New CHIP Benefit: Free Home Lead Inspections for Children with Elevated BLLs

Since January 1, 2026, Highmark Healthy Kids (CHIP) has a new benefit that provides free home lead inspections for any child with a blood lead level (BLL) > 3.5 ug/dl. Families that did not previously qualify for services under the Medical Assistance Bulletin are now eligible to receive a free home lead inspection for up to two households.

Highmark Healthy Kids (CHIP) has engaged with Accredited Environmental Technologies, Inc. (AET) to provide home lead inspections. The purpose of the home lead inspection is to assess the home environment for potential and actual lead paint hazards that are contributing to the child’s exposure. AET will provide an Environmental Lead Investigation Report that will document the services performed and findings obtained. Suggested recommended response actions will be presented for conditions and lead concentrations which exceed established Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance criteria.

To request a home lead inspection for a child with a BLL ≥ 3.5 ug/dl, complete and submit AET’s Environmental Lead Investigation Referral Form through their electronic submission portal, by faxing it to 610-891-0559, or by emailing it to m.mcerlean@aetinc.us.

Requests for this benefit must be submitted by the Highmark member’s provider. Members or their families cannot request this benefit directly.

For additional information, please refer to the CHIP Environmental Lead Investigation Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).