Texas Medical Insurance for Children

The state of Texas offers health insurance options for children so that they can receive the medical and dental care they need, promoting their health and well-being. The state offers two insurance options for those who meet the qualification criteria. Children's Medicaid is offered to low-income families at no cost, and the Children's Health Insurance Program is a cost-sharing program for Texas families of slightly higher income levels.

Children's Medicaid

• Children's Medicaid is an insurance program offered to qualified families and is free to those who meet certain criteria. This insurance program is funded by state and federal government grants, and is available to anyone who meets the income and residency eligibility requirements. The program offers medical benefits for children with no insurance deductibles or lifetime maximum benefits clauses. Parents or guardians who face unexpected unemployment or sudden changes in income may be able to receive temporary Medicaid coverage if the criteria are met.

CHIP Insurance

• The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is designed to assist families who do not qualify for the state's Medicaid program due to higher monthly or annual income. CHIP works like any other insurance plan. Families approved for the program pay annual enrollment fees and are given the opportunity to choose a health care provider from an approved list. Those receiving the benefits may be required to pay applicable co-pays for office visits and prescription costs as part of the program's cost-sharing requirements. The co-pay and deductible rates are determined at the time of approval and are based on the participant's income.

Benefits of Both Programs

• Both of these insurance plans cover medical benefits, such as routine checkups and urgent office visits, emergency room visits, prescription drugs, vaccinations, x-rays and lab testing. Dental costs are also covered as part of the plans' benefits. Costs associated with eye exams and eye glasses are approved allowances as well. Both programs must be renewed each year, and income qualifications must be met, during each renewal period, in order to continue participation in the programs.

How to Qualify

• Applicants must be 19 years old or younger to receive Medicaid and 18 years old or younger to participate in CHIP. Enrollees must be U.S. citizens and legal residents of the state of Texas. Applicants must also meet income requirements in order to be eligible for the programs. Eligibility is based on the number of people living in the household and the monthly and annual income totals for the family. Parents, grandparents and guardians can apply for coverage on the child's behalf.

Additional Information

• For more information about either insurance program or to ask questions about the application or renewal processes, visit CHIPMedicaid.org or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (543-7669).