CHIP PROGRAM EASES INCOME RESTRICTIONS

(12/29/2008)
West Virginia will be boosting enrollment of the Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP] by easing the income restrictions.

"West Virginia CHIP is expanding the program to allow coverage for more families," said Dr. Joan Phillips.

"Expansion to working families who need that assistance is huge for the long term of these children and the long term health of our state," said Dr. Phillips.

The West Virginia CHIP Program is boosting enrollment to allow families earning more than twice the poverty level to get their children signed up.

That means for a family of four, the cut off to qualify jumps from an income of $46,640 to $53,000.

The cost per month, $35 for one child and $71 a month for two or more.