Applications for affordable insurance for children of low-income families should be available in March, with coverage to begin in May, 2000. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) was passed by the last session of the Texas Legislature. Bob Deavenport of the Martin County Community Fund briefed Glasscock County commissioners on the CHIP program at their meeting March 13.
To be eligible for CHIP, a child’s family’s net income must be 200 percent or less of the Federal Poverty Level and must otherwise not be Medicaid-eligible. However, the program accommodates families who have children eligible for multiple programs (e.g., one child may be eligible for Medicaid and another for CHIP).
The Martin County Community Fund has been designated by the Texas Department of Health as the Community Based CHIP Organization for Glasscock, Borden and Martin counties. They will provide outreach services for publicizing the CHIP program and will assist in completing applications. Funding for the program is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, or to obtain applications, contact the Martin County Community Fund at 400 N. St. Theresa St., Stanton, TX 79782, 915/756-3254 or 270-4526, or call the statewide CHIP phone, 1/800-647-6558.