Simplified Children's Medicaid
If not, you may be able to get help paying for health insurance through either Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Simplified
Children's Medicaid
Medicaid health insurance is provided at no cost to qualifying children.
To qualify, a child must:
- Be a Texas Resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a certain category of legal resident. This requirement may not apply to medical emergencies.
- Be under age 19.
- Live in a family with assets below established levels. This does not include the family's home, personal property, or primary vehicle.
- Either live in a family able to meet Medicaid income requirements, live alone, or live with someone else.
Your children may be covered by CHIP if your income or assets increase and they are no longer eligible for Medicaid.
Applying for Medicaid for your children just got easier. On Jan. 1, 2002, several changes took place, including:
- The application form is the same as the CHIP application. (Go to application.)
- You don't have to go to a DHS office for an interview.
- Your children are eligible for six months of coverage even if your income or assets increase.
- Parents new to Medicaid must attend an orientation to learn how to use Medicaid properly and all children must receive check-ups and immunizations as described by the Texas Health Steps program. | Top
Currently, three areas in the state are conducting Simplified Children's Medicaid pilot programs:
- Houston (Harris and Brazoria counties)
- San Antonio (Bexar County)
- El Paso (All the counties in the El Paso and Lubbock regions)
The pilots are testing the effectiveness of using call centers to process Simplified Children's Medicaid applications. Call center employees specialize in that program and interact with clients via mail, phone, or fax. In all other parts of the state, applications are processed through local DHS offices. | Top
Children's
Health Insurance Program
This program is designed for families who earn too much money to qualify
for Medicaid, but can't afford to buy private insurance. Families pay monthly
premiums and cost-sharing for doctor visits,
prescription drugs, and
emergency care.
To qualify, a child must:
- Be a Texas resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. The citizenship or immigration status of the parents does not affect a child's eligibility and is not reported on the application form.
- Be under age 19.
- Live in a family that meets CHIP income requirements.
- Not be enrolled in other health insurance. | Top
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To learn about Simplified Children's Medicaid, call your local DHS office. If you live in one of the areas participating in the pilot, please call one of these numbers:
- Harris and Brazoria counties— 713-266-5535
- Bexar County — 210-871-6434 or 1-877-322-3233
- All the counties in the El Paso and Lubbock regions — 1-866-KIDSMED (1-866-543-7633)
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To learn about CHIP, call 1-800-647-6558 or visit their website.
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Visit the State of Texas Assistance and Referral System (STARS) site to see if you might be eligible for programs provided by DHS — including children's Medicaid, cash assistance, and food stamps. | Top