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Waiting Periods in CHIP

Section 2102(b)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act requires states to ensure that CHIP does not substitute for private coverage under group health plans. CHIP regulations at 42 CFR 457.805(a) requires states to include a description of the procedures used to protect against substitution of coverage.

One option states use as a method to prevent substitution of coverage in CHIP is a waiting period, which is a period of time an individual must be uninsured after voluntarily disenrolling from group health plan coverage before enrolling in CHIP. Consistent with 42 CFR 457.805(b), the maximum length of time that a waiting period can be in effect is 90 days. Section 457.805(b)(3) of the regulations also requires states to adopt certain exemptions to any waiting period. States have the option to adopt additional exemptions. Regulations at 42 CFR 457.340(d)(3) and 457.350(i) require states to implement processes ensuring a smooth and seamless transition to other insurance affordability programs for which children may be eligible during a waiting period.

As of February 1, 2024, only 9 states have a waiting period. Of the 9 states with waiting periods, 7 have a 90-day waiting period, 1 state has a two-month waiting period, and 1 state has a one-month waiting period. The 30 states with separate CHIPs that do not implement a waiting period protect against substitution of coverage by using various procedures to monitor for substitution, including use of survey data, and private insurance database checks.

The following table provides a summary of state policies in this area as of February 1, 2024.

Separate CHIP Waiting Periods National Snapshot
StateWaiting Period as of February 2024Exemptions to the Waiting Period (In Addition to Federally Mandated Exemptions under 42 CFR §457.805(b)(3))
AlabamaNoneN/A
Arizona90 days
  • Newborn children
  • Lifetime insurance limit reached
  • Enrolled in Children's Rehabilitative Services
  • Native American members receiving services from IHS or a 638 Tribal Facility
Arkansas90 days
  • From conception to end of pregnancy population
CaliforniaNoneN/A
ColoradoNoneN/A
ConnecticutNoneN/A
DelawareNoneN/A
Florida2 months
  • Domestic violence led to the loss of coverage
  • The child has exhausted coverage under COBRA continuation provision
  • The health benefits coverage does not cover the child's health care needs
  • Lifetime insurance limit reached
GeorgiaNoneN/A
IdahoNoneN/A
IllinoisNoneN/A
Indiana90 days
  • Children in families with incomes at or below 158% FPL
Iowa1 month
  • Children in families with incomes at or below 181% FPL
  • Children eligible for dental only supplemental coverage
  • Child lost coverage due to: domestic violence, lifetime insurance limit reached, expiration of coverage under COBRA, or due to reason beyond control of parent such as serious illness of the parent, flood, fire, or natural disaster
  • Health insurance was through an individual plan
KansasNoneN/A
KentuckyNoneN/A
Louisiana90 days
  • From conception to end of pregnancy population
  • Lifetime insurance limit reached
  • Long-term disability or other medical condition
MaineNoneN/A
MarylandNoneN/A
MassachusettsNoneN/A
MichiganNoneN/A
MinnesotaNoneN/A
MississippiNoneN/A
MissouriNoneN/A
MontanaNoneN/A
NevadaNoneN/A
New JerseyNoneN/A
New YorkNoneN/A
OklahomaNoneN/A
OregonNoneN/A
PennsylvaniaNoneN/A
Rhode IslandNoneN/A
South Dakota90 days
  • From conception to end of pregnancy population
TennesseeNoneN/A
Texas90 days
  • From conception to end of pregnancy population
  • Expiration of COBRA period of coverage
  • HHSC determines good cause exists
  • Loss of coverage in the Texas Employee Retirement System
Utah90 days
  • Voluntary termination of COBRA coverage
  • Voluntary termination of coverage by a non-custodial parent
  • Voluntary termination of insurance that does not provide coverage in Utah
  • Voluntary termination of a limited health insurance plan
VirginiaNoneN/A
WashingtonNoneN/A
West VirginiaNoneN/A
WisconsinNoneN/A
Totals9 statesN/A