What Is Texas CHIP?

As of 2010, 526,584 Texas children receive reduced medical care costs through the Texas Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), according to Texas Health and Human Services (THHS). If you cannot afford medical care for your child, you should consider applying for Texas CHIP.

Identification

• The Texas CHIP plan offers to help qualifying, uninsured families receive state-subsidized medical care including preventative care and dental services, according to the Texas CHIP website.

Requirements

• Any child living in the state of Texas who is under the age of 18 and a legal citizen or resident qualifies for CHIP, according to THHS. Children qualify even if their parents are not legal citizens, and the CHIP application form does not ask for the legal status of the child's parents.

Cost

• CHIP costs $50 per year, and co-payments for visits and prescription drugs range from $3 to $10, according to THHS.

Time Frame

• If you receive approval, you must wait 90 days before you can begin collecting Texas CHIP benefits.