Back-to-School Health Coverage: CHIP and Medicaid Offer Affordable Options for Texas Families

As summer winds down and Texas families start preparing for the back-to-school season, ensuring children have health coverage is an essential step for a successful school year. Free or low-cost health coverage is available through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid in Texas for eligible individuals. With health coverage, kids and teens can access the care they need to stay healthy and perform well in school.

Many families may qualify for coverage without realizing it. Eligibility varies by state and is based on family income and household size. In Texas, children up to age 19 from a family of four earning up to $80,000 per year may be eligible, and in some states, eligible children can still qualify if family income is even higher. This means that many working families in Texas could be eligible for these programs.

Getting a child covered helps ensure they receive necessary health care. When a child is sick, the right medicines help them return to school. If a child has difficulty focusing, supports are available. If a child needs glasses, these programs cover them. Healthy kids are confident kids, ready to participate in every opportunity inside and outside the classroom.

Health coverage belongs on every back-to-school list. Depending on the program and a child’s needs, Medicaid and CHIP can provide eligible kids with a range of services to support their health all year long, including annual checkups and school physicals to prepare children to learn and play; preventive care to identify health needs early; dental care to prevent toothaches and missed school days; vision and hearing services to support learning; mental health care for emotional well-being; prescription medications and treatment; and specialized services for children with disabilities.

Texas families can apply for Medicaid and CHIP by phone, by mail, in person through the state’s Medicaid or CHIP office, or online at InsureKidsNow.gov/coverage. Enrollment is open year-round, so families do not have to wait for a specific time to get covered. Once enrolled, coverage must be renewed every twelve months, so it is important to keep address, email, and phone number up to date with the state Medicaid or CHIP office to avoid missing renewal information. For more information, visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).

This information is provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and the communication was printed, published, or produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer expense.