The frequency of ongoing eligibility determination can be configured according to an individual state's requirements. The default value is monthly. As part of ongoing eligibility determination, the child must meet all the CHIP eligibility rules executed during the Medical Assistance eligibility determination with the exception of the open enrollment rules. In addition, premiums must be paid on time for coverage to continue. Premium rules exist to ensure coverage is cancelled when premiums have not been paid for a specified period. The specified period varies between states. Once coverage has been cancelled, there is a waiting period before the child can re-enroll in CHIP. Again, this period of time varies between states, some states do not impose a waiting period at all. If no payments have been made for two consecutive months, the CHIP case should be closed at the end of the second month. Premium payment and processing is handled by an external vendor. An eligibility rule exists to check are premiums paid for the specified period. The external vendor will provide this information to the Cúram Children's Health Insurance Program.
The caseworker can check eligibility for regular Medical Assistance in case the requirements for another Medical Assistance coverage type become less restrictive, so even though the child's circumstances are unchanged, they may become eligible for regular Medical Assistance.