Key Takeaways:
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Medicaid income limits vary by state, so your child may still qualify for Medicaid even if you don’t.
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If you make too much for your child to qualify for Medicaid, they may still qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is low-cost health coverage for families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
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In some cases, children up to age 19 in a family of four making up to $80,000 per year may still qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
Did you know that your child may still qualify for Medicaid even if your family income is high? This is because Medicaid has higher income limits for families with children, which means that even if an adult doesn’t qualify for Medicaid, their child still might. Plus, if Medicaid isn’t available, CHIP may offer low-cost coverage.
If your child has a diagnosed condition, such as autism, cerebral palsy, or Down syndrome, and that condition causes incontinence, that coverage may also help pay for supplies they need, like diapers, at no cost through insurance.
Does My Child Qualify for Medicaid?
Your child may qualify for Medicaid, depending on your state and income.
If your child does not qualify for Medicaid, the state will check whether they qualify for CHIP instead.
You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time of the year, online or in person.
What You Need to Apply
Before checking to see if your child is covered through Medicaid, you’ll need to gather a few basic details, such as:
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Household income.
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Details about any current health coverage.
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Medical paperwork if your child has a diagnosed condition or a disability.
Having this information ready can make the process easier.
Where to Apply
Once you have your child’s information ready, head to the official Medicaid website or InsureKidsNow to start the application process.
Questions during enrollment?
Contact information for every state Medicaid agency is listed on both sites if you have questions about your child’s enrollment in your state’s Medicaid program.
What Happens After I Apply for Medicaid?
If it looks like your child may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, your application will be sent for review.
During this time, your application may appear as “pending.“ This means that the state is still reviewing your information to determine your child’s eligibility for Medicaid, and may contact you if they need additional documents.
Once a decision is made, a few things can happen:
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Your child is approved for Medicaid: You’ll receive a notice with coverage details, and your child’s benefits may begin as early as the month you applied.
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Your child does not qualify for Medicaid: Even if your child doesn’t qualify for Medicaid, in most cases, your application will automatically be reviewed for CHIP instead.
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More information is needed: The state may ask you to submit additional information before making a final decision.
If your child doesn’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you may still have other options, such as a Marketplace plan or insurance coverage through your job.
| Children's Insurance | Medicaid | CHIP |
| States Offered | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Income Limits | Typically covers children from lower income families; varies by state | Typically covers families who don't qualify for Medicaid; varies by state |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Typically free | Typically free or low cost |
| Coverage Options | More comprehensive | Less comprehensive |
How to Get No-Cost Diapers Through Medicaid or CHIP
At Aeroflow Urology, we believe that everyone deserves access to the diapers they need. To do that, we’re here to support individuals and families of all ages.
Children with Medicaid, CHIP, or other insurance can qualify for diapers, pull-ups, underpads, and other incontinence supplies. These bladder control products are often covered when there’s a medical need that leads to incontinence, such as:
We make the process simple. If your child qualifies, we’ll ship your supplies straight to your door each month at no cost in discreet packaging. No more last-minute store runs.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Fill Out Our Secure Form
If you need diapers, pull-ups, or wipes for your child, you’ll need a few basic details:
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Date of birth.
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State of residence.
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Type of insurance they currently have.
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A diaper prescription. If you’ve already seen your provider, we can securely request your child’s prescription.
NOTE: Be sure to enter your child’s information, not yours.
Step 2: Get Your Results and Next Steps
After you submit the form, you might see your results right away. If we need more details from you, a member of our team will reach out. If you’re approved, we’ll walk you through the products you qualify for and ship them to your door monthly for free.
Need to talk to a dedicated team member about your results?
Contact us at 1-844-276-5588 (available Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM ET).
Check your child's coverage for $0 diapers through Medicaid or CHIP now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child get Medicaid if I have insurance?
You may be able to receive Medicaid coverage for your child even if you already have insurance. This is because Medicaid eligibility is based on factors such as your state, household size, and income. In some cases, Medicaid can also help cover services and supplies your current insurance plan doesn’t.
Why did my child qualify for CHIP and not Medicaid?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program is for families who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need affordable health coverage for their children. It works similarly to Medicaid, but eligibility is based on your state, income, and family size.
Learn about CHIP requirements in your state.
If I get married, will my child lose Medicaid?
Not always. Getting married can change your household size and income, which may affect whether your child still qualifies for Medicaid. If anything changes in your household, it’s important to update your information as soon as possible so the state can review your child’s coverage.
Does child support count as income for Medicaid?
Usually, no. For many Medicaid and CHIP applications, child support payments are not counted as income under Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) rules. That said, some Medicaid pathways use different rules, so it is still a good idea to check with your state.
Can my disabled child get Medicaid?
Possibly. Many children with disabilities can qualify for Medicaid, and some may also qualify through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other state programs for children with special health needs. The exact rules depend on your state and your child’s situation.
Can I get Medicaid for my autistic child?
You may be able to receive Medicaid coverage for your child if they have a diagnosis of autism and you meet certain eligibility requirements. Medicaid also covers autism screening and medically necessary services for eligible children, but a diagnosis alone does not automatically mean your child will qualify.
Can I appeal my child’s Medicaid denial?
Yes, you can appeal your child’s Medicaid denial. Every state is required by law to give you the right to appeal your denial through a fair hearing.
Mica Phillips
Mica has been at Aeroflow for over ten years. He brings creativity to a sometimes stagnant and complacent industry and tries his best to uncomplicate the complex world of Insurance. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English. In addition to his daily responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Aeroflow Urology, he’s contributed to numerous articles for online journals regarding senior care, incontinence, and navigating insurance benefits. In his spare time, he enjoys listening to live music, visiting breweries, and traveling the world with his wife and daughter.
References
HealthCare.gov. (n.d.). Medicaid & CHIP coverage.
InsureKidsNow.gov. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions.
Disclaimer
Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.
