About CHIP

The Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) is a state health benefits program created by the Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan Act. It is governed by a 17 member Board of Directors, which includes the Director of the Department of Insurance as Chairman, the Attorney General, a representative of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget, ten public members appointed by the Governor, and four legislative members. CHIP is not an insurance company or entitlement program. Persons must qualify for coverage.

CHIP is funded partly by premiums paid by its participants and, to the extent that premiums do not meet anticipated expenses, may receive an appropriation from the State's General Revenue Fund for eligible persons covered under our traditional plans.

CHIP assesses health insurers doing business in the State of Illinois for federally eligible individuals covered under HIPAA.

Premiums charged are established by law at from 125%-150% of the average rates charged individuals for comparable major medical coverage by five or more of the largest insurance companies in the individual health insurance market in Illinois.

CHIP's Fiscal Year is from July 1 through June 30.