What health insurance options are available for children?

Children have four main coverage options: coverage through a parent's employer or individual plan (most common), Medicaid (free for income-eligible families), CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program, low cost for families with moderate income), and individual family plans through the ACA marketplace or U65 private insurers.

Is health insurance free for children?

Yes, for income-eligible families. Medicaid covers children for free in all 50 states. CHIP provides low-cost or free coverage for children in families earning too much for Medicaid but who cannot afford private insurance. In most states, CHIP covers children in families earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

How do I get health insurance for my child only?

If only your child needs coverage, Medicaid or CHIP enrollment is the best option for income-eligible families. Apply through your state Medicaid office. For families above the income limit, adding a child to a parent's ACA or private plan is typically more affordable than a separate plan for the child alone.

How much does it cost to add a child to a health insurance plan?

Adding one child to a parent's individual health insurance plan typically adds $90 to $200 per month to the premium. Adding a second child often costs less due to family rate structures. ACA marketplace family plans cap the number of children counted toward the premium at three under federal rules.

Does CHIP or Medicaid cover dental and vision for children?

Yes. Both Medicaid and CHIP are required to cover dental and vision care for enrolled children. This includes routine dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and corrective lenses. These pediatric benefits are often more comprehensive than what commercial family plans provide.

health insurance for kids and children in 2026

April 1, 2026 | Peter Brooke

Reviewed by a licensed health insurance agent. HealthPlusLife agents are licensed in all 50 states. Plan data sourced from Healthcare.gov, CMS.gov, and KFF Health Policy. Call 888-828-5064.

Health Insurance for Kids and Children in 2026: Medicaid, CHIP, and Family Plans

Free or low-cost children’s health insurance is available in every state. Here is how Medicaid, CHIP, and family plan options compare.

Call Now: 888-828-5064

TTY 711 | Licensed in 50 states | Free, no-obligation quote

Quick Answer: Children have four health insurance options: coverage through a parent’s plan (most common and often most cost-effective), Medicaid (free for income-eligible families in all 50 states), CHIP (low-cost for moderate-income families), and individual or family plans through the ACA or private insurers. CHIP and Medicaid cover dental and vision for enrolled children. Call 888-828-5064 to check your family’s eligibility and find the best option for your children.

📊 According to CMS.gov, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children in the United States, providing comprehensive coverage including dental and vision to families earning too much for Medicaid but not enough for private insurance. In most states, CHIP is available to children in families earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, with some states extending eligibility to 300 percent or higher.

Health Insurance Options for Children: Full Comparison

Option	Income Limit (family of 4)	Monthly Cost for Children	Dental and Vision	Enrollment
Medicaid for children	Below ~$43,000 (138% FPL)	Free	Yes, required	Year-round, any time
CHIP	Up to ~$95,000 in most states (200-300% FPL)	$0 to $50 per child	Yes, required	Year-round, any time
Parent’s ACA or private plan	No income limit	$90 to $200 added per child	Pediatric dental included in ACA plans	Open enrollment or qualifying event
Separate child-only ACA plan	No income limit	$150 to $350 per child	Pediatric dental included	Open enrollment or SEP

Check Your Children’s Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility

A licensed HealthPlusLife agent checks Medicaid and CHIP eligibility for your children and compares the cost of adding them to a family plan, in one free call. Call 888-828-5064 | TTY 711 | Free quote.

How to Enroll Your Children in Medicaid or CHIP

Visit your state Medicaid website or call HealthPlusLife at 888-828-5064 for help with the application
Provide household income documentation including tax returns, pay stubs, or self-employment income records
Provide each child’s Social Security number and date of birth
Complete the application online, by phone, or by mail depending on your state’s enrollment system
Receive determination within 45 days in most states (emergency Medicaid determinations can be faster)

📊 Per InsureKidsNow.gov (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Medicaid and CHIP together cover approximately 40 million children in the United States, including more than 1 in 3 American children. Both programs are available year-round with no open enrollment deadline.

The most common situation we see with children’s health insurance is families who are paying full private plan premiums for their kids when they actually qualify for CHIP at little or no cost. CHIP income limits are higher than most parents realize. A family of four earning $70,000 to $80,000 may still qualify for CHIP in their state. We check eligibility for every family before recommending a private plan option.
Licensed HealthPlusLife Agent, Fort Lauderdale, FL

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Peter Brooke

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