Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Children’s Medicaid

Children in Texas without health insurance may be able to get free or low-cost health coverage from 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.  

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a health care program for children whose families earn too much to get Medicaid but cannot afford health insurance. 

To qualify for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP, children must be: 

• Age 18 or younger (Children up to age 20 may be able to get Medicaid in some cases). 

• A Texas resident. 

• A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident 

A pregnant woman of any age can apply for CHIP perinatal services or Medicaid for her unborn child. 

The following people can apply for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP: 

• Any adult who lives more than half the time with an uninsured child may apply. This includes parents, stepparents, grandparents, other relatives, legal guardians, or adult brothers or sisters. 

• Anyone age 18 or younger who lives on their own can apply. 

• A pregnant woman of any age. 

An adult applying on behalf of a child does not need to be a U.S. citizen. The child must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident in Texas to be considered for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP.  

When you apply, you’ll be asked about your family's income to see which programs your child can get. 

You can also refer to the income guidelines for Children’s Medicaid on the Texas Health and Human Services website.  

The following services are covered by both 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 

Children's Medicaid is free. There is no cost to receive services. 

CHIP fees vary based on your income. 

CHIP enrollment fee and co-pays are 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. 

Children with disabilities can get long-term services and supports through 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. 

Read this page to learn about services for children with disabilities.  

CHIP does not cover long-term services and supports for children with disabilities. 

If you have a child with a disability and you make too much money to get Medicaid, you might be able to get coverage through the Medicaid Buy-In for Children program (MBIC). MBIC allows families of children with disabilities to make a monthly payment to get Medicaid coverage. 

You complete the application form on the Texas Health and Human Services website.   

Medicaid for Parents and Caretakers is a health care program for some low-income adults caring for a child who has Medicaid. You can learn more and apply on the Texas Health and Human Services website.