703-1 Length of the Enrollment Period

Effective: April 1, 2010 - March 31, 2011

Previous Policy Reference

The enrollment period for CHIP is 12 months.  With few exceptions, once an applicant is determined to be eligible for CHIP, he or she remains eligible for the entire enrollment period.

1. Exceptions to the 12 Months of Eligibility - A CHIP recipient may lose eligibility before the end of the 12-month enrollment period in the following situations:

   1. A recipient turns age 19 before the end of the enrollment period.

   2. A recipient moves out of state or cannot be located.

   3. A recipient enters a public institution.

   4. A recipient dies.

   5. A recipient becomes eligible for another medical program, such as Medicaid or UPP.

   6. A recipient begins to be covered by a 'creditable' insurance under a group health plan or other health insurance coverage including COBRA.

   7. A recipient becomes eligible to enroll in Medicare.

   8. A recipient becomes covered by the Veterans Administration Health Care System.

   9. A recipient failed to pay their quarterly premium and/or late fee.

See Section 220-9 #2 for information about what to do when an enrolled child gains access to coverage through an employer's health insurance coverage.

2. When to Establish a New 12-Month Enrollment Period

   1. The enrollment period for CHIP cannot be extended beyond 12 months.  A new 12-month enrollment period will be established when:

      1. A recipient completes the renewal process at the end of an enrollment period and continued eligibility for CHIP is established.

      2. CHIP is closed and remains closed for one full benefit month or more.  In this situation, the individual must re-apply and a new 12-month enrollment period will be established if the applicant is determined eligible for CHIP.

   2.  A new 12-month enrollment period may be established when a review is completed on another program and all information needed to determine CHIP eligibility is provided.