Open enrollment ends, but Medicaid and CHIP stay open for adults, children and teens who qualify

Regular open enrollment for coverage under the federal health-reform law is ending, but enrollment is available year-round for children and teenagers who are eligible for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, commonly known as CHIP. Adults who qualify for Medicaid can also sign up at any time.

According to the CHIP website, the program "provides health coverage to nearly eight million children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but can't afford private coverage." Each state sets its own eligibility requirements an  in states that are expanding Medicaid, many qualify who had not previously. Millions of uninsured children and teens across the country are eligible for these programs.