Washington CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Washington CHIP

For current eligibility thresholds and enrollment, visit https://www.hca.wa.gov/health-care-services-supports/apple-health-medicaid-coverage. CHIP and Medicaid applications are processed together in most states — apply once and both programs are considered.

Washington's CHIP is called Apple Health for Kids — and it covers children up to 312% FPL

Apple Health for Kids is Washington's combined Medicaid and CHIP program for children. Unlike most states, Washington does not have a separate CHIP card or enrollment process — all eligible children apply through Washington Healthplanfinder and receive Apple Health benefits. The 312% FPL income limit for children makes Apple Health for Kids one of the most expansive children's health programs in the country.

Who qualifies for Apple Health for Kids

Apple Health for Kids covers children under 19 in Washington state households with incomes at or below 312% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a family of four, 312% FPL is approximately $97,000 per year based on the 2025 FPL. This limit is one of the highest of any state — most states set CHIP eligibility at 200% to 250% FPL.

Child must be under age 19
Family income at or below 312% FPL (approximately $97,000/yr for a family of 4)
Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualified non-citizen
Child must reside in Washington state
Uninsured children are prioritized; some children with private insurance may qualify in limited circumstances

Source: Washington HCA Apple Health for Kids eligibility guidelines. Dollar amounts based on 2025 HHS FPL at 312%.

No separate CHIP application — Apple Health for Kids covers all income-eligible children

In most states, CHIP is a distinct program with a separate application and often a different benefit package. Washington integrates CHIP funding into Apple Health for Kids — all children apply the same way regardless of income, and the system determines the appropriate funding source automatically.

There is no separate CHIP identification card or plan in Washington. Children enrolled through CHIP funding receive the same Apple Health managed care plans (Coordinated Care, Community Health Plan of Washington, Molina, United, Amerigroup) and the same benefit package as children enrolled through Medicaid.

What Apple Health for Kids covers

Well-child checkups and immunizations
Doctor visits and specialist referrals
Prescriptions
Emergency and urgent care
Inpatient hospital care
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Dental care (full EPSDT scope under DentaQuest)
Vision screenings and eyeglasses
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Orthodontics (when medically necessary)

How to apply for Apple Health for Kids

Apply through Washington Healthplanfinder at wahealthplanfinder.org. Create an account, enter your household information, and the system will determine eligibility for Apple Health for Kids or, if income is above the limit, subsidized private plans through the marketplace.

You can also apply by phone at 1-855-923-4633 or in person at a DSHS Community Services Office. Applications are processed within 45 days; emergencies may qualify for faster processing.

Apple Health for Kids covers children in mixed-status households

Eligible children can apply for Apple Health for Kids regardless of their parents' immigration status. Parents do not need to provide their own Social Security numbers when applying only for their children's coverage. Washington HCA explicitly states this on its eligibility guidance pages.

Premiums and cost-sharing for Apple Health for Kids

Apple Health for Kids has no premiums for families with incomes up to 200% FPL. Families between 200% and 312% FPL may pay small co-pays for some services — but there are no monthly premiums. The absence of premiums at the CHIP income range sets Washington apart from states like Virginia and Arizona, where CHIP-enrolled children's families pay small monthly premiums.

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 Washington CHIP

Apply through Apple Health (Washington 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.