Those who are currently undocumented have a tougher time accessing vital healthcare services for themselves and their families. They are significantly more likely than citizens to be uninsured. This is due to several factors, including eligibility restrictions and limited access to private coverage options. For example, many must complete a “five-year” waiting period in order to apply for Medicaid or CHIP, even if they currently have a green card or are “qualified.”
However, Utah’s State CHIP program is a benefit offered for children who are not currently citizens. This program is an option for undocumented children who do not qualify for the regular CHIP program or Medicaid due to their citizenship status. For a child to be eligible, they must be a non-U.S. citizen (who does not currently hold a green card/LPR), under the age of 19, they must have been residing in Utah for at least 180 days, and they cannot be eligible for other CHIP benefits or Medicaid. They must also meet income requirements, listed here. The goal of this program is to alleviate fear and increase access to essential healthcare services and benefits. The state of Utah will NOT report immigration status or undocumented individuals to ICE (U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement). It will also have no impact on immigration or citizenship status.
The state CHIP program will cover all the same things that CHIP does, including well-child visits, immunizations, dental care, prescriptions, hospital and emergency care, doctor visits, hearing and eye exams, and more. Members will not have to pay a copay for preventative care, like well-child visits and exams or vaccinations. Members may have to pay coinsurance and copays for services that are not preventive.
This program opened up enrollment on January 1st, 2024. State CHIP closed enrollment on October 31st, 2024. Kids who are currently covered under state CHIP will continue to be covered even after the enrollment window closes. However, families are encouraged to continue to apply even after enrollment closes, as they may be eligible for other programs like Emergency Medicaid, which covers childbirth and other sudden and emergent medical needs that may arise. Individuals who arrive in the ER without any health insurance may be eligible for Emergency Medicaid.
