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Low-income Health Insurance in Texas

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, annual health insurance premiums for the average American family were more than $13,000, as of November 2010. Low-income households often struggle to pay monthly living expenses, much less than the costly premiums associated with private health insurance. Fortunately, Texas residents with limited income and resources have access to quality health care through the Medicaid and Children's Medicaid Programs.

  1. Medicaid

    • Low-income families, individuals, pregnant women, disabled persons, medically needy patients and elderly individuals can qualify for Texas Medicaid, which provides no-cost health benefits to residents facing financial hardship. Eligibility depends on income and household size, as well as the health condition and age of the individual applying for coverage. For example, low-income adults with children only qualify for Medicaid with annual income levels of 26 percent of the federal poverty level or less, whereas pregnant women and young children qualify with an income of up to 185 percent of the federal poverty limit.

    Texas Children's Health Insurance Plan, CHIP

    • Texas participates in the federal Children's Health Insurance Plan, CHIP, that extends health coverage to children from households with incomes too high to qualify for family Medicaid, but that do not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Albeit at a premium, health coverage under CHIP is more affordable that the premiums offered through private health insurance companies. Families with children enrolled in the program must pay a yearly enrollment fee of $50 or less, as well as doctor and prescription drug co-pays that range between $5 and $25 depending on income, as of 2011.

    Coverage

    • Both low-income health insurance programs in Texas provide access to complete coverage to a variety of medical services. Both children and adults receive physician's services, emergency health care, hospital services, ambulatory transfers and numerous other health benefits. Additionally, all children enrolled in family or children's Medicaid receive comprehensive dental and vision benefits, as well as access to well-child visits with a pediatrician and routine childhood vaccinations. The programs also includes coverage for the cost of prescription drugs.

    Apply

    • Texas allows parents to apply for CHIP for their kids by phone, online, through fax or by mail. You can apply online at CHIPMedicaid.org, or you can call the CHIP Medicaid office on weekdays. If you would rather complete a paper application, you can print one at the CHIP Medicaid website or request one sent to you by mail. H-E-B Grocery Stores in Texas also have applications on hand. Once you complete the application, you may mail it along with your required documentation of income and citizenship inside the pre-paid, pre-addressed envelope that comes with the application, or you may fax it; however, allow up to 45 days for processing.

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