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Free or low-cost health insurance for children 18 and under

Child Health Plus (CHP) | NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)

How it works

Child Health Plus provides free or low-cost health insurance to children 18 and under who don’t qualify for Medicaid and do not have other health insurance coverage.

  • Your child can get comprehensive health coverage through Child Health Plus.
  • For most families, the monthly cost (premium) ranges from $0-$60 depending on your family’s income.
  • You don’t need to pay copays for services.

Eligibility requirements

All children 18 years of age or under are potentially eligible Child Health Plus regardless of income or immigration status. They must also:

Immigration status requirements

Available to all regardless of immigration status.


How to apply

Apply online

Parents or caretaker relatives of children can apply for Child Health Plus through the NY State of Health.

Apply by phone

Call NY State of Heath at 855-355-5777 and ask about Child Health Plus. If you’re hearing impaired, call the TTY number, 877-898-5849

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Last Updated April 17, 2025

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