About Maryland Health Insurance for Children

The state of Maryland offers two health insurance programs for children: the Maryland Children's Health Program and Medicaid. Both programs are available to children living in low-income families and are funded by state and federal money. The state of Maryland sets the specific eligibility criteria for the Maryland Children's Health Program and Medicaid Program.

Maryland Children's Health Program

• Children under age 19 can receive full health benefits through the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP). Parents or guardians can apply for MCHP at local health departments, local departments of social services, WIC centers, and local hospitals and schools. Services provided by MCHP include doctor visits, hospital care, lab work and tests, dental and vision care, immunizations, prescription medicines, mental health services, substance abuse treatments, and transportation to and from medical appointments. Coverage for MCHP begins within 14 days of proven eligibility.

MCHP Eligibility

• Children under age 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid and whose family's income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for MCHP. Children are usually uninsured but are not automatically ineligible if they have insurance coverage. The maximum total gross income is $21,660 for a one-person household, $29,140 for a two-person household, $36,620 for a three-person household and $44,100 for a four-person household.

Medicaid Program

• The Maryland Medicaid program is run by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It is a federally and state-funded program and is also called Medical Assistance. The Maryland Medicaid program covers the health costs of eligible children of low-income families who cannot afford medical insurance. Medicaid offers a variety of services to eligible participants. Basic services for children include ambulance services; dental services; vision services; early and periodic screening, diagnostic and treatment services; hospital inpatient and outpatient services; personal care services; and pharmacy services.

Medicaid Eligibility

• Children automatically receive Medicaid if their parents receive Temporary Cash Assistance or Supplemental Security Income. Parents who do not participate in those programs must apply for Medicaid at their local Department of Social Services. Medicaid eligibility is based on a household's income. A one-person household can have a maximum monthly gross income of $1,046 and total countable assets of $2,500. A two-person household can have a maximum monthly gross income of $1,408 and total countable assets of $3,000. A three-person household can have a maximum monthly gross income of $1,769 and total countable assets of $3,100. A four-person household can have a maximum monthly gross income of $2,131 and total countable assets of $3,200.