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Children in Texas might be able to get low-cost or free health coverage through Children's Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Children's Medicaid is a health care program for children in low-income families. CHIP is a health care program for children without health insurance whose families earn too much to get Medicaid but cannot afford health insurance.
To get Children's Medicaid or CHIP, a child must be:
- 18 years old or younger. (In some cases, children with disabilities who are 19 or 20 years old can get Medicaid.)
- a Texas resident; and
- a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
When you apply, we'll ask about your family's income to see which programs your child can get. See income guidelines below.
Services Covered by Children's Medicaid and CHIP
- Regular checkups at the doctor and dentist
- Medicine and vaccines
- Hospital care and services
- X-rays and lab tests
- Vision and hearing care
- Access to medical specialists and mental health care
- Treatment of special health needs and pre-existing conditions
These services are provided by health plans. If your child gets Medicaid or CHIP, you will choose a plan from the ones available in your service area.
Children with Disabilities
Children with disabilities can get long-term services and supports through Children's Medicaid. These services can include:
- Home care and personal care, like having someone help monitor your child's health and help them with daily activities.
- Having someone help take your child to their medical appointments.
- Nursing home care.
- A hospital for mental illnesses.
- A place of care for people with intellectual disabilities.
Learn about Medicaid programs for children and adults with disabilities.
CHIP Does Not Cover Long-Term Services and Supports
If you have a child with a disability and make too much money to get Children's Medicaid, you might be able to get coverage through the Medicaid Buy-In for Children (MBIC) program. MBIC allows families of children with disabilities to make a monthly payment to get Medicaid coverage.
Learn about other programs and services for people with disabilities.
Income Guidelines for Children's Medicaid
Your income is the money you get paid before taxes are taken out. Find your family size on the table below. If your monthly income is the same or less, your child might be eligible for Children's Medicaid.
Family Members (Adults plus children) | Monthly Family Income |
|---|---|
1* | $1,670 |
2 | $2,266 |
3 | $2,862 |
4 | $3,458 |
5 | $4,055 |
6 | $4,651 |
7 | $5,247 |
8 | $5,844 |
For each additional person, add: | $597 |
*A family of one might be a child who does not live with a parent or other relative.
If your income is higher than the limits listed above, see the income guidelines for CHIP below.
Income Guidelines for CHIP
Your income is the money you get paid before taxes are taken out. Find your family size on the table below. If your monthly income is the same or less, your child might get CHIP.
Family Members (Adults plus children) | Monthly Family Income |
|---|---|
1* | $2,523 |
2 | $3,424 |
3 | $4,325 |
4 | $5,226 |
5 | $6,128 |
6 | $7,029 |
7 | $7,930 |
For each additional person, add: | $902 |
*A family of one might be a child who does not live with a parent or other relative.
How Much Does It Cost?
Children's Medicaid is free.
If we find your child is eligible for Children's Medicaid, there is no cost to receive services.
CHIP fees vary based on your income.
If we find your child is eligible for CHIP, your enrollment fee and co-pays will be based on your family's income. Enrollment fees are $50 or less per family, per year.
Co-pays for doctor visits and medicine range from $3 to $5 for lower-income families and $20 to $35 for higher-income families.