A number of states are developing programs to assist parents with the cost of obtaining employer-sponsored coverage for their children. These premium subsidy, or buy-in, programs may be implemented as part of the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The Act allows subsidies for an employee's required contribution for coverage of a child not already enolled under the employer's plan. The cost must be no more than that what would have been incurred if the same child were enrolled under the state's regular CHIP program.