Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP, 1997)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (42 U.S.C. § 1397aa et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
CHIP was created to expand health insurance coverage for children in families with incomes too high for Medicaid eligibility but too low to afford private insurance.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Medicaid (1965) covered many low-income families, but left gaps for near-poor children. CHIP filled this gap as a joint federal–state program.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue CHIP reduced the uninsured child rate dramatically. Critics contend it increased government spending and expanded federal influence over state health policy.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Federal government (funds program jointly with states)
• States (design and administer CHIP programs within federal guidelines)
• Families and children (gain access to affordable health coverage)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• 42 U.S.C. § 1397aa: Establishment of CHIP
• 42 U.S.C. § 1397bb: Allotments to states
• 42 U.S.C. § 1397ee: State plan requirements

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Funding has required periodic congressional reauthorization (e.g., major 2018 reauthorization)
• Interaction with ACA Medicaid expansion created policy overlaps and debates
• Ongoing discussions about expanding CHIP to cover more children and pregnant women

8) Official Sources

• U.S. Code – Title 42, Subchapter XXI
• Medicaid.gov – CHIP Overview
• Congressional Research Service – CHIP

• Healthcare
• Insurance
• Children
• Medicaid
• Low Income