Learn how CHIP provides affordable health coverage for children, including addiction treatment and mental health services across the U.S.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Learn how CHIP provides affordable health coverage for children, including addiction treatment and mental health services across the U.S.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a joint state and federal government program that provides low cost healthcare coverage for children in families who can’t afford private insurance but earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
All U.S. states provide CHIP coverage but the rules and services covered under the plan may differ from state to state. Coverage in all states includes:
Routine check ups
Immunizations
Doctor visits
Prescriptions
Dental and vision care
Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
Lab and x ray services
Emergency services
In some states, CHIP also provides coverage for pregnant women.
Premiums and copayments for CHIP coverage tend to be low, but those costs vary by state. Some participants’ coverage may even be free.
As you sort through treatment centers or verify insurance acceptance, you can learn more about rehab options to see which programs fit your benefits and clinical requirements.
By Danielle Letenyei
Danielle Letenyei is a freelance writer living in Madison, Wisconsin. She specializes in personal finance and insurance topics, including medical insurance and Medicare. Her work has appeared in FinanceBuzz, Market Realist, U.S. News & World Report, and more.
Medically Reviewed by Anna Spooner
Anna has 10 years of experience in insurance and has been a content and copywriter since 2011. She strives to make all of her writing approachable and easy to understand while drinking copious amounts of tea. Anna writes about accessing addiction treatment, insurance, and finance.
Top 10 in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
I have been in the DARKEST place for so long. Symetria was my saving grace. My counselor Callie (my saving grace) showed me that I actually really do matter and gave me a sense of belonging for the FIRST time in my life! She truly cares and has helped me in so many ways that I can't thank her enough. If it weren't for her, I'm not sure where I'd be in life right now without her. Ms Callie, if you see this, thank you again. To all of the concerned mothers/fathers out there, I promise you, this is the best methadone clinic in the United States. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment, I promise I wouldn't steer you the wrong direction. <3 Please take into consideration coming to Symetria. I finally have hope.
Madi Murphy
1 month ago
This place is great. The entire staff had always been excellent
bryan harris
1 month ago
This is the most helpful kindness place I have ever been. Never been more comfortable with what I've been so ashamed of. Karen and her team welcomed me and gave me strength and hope to getting better. My journey has just begun with the help of these lovely people. I can start living my life again. I recommend anyone if you are having trouble with getting back to sobriety please come here for help. They will be here for you and help you. Please they here are a god send.
Top 10 in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
I use to go to denton clinic last year and even years ago and I was honestly struggling very hard to keep up with payments and Im not here to bash... I blame myself for not communicating better. At the time I was forced to leave my denton home and stay with family in the colony and had to drive every day Mon thru Fri to denton. I finally tried looking for some place closer and thank the Lord He led me here. I called and they asked about insurance which I gave all my info about. I seriously had doubts that it would be of any help. Years ago methadone wasnt covered easily by insurance...
But they made my day when they told me yep they take my insurance which is through marketplace. AND I would not have to pay anything out of pocket!! I was singing and dancing. Been here ever since. Even when I messed up and missed open enrollment, they still worked with me without insurance... i was so worried but everyone reassured me that they would find a way to help me here and they did. Everyone is SO NICE also. Love it here.
Anita
6 months ago
I absolutely love this place from the front staff all the way to the back staff. Everybody is so amazing and so kind. The office manager helped me find a location where I could get my dose since I missed it on Saturday and I was so grateful for him to reach out because I finally got my dose I needed Because THEY CARE! I recommend this place to anybody struggling with opioid Use disorder or pain. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call. Everybody is so nice and you’ll be taken care of🖤
Wow, unbelievably caring staff and very knowledgable when it comes to addiction and treatment. I was in outpatient PHP and the counselors are amazing and actually care about your recovery and.maintaining sobriety. Yes, AA and NA meetings are an important part of their recovery plan simply because the meetings work.
Brian Hayes
1 month ago
The staff and atmosphere are great and the food and the program are stellar. I’m doing very well. I returned to work today with the confidence created at CRC. Thank you for being there and supporting my journey.
Christopher Durst
1 month ago
I had a wonderful experience. Joe, angie, Debbie , all of the staff there are awesome and amazing people!! Great environment caring and loving group of people.
Top 10 in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
Just trying to get some info spoke with a guy on the phone and I want to get into another residential would you guys let me in coming out of another residential? My mom wants me to stay in treatment so Im trying to look at other options.
korinthius burns
1 month ago
Maverick House, truly, changed my life!
