Children's Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) are state programs supported by federal funds that provide the children (usually up to age 19) of families that fall within published low-income guidelines with health insurance coverage at little or no cost to the child's family. CHIP website

One of the main complaints of families who want to apply is the complex paperwork and long administrative delays. Some even believe that states deliberately increase the red tape to save money.

The state of Texas has more uninsured children than any other state in the U.S. Recently, the state hired and trained expediters to help families complete the enrollment paperwork. Also, the state Legislature recently passed a paperwork simplification bill. Another 100,000 children could enroll, but the governor has not signed it yet.