How do I know if my family qualifies for CHIP/children’s Medicaid?
Follow this income chart to see:
Is there an asset test or limit to qualify for CHIP/children’s Medicaid?
Yes, unfortunately, Texas is one of only three states that has an asset test for Medicaid, and one of only two that has an asset test for CHIP. If a family of three has more than $2,000 in assets, they cannot qualify for Medicaid. (The limit is $3,000 if a family includes a disabled or elderly member.) If a family of three has more than $10,000 in assets, they cannot qualify for CHIP. The CHIP asset test only applies to those over 150% of Federal Poverty guidelines.
The following are counted as assets: cash on hand, money in a bank account , stocks, bonds, life insurance with cash value, a second vehicle, and property other than a homestead. Click here for more details on Texas’ asset test in CHIP.
How can I find a pediatrician/physician/dentist who accepts Medicaid/CHIP patients?
Once you have been enrolled in a CHIP/Medicaid health plan, you can use the providers in their networks. Click here to get the provider directories for each health plan in this area:
- Amerigroup
- Cook Children’s Health plan
- Aetna – Aetna Medicaid provider directory
- Dental provider seach.
Or, click here to search by physician name. When searching for children’s Medicaid providers, search under the STAR program. STAR stands for State of Texas Access Reform.
More questions on the enrollment process? Click here for the state’s FAQ page on Medicaid managed care plans.
How many children in Tarrant County are uninsured?
The following chart shows the percentages of children who are uninsured, according to the latest Census Bureau figures. Based on this, we believe about 79,000 children in Tarrant County are uninsured. Of those, we believe 75% of them would qualify for CHIP or children’s Medicaid.
How many children in Tarrant County are insured through Medicaid or CHIP?
As of August 2011, 182,914 children were insured through the programs. (Of those, the overwhelming majority — 140,172 — were insured through Medicaid.) This means that one-third of all children living in Tarrant County depend on CHIP or Medicaid for their health insurance.
When you add up all of the children on CHIP, Medicaid or uninsured, it accounts for half of all children in Tarrant County.
How many children in Texas are insured through Medicaid or CHIP?
As of August 2011, 2.8 million children were enrolled in CHIP and Medicaid in Texas. Of those, 2.3 million are in Medicaid. Of all the children enrolled in CHIP and Medicaid in Texas, 6.38% live in Tarrant County.
What is Medicaid? How does it work, who pays for it, and who does it support?
Kaiser Family Foundation does a wonderful job explaining Medicaid. Click here for the short fact sheet.
Why aren’t these children covered under their parents’ health insurance policies?
Many employers have dropped insurance coverage or no longer contribute to family coverage. The following chart illustrates how employer-based coverage has declined.
Why is health insurance coverage important for children?
Children who have health insurance are more likely to get preventive care and be healthy. Not surprisingly, states that have high health insurance rates for children also rank high in other child health measures. In 2011, the Commonwealth Fund ranked Texas 48th in the nation for child health. The following chart shows how different stakes ranked on various child health measures. Texas ranked last in the nation in access, affordability and equity.
Want to know even more?
The Center for Public Policy Priorities and Methodist Healthcare Ministries have published an overview of factors shaping Texans’ access to health care. Download here for information about how to improve access to healthcare for all Texans.
Do you have questions that haven’t been answered here?
Write Sandy at tarrantcountychip@yahoo.com and I’ll try to get them to the right people.
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