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LSNJ LAW Home > Legal Topics > Health Care > Coronavirus

CHIP Health Insurance Wait Periods and Premiums Remain Suspended

 

New Jersey is continuing its push to “Cover All Kids” in the state with health insurance through several initiatives. Last year, parents of children covered under the CHIP program were no longer required to pay premiums for the coverage. The waiver has been extended another year, meaning that no premiums will be charged to parents as long as the suspension remains in place.

NJ CHIP coverage also used to have a three-month waiting period after private insurance coverage was terminated. This waiting period was also suspended last year. Children who lose their health insurance because their parents are no longer covered, for whatever reason, do not have to wait three months for their coverage to start. An application for coverage can be made immediately. The coverage will be effective the month of application, provided that all other conditions for coverage are met.

CHIP health insurance provides coverage for children in families with incomes up to 355% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The current income guidelines can be found at NJ FamilyCare's Who is Eligible? page. The co-pay amount will depend on the household income, as shown on the chart. To see if your child qualifies for CHIP coverage, you can apply online at www.njfamilycare.org or by phone by calling 1-800-701-0710. Click on the red star on the home page to get started with your children’s application.

If you have any questions about whether your children will qualify for coverage, or you are having trouble applying, contact LSNJLAWSM, Legal Services of New Jersey’s statewide toll-free legal Hotline. Apply online at www.lsnjlawhotline.org or, call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529).​​​​​​