William Carpenter
3 months ago
Very very good program awesome staff groups are very helpful I really enjoyed my stay really helpful
I recently went through detox here, and I wanted to share that my experience was genuinely positive. The staff were supportive, professional, and consistently went above and beyond to make a difficult process easier. They took real time to listen, check in, and make sure I felt comfortable as possible. Overall, I had a great experience and I’m grateful for the care I received. Thank you CRI-HELP staff.
James Robings
3 months ago
Chuckle and David from detox help save my life man I 100% recommend this place thank you cri help for everything
This place is amazing. The staff are so amazing and caring. I truly couldn’t have made it through this journey without them. Maria is the best case manager, she is truly inspirational and spreads positivity everywhere. The medical staff is professional, knowledgeable, and kind. The house monitors help you every step of the way and make sure you’re taken care of 24/7. All of the groups are targeted towards your recovery and are so helpful. I am so sad to see this place is closing. Shout out to Albert, George, Miles, Kirk, Olivia, Julie, Diane, Marcela, and Tammy. Thank you guys.
Alyssa Tropila
1 year ago
This was my third time through rehab and found it the best, well run and most effective treatment I’ve been through. Maria and staff have a well structured program, with engaging assignments that are on-point. I am best prepared to avoid relapse. I would recommend Cornerstone to any addict serious about getting sober!
mawesnerjr
1 year ago
This place was a literal gift from god. I am beyond thankful for the program as a whole but also the staff like hip-hop Darrel and Andy also nurse mike made a huge impact on my sobriety. I could not have asked for a better program and a special thank you to miss maria for having my back and making sure I had enough packets lol I would 10/10 recommend this place to anyone who wants to be sober forever. Also gotta shout out David p for getting me there and making me feel safe. Best. Program. Ever.
Top 10 in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
After a terrible night at advocate Lutheran ER I came here and I was a little nervous but the man working reception was really nice. Then dr cohen was also nice, caring and helpful. The two nurses Morgan and Andre were awesome. I left feeling better physically and mentally after my visit. Thank you so much. 100% would recommend
brenda perez
3 months ago
Thank You for helping me with my anxiety. And getting a little more hydrated.
Top 10 in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
Very efficient reps, even pleasant too. You need to teach UT DMV about smiling, being pleasant and generally wanting to help THE CUSTOMER! The DMV people really suck as public servants!
Utah AmmoCan
1 month ago
So many wonderful and sincere staff members work here. So many resources and are willing to help those out who have the desire to help themselves and want to change for the better.
I showed up with no insurance and from a different county , I got very familiar with the woman who does intake for that , beyond helpful jumping through the hurdles , I did double digit stays , 5 years clean this Christmas and I’m now a father to an amazing 4 years old who’s never seen me loaded , when you deal with junkies all day you get impatient so I get some of the attitude sometimes like everybody has , it’s what you make of it , you do have to advocate for yourself a lot which is hard to do the first few days you’re there but overall I’m grateful for this place
Anthony Martinez
3 weeks ago
This place saved my life. Giving a phenomenal review cause I see so many bad ones. Nearly 5 years sober today and it all started here. Not the prettiest place and a little overwhelming your first time there but it got the job done and I’m grateful for the life I have today.
Carlos Ramos
1 month ago
I came here while I was uninsured and got seen with a sliding fee scale. I received PCP services. Their staff are extremely helpful. Wait times aren’t long like at other offices. They really care to make you comfortable and what I loved most is that they LISTEN. So many times I feel like providers don’t listen. But here, they do. Starting from the people at the front desk, to the M.A Ethan, PA Linsey Lee, and their phlebotomist supervisor (I wish I got his name. Elderly man). I finally have health insurance again, and I selected this center to receive PCP treatment.
Top 10 in Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Rehab Score
Our Rehab Score is designed to make it easier for you to find the best treatment centers. We combine overall ratings with recent feedback to create a score that reflects a center's quality right now.
I have been under the care of several psychiatrist as well as psychologist with Lifestance for many years. I have absolutely nothing to complain about and every reason to continue. I also encourage friends and family members to seek help there if needed. I am familiar with the Grovetown office in the Gateway CPC building and the Evans office off N.Belair / or Hereford farm Road. They are safe, comfortable & professionally staffed. Thier website is easy to use and you can read the bios and credentials of each Staff member. In person or tele-health visits are most always offered. I take advantage of both.
c cook
3 weeks ago
Great experience with Chelsea Overby. Highly recommended
Paul Ringger
3 weeks ago
Chelsea is a very caring and smart young lady. She works with you and helps me to understand the medicine I take and what it should do. I would highly recommend LifeStance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does CHIP Cover Addiction Treatment?
