The Children's Health Insurance Program is administered by the 
​Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).


Children without health insurance may be able to get low cost or free health coverage from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Children’s Medicaid. Both programs cover office visits, prescription drugs, dental care, eye exams, glasses, and much more.

Families with children who get Children’s Medicaid pay nothing and children with CHIP pay no more than $50 a year for health care coverage. Some families with CHIP also may need to pay co-pays for some services.

For more information, visit: http://www.chipmedicaid.org

Benefits & Requirements

CHIP and Children’s Medicaid both offer many benefits:
  • Dentist visits, cleanings, and fillings
  • Eye exams and glasses
  • Choice of doctors, regular checkups, and office visits
  • Prescription drugs and vaccines
  • Access to medical specialists and mental health care
  • Hospital care and services
  • Medical supplies, X-rays, and lab tests
  • Treatment of special health needs
  • Treatment of pre-existing conditions

Eligibility RequirementsTo qualify,
a child must be:
  • Age 18 or younger (in some cases children up to age 20 can qualify)
  • A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
  • A resident of the state in which the CHIP application is submitted

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
​We do not ask about the citizenship or immigration status of the parent. Only the child must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident in Texas to be considered for CHIP/Children’s Medicaid coverage.

Who can apply?
  • Any adult who lives more than half the time with an uninsured child may apply. This includes parents, stepparents, grandparents, other relatives, legal guardians, or adult brothers or sisters.
  • Anyone age 19 or younger who lives on their own can apply.
  • A pregnant person of any age can apply for CHIP perinatal services for her unborn child or apply for Medicaid.

Costs
If your child is eligible for CHIP, your enrollment fees and co-pays will be based on your family’s income. Enrollment fees are $50 or less per family, per year. Most
​co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions range from $5 to $25.​

How do I apply?

​Apply Online
  1. See if you qualify: http://www.chipmedicaid.org/en/Can-I-Get-It
  2. If you qualify, fill out an application. One form covers both programs. Your children may get health and medical services from either CHIP or Children’s Medicaid, depending on your family’s income. Apply online.
  3. If you need assistance, with the application, help is available.
  4. If you qualify, CHIP will mail you a welcome packet. Your packet will tell you about the health plans and doctors available in your area.
  5. Pick your health plan and primary care doctor.

Apply by Phone
  • Call toll-free 1-877-543-7669 (Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Central Time).
  • We’ll fill in your application over the phone, then mail it back to you for you to sign.
  • Send your application back to us with the items we need to prove your income and receipts showing what you pay for things like child care, alimony, or care for an adult who has a disability. You can use the pre-paid envelope or fax everything to 1-877-542-5951.
  • It can take up to 45 days for us to work on your application. To find out what’s happening with your application, call 1-877-543-7669.

Apply by Mail or Fax
  1. Request an application in the mail.
  2. You can print an application now.
  3. You can pick up an application at any H-E-B pharmacy. Send your application back to us with the items we need to prove your income (paycheck stubs) and receipts showing what you pay for things like child care, child support, or care for an adult who has a disability. You can use the pre-paid envelope or fax everything to 1-877-542-5951.
  4. It can take up to 45 days for us to work on your application. To find out what’s happening with your application, call 1-877-543-7669.

CMS Covers 100 Million People...

​through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. ​
Medicaid is administered by
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
​(CMS)
Coverage isn't our only goal.
​To achieve a high quality health care system, we also aim for better care at lower costs and improved health.

But we can't and we don't do it alone. We need your help to find the way forward to a better health care system for all Americans.


Learn more about how we can help each other so all Americans have access to coverage, better care, and improved health.
Learn more about costs. >  http://www.chipmedicaid.org/en/costs