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Reviewed October 1, 2026

WV CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)

WVCHIP provides health coverage for eligible West Virginia children who do not qualify for Medicaid. Start through WV PATH, HealthCare.gov or a local DoHS office.

Who can apply

['Children under 19 living in West Virginia whose household meets the program’s income and status rules.', 'Applicants are screened for Medicaid eligibility. Tell the worker about existing insurance and any offered employer coverage.', 'The current WVCHIP homepage also describes a pregnancy coverage pathway; ask the helpline which application and eligibility rules apply.']

What help is available

Approved health coverage delivered through the program’s current arrangements. Confirm plan, provider, pharmacy and any premium or copay before receiving non-emergency services.

Documents to prepare

Prepare child identity, household income and tax household details, insurance information and requested status documentation. Ask the eligibility worker about any missing record.

How to get started

  1. Apply online through WV PATH or HealthCare.gov.
  2. For paper filing, use the official application and mail it to the local DoHS office as instructed.
  3. Call WVCHIP at 877-982-2447 for guidance, or find a county enrollment partner through the application page.

After applying

Review the mailed decision and enrollment instructions. Contact the local DoHS office about a denied eligibility determination or fair hearing. Report changes using the state’s accepted update route and keep renewal notices.

Website screenshots

These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.

The WV CHIP program website.
August 2026 reference screenshot.
The Bureau for Medical Services Applying for Healthcare page.
August 2026 reference screenshot.

Common questions

Can a parent be insured by a child’s WVCHIP membership?

Ask about adult coverage separately; children’s enrollment does not cover the whole family.

Can I get help completing the form?

The application page lists county outreach sites and community partners.

Where do I report household changes?

DoHS Customer Service is 877-716-1212, and the application page links online changes.

Can I appeal a denial?

The eligibility FAQ lists a fair hearing through the local DoHS office.

What if I am pregnant?

The current homepage describes pregnancy coverage; contact the helpline for the correct pathway.

Sources and review

Historical screenshots: source reference.