Yes CHIP covers some addiction treatment and mental health services, but the level of coverage varies by state. Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) most insurance plans — including CHIP — must cover certain essential health benefits. Mental health and substance use treatment are considered essential health benefits required by the ACA.
Furthermore the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act (SUPPORT Act) requires Medicaid to cover substance use treatment and medication-assisted treatment. As a Medicaid program, CHIP also covers these services.
Because the specific benefits available vary by state you should consult a state case manager to determine the resources available for youth addiction treatment coverage under your child’s CHIP coverage.
How to Qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
You can apply for CHIP through your state Medicaid agency or Health Insurance Marketplace. The income requirements for the program differ depending on the state you are in but usually range between 170% to 400% of the federal poverty level.
To qualify for the program your child must be uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid coverage as well as under age 19 and a resident of the state where you are applying. They must also be a U.S. citizen or a legal immigrant.
There is no specific enrollment period for CHIP. You can apply for coverage at any time throughout the year.
What Inpatient Addiction Treatment Does CHIP Cover?
As part of the requirements of the ACA there will be at least some inpatient addiction coverage with CHIP. However it will need to be deemed medically necessary. Your child’s doctor can do an ASAM Criteria assessment to evaluate your child’s needs and determine the level of care that is necessary.
Having a treatment plan from your child’s doctor can help ensure that their addiction treatment is covered and can help with preauthorization if it’s required.
Inpatient addiction treatment often includes medical detox followed by inpatient residential care. These crucial steps in addiction treatment can help your child wean themselves off drugs or alcohol in a safe environment with round the clock supervision. Depending on the CHIP program in your state there may be limitations on the number of inpatient days covered.
What Outpatient Rehab Does CHIP Cover?
The number of outpatient visits covered for your child through CHIP also may vary based on the state in which you live. Outpatient rehab programs include partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) as well as general outpatient programs.
PHPs are a more intensive type of outpatient rehab where your child spends 4 to 8 hours a day receiving treatment at a facility. IOPs are a step down from PHPs and the child receives 9-20 hours of treatment spread over three to five days a week.
General outpatient programs can include individual, family, or group counseling sessions once or twice weekly. The ultimate goal of outpatient rehab is to help your child develop and maintain new habits so they can establish long term recovery and avoid relapse.
Does CHIP Cover Methadone & Suboxone (MAT)?
Yes CHIP is required to cover medication assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders. This is part of the SUPPORT Act that requires Medicaid to offer this coverage. The healthcare laws also require Medicaid to offer the same coverage for mental health and substance use disorders as they do for medical and surgical conditions.
MAT is often used in detox because it helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings as a young person gets rid of drugs and alcohol in their system. It may also be used longer term to manage cravings so your child can stay stable in treatment and avoid relapse and potential overdose concerns.
Does the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Cover Other Mental Healthcare?
Yes CHIP also covers mental health care. However that coverage may differ from state to state so it is essential to consult a case manager in your state for more information. Generally your child will be able to get counseling and crisis support for diagnoses like depression or anxiety or other disorders.
Substance use disorders often coincide with underlying mental health concerns as well. When this happens it’s known as co occurring disorders or a dual diagnosis. In this case your child’s mental health and addiction will need to be treated together to ensure your child’s recovery.
How Long Will CHIP Cover Rehab?
The medical necessity of your child’s rehab treatment plays a big part in how long CHIP will provide coverage. Typically inpatient residential treatment programs are covered from 30 to 90 days. It is usually recommended that IOPs run for about 90 days and general outpatient programs can last up to 12 weeks or more.
The more willing your child is to embrace the treatment process the better their chances are for long term recovery success.
Can I Travel Out of State For Treatment With CHIP?
No you can’t travel out of state for treatment with CHIP. Because the program is tied to your state’s Medicaid program you must receive treatment in the state you live in. CHIP coverage levels varies by state.
There may be exceptions if your child requires emergency medical care while traveling out of state or if they need specialized treatment that isn’t available in your state. However these exceptions are very rare and require prior authorization from your state’s CHIP program.
By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.
Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. Calls to any general helpline could be forwarded to SAMHSA or a verified treatment provider.
If you wish to connect with non-sponsor centers, you can browse top-rated listings, visit our homepage and browse by state, or visit SAMHSA.
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