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Learn About CHIP in Maryland

Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) has been available for about 20 years. MD CHIP, also called the Maryland Children Health Program (MCHP), provides coverage to Medicaid ineligible children who need help affording health insurance. Even if a family does not have Medicaid eligibility children of the household who meet CHIP’s requirements may still enroll. Even though both have similar funding streams, CHIP and Medicaid for children differ by eligibility and covered services. Many potential enrollees may be wondering, “What is CHIP Medicaid and how is it different from regular Medicaid?” as they apply for the program. To find what is covered by CHIP Medicaid in Maryland, read the below information.

What is Maryland’s Children’s Health Insurance Program?

CHIP and Medicaid for children programs are available in Maryland as well as in each state. Please note that the rules and regulations for CHIP in Maryland will not be the same as the requirements for the program in other states. The state and federal government fund both programs, yet CHIP and Medicaid enrollment procedures differ to serve different subsets of the population. While the Medicaid program has enrollees of all ages, MCHP is for children up to 19 years of age.

Once an eligible applicant learns how to apply for CHIP in Maryland and enrolls into the program, he or she can see medical providers that are in the CHIP network. Most Medicaid and CHIP recipients will have access to Maryland HealthChoice, which offers eight different health plan providers. Medicaid ineligible children in the CHIP program may have copayments associated with some of the medical treatments they receive. CHIP may not cover services that are provided by out-of-network medical professionals or facilities.

To learn about the requirements for Medicaid enrollment, download our comprehensive guide.

Is CHIP considered Medicaid in Maryland?

Although enrolling in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program in Maryland will each offer approved applicants with health care insurance sponsored by the state and federal governments, CHIP is an extension of the Medicaid program and does not provide identical coverage. The main different between CHIP and Medicaid enrollment is that those who are on CHIP will have to pay for a small premium depending on household income. Failing to pay these premiums may result in disenrollment from CHIP health coverage. In addition to monthly enrollment costs, Medicaid covered services are more extensive than treatments covered by CHIP. Those on Medicaid will have all approved medical and health services covered.

Who qualifies for CHIP in Maryland?

Maryland CHIP covers applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. Please be aware that applying for health care assistance in MD is the only way to know for sure if a minor is eligible for Medicaid for children or MCHP. To be covered by CHIP in Maryland, petitioners:

  • Must be younger than 19 years of age.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident.
  • Cannot have existing insurance coverage.
  • Must come from households that meet income requirements.

Some state CHIP programs cover expectant mothers, but pregnant women with Medicaid eligibility can apply for Medicaid in Maryland instead. While applying for CHIP, petitioners will need to provide proof documenting identity, source of income and immigration or citizen status. Number of household members also influence income limits for eligibility. The Medicaid program available in Maryland has similar eligible criteria.

What services are covered by CHIP in Maryland?

Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program provides coverage for many important medical services. Services covered by CHIP include preventative care like doctor’s visits and immunizations as well as emergency care and mental health services. Other services covered by CHIP in Maryland:

  • X-rays and laboratory tests
  • Dental and vision care
  • Transportation to medical appointments
  • Prescription medication
  • Substance abuse treatments

These services covered by CHIP often come with a small copayment. Those enrolled in Medicaid will have more services covered and will not have to pay for these treatments. After applying to CHIP, more information about which services are covered by the program will be mailed to you. Many types of experimental or alternative medical treatments will be not covered, as CHIP and Medicaid cover only scientifically proven treatments.

How to Apply for CHIP in Maryland

The processes of how to apply for CHIP in Maryland include enrollment in person, by phone or online. Applying for CHIP in person is possible by visiting any local health department, department of social services or connector entity. To enroll by phone or for information regarding how to apply for CHIP, residents can call 855-642-8572 for the Maryland Health Connection. Petitioners can also apply online through the state website. Benefits eligibility and other important information about government programs can be found in this site. The CHIP application will require you to give a lot of personal information. Giving false information to bolster eligibility to the program can come with serious criminal charges and even jail time. Applicants are encouraged to give accurate information when applying for any government benefits program. Information regarding enrollment status will be sent through the mail. Please allow a few months for applications to be processed. If denied Medicaid enrollment, applicants may file an appeal with the state of Maryland.

For comprehensive information on applying to Medicaid, review the details in our free guide.