While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Unemployment Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides comprehensive free or low-cost healthcare benefits to children whose parents or guardians do not qualify for Medicaid. CHIP is a federal program, and each state/territory has flexibility to design their own CHIP program within federal guidelines. Therefore, CHIP benefits may differ in each state/territory.
CHIP benefits may include annual check-ups, hospital visits, dental insurance, vision insurance and more. All services are provided through medical providers that participate in the CHIP program. Not all doctors and medical facilities accept CHIP patients.
Learn more about CHIP benefits here.
The Montana state CHIP program is called Healthy Montana Kids (HMK). It is administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). For more information about Healthy Montana Kids, click here.
A child may receive CHIP benefits in Montana for as long as he or she qualifies for the program. A participant’s qualifications are determined by their age and their household’s monthly gross income. To learn more about eligibility and qualifying for the Healthy Montana Kids program, click here.
If a child is eligible for CHIP, the following services will be covered:
Other services may also be covered depending on the child’s needs.
For more information about the services covered and what medical assistance you can receive, call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
To qualify for CHIP in Montana, a child must meet the following criteria:
For more information on Montana’s household income limits and other eligibility criteria to qualify for CHIP, click here.
Depending on your gross household income, your premium may be 2 percent of your annual income, regardless of the number of children you have enrolled in the program.
The Healthy Montana Kids program does not include any copays.
For more information on the cost of CHIP benefits in Montana, call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
Before applying for Healthy Montana Kids, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the income limits and other eligibility criteria here.
To apply for CHIP online, you can create an account through the Montana DPHHS online portal here.
To apply for CHIP in person, click here to find your nearest Montana Office of Public Assistance location.
To apply for CHIP by phone, call 1 (800) 318-2496.
To check the status of your application, you will need to either contact the Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535 or your local Montana Office of Public Assistance.
Click here to find your nearest Office of Public Assistance location.
You will receive a determination letter in the mail notifying you of your eligibility for CHIP after your application has been processed. If approved for CHIP, you will be mailed instructions for enrollment into the Healthy Montana Kids program.
For more information about what happens after you apply for the Healthy Montana Kids program, you can contact the Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
If you do not agree with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ decision to deny you CHIP benefits, you can file an appeal within 180 days of when you receive your eligibility determination in the mail.
To file an appeal, you must call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
After submitting your appeal, you will receive a decision by mail or email within 45 days.
If you have any further questions regarding the appeals process, you can contact the Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
To transfer your child from your current insurance to CHIP benefits, you will need to contact your current health insurance provider and ask a representative to discontinue their insurance coverage.
You can find your insurance company’s customer service number on your health insurance card.
If you have any questions about the insurance transfer process, contact the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535
If you have any further questions about the Healthy Montana Kids or CHIP, call the Public Assistance Helpline at 1 (888) 706-1535.
You can also contact your local Montana Office of Public Assistance for additional help. Find your nearest office location and contact information here.
Services are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For additional inquiries, you can email the Public assistance Helpline at chip@mt.gov
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Children’s Health Insurance Program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free CHIP Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view or download our free guide here.
