FAFSA confusion: Does NY Child Health Plus count as Medicaid?

Yes, you should check 'yes' for Medicaid. Child Health Plus in NY is considered part of the CHIP program (Children's Health Insurance Program), which the FAFSA counts under the Medicaid category. The question is really trying to determine if you qualify for certain benefits that might make you eligible for the simplified needs test or auto-zero EFC/SAI calculation.

I had the same question last year!! I checked no because CHP isnt medicaid its different but my daughter still got financial aid so idk if it matters

I'm in NJ not NY but we have a similar program and my financial aid advisor told me to mark yes because these state children's health programs all fall under the CHIP umbrella which counts for FAFSA purposes

This is EXACTLY why the FAFSA is so infuriating!!! They ask these vague questions without explaining what actually counts under each category. How are regular people supposed to know that Child Health Plus = Medicaid for FAFSA purposes?? The whole system is designed to confuse people and prevent them from getting the financial aid they deserve. I bet thousands of families answer this wrong every year and lose out on aid they should qualify for. RIDICULOUS!

It's a bit confusing but if you check the FSA guidelines (Federal Student Aid), Child Health Plus is considered part of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which for FAFSA purposes is treated like Medicaid. The question is trying to identify if you qualify for the simplified needs test or auto-zero EFC/SAI calculation, which could mean you don't need to report certain assets. So yes, mark "yes" for Child Health Plus. By the way, if you're having trouble getting through to anyone at FSA to confirm this or any other FAFSA questions, I recently used a service called Claimyr that helped me skip the hold times when calling the Federal Student Aid helpline. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ and their website is claimyr.com. Saved me hours of waiting and I finally got my verification questions answered.

When i was filling out my daughters fafsa i just called the NY health department and asked them directly. they told me yes check the box if they have child health plus! better to get it from the source right?

Financial aid counselor here - yes, you absolutely should check the box for Medicaid if your student has NY Child Health Plus. Here's why: 1. Child Health Plus is part of CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) 2. CHIP is considered a "means-tested federal benefit program" for FAFSA purposes 3. Checking yes could qualify you for the Simplified Needs Test or Auto-Zero EFC/SAI 4. These FAFSA simplifications can significantly improve your aid package Many families incorrectly answer this question because the connection between Child Health Plus and Medicaid isn't obvious. The 2025-2026 FAFSA has made some improvements to the wording, but it's still catching people off guard.

Just wanted to add my experience for other NY families - I made this exact mistake two years ago and answered "no" for my son's Child Health Plus coverage. When I contacted our college's financial aid office about a discrepancy, they explained that CHP absolutely counts as Medicaid for FAFSA purposes. We had to submit a correction, but it actually increased his aid package by about $1,200 because we qualified for the simplified needs test. Don't make the same mistake I did - definitely check "yes" if your child has Child Health Plus!