMIS

Apply for FAMIS and FAMIS Plus through the same process — a single application determines which program your child qualifies for. Apply online at commonhelp.virginia.gov, call CoverVirginia at 833-522-5582 (833-5CALLVA), or visit your local Department of Social Services office.

Processing typically takes up to 45 days. Applications submitted for pregnant women are processed in 15 days under federal standards.

FAMIS covers children in mixed-status households

Eligible children can apply for FAMIS regardless of the immigration status of parents or other household members. Parents do not need to provide their Social Security numbers if they are not applying for coverage themselves. This protection has been Virginia DMAS policy since at least 2020.

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 Virginia CHIP

Apply through Virginia 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.