CHIP Program

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Children in Texas without health insurance may be able to get low cost or no cost health coverage from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

CHIP covers children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford to buy private insurance.

Families with children with CHIP pay no more than $50 a year for health care coverage that includes:
  • Doctor office visits
  • Prescription drugs
  • Dental care
  • Eye exams and glasses
  • And much more
Some services provided through CHIP may require an additional co-pay.
El Paso Health offers extra benefits in addition to the state CHIP Program that helps you to keep your children healthy and happy.
To find out how to enroll, get started here.
Not sure if you qualify? Call the CHIP Help Line at 1-877-532-3778 to find out.
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CHIP Benefits Include:
  • Checkups (well child visits)
  • Shots (Immunizations)
  • Prescription medicine
  • Specialist care
  • Hospital care (inpatient and outpatient)
  • X-rays
  • Lab tests
  • Medical supplies
  • Treatment of special health needs
  • Treatment of pre-existing conditions
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What are the CHIP fees?
If your child qualifies for CHIP, your enrollment fee and co-pays will be based on your family’s income. Enrollment fees are $50 or less per family, per year. Co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions range from $5 for lower-income families and $20 to $35 for higher-income families.

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What are co-payments? How much are they and when do I have to pay them?
Your child’s El Paso Health ID card lists the co-payments that apply to your family situation. Present your child’s ID card during an office visit, when emergency room services are rendered or have a prescription filled.

CHIP members will be required to pay copays for office visits except for the following:
  • Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder office visits.
  • Wellness checkups for baby or child.
  • Preventive services.
  • Pregnancy-related assistance.
You will need to pay your copays at the time of your visit including ER and inpatient hospital stays.

If you have any questions, please call Member Services at 915-532-3778 or toll free at 1-877-532-3778.

Federal Poverty Levels
Office Visit
Non-Emergency
ER
Prescription Generic Drugs
Prescription
Brand Name Drugs
Facility Co-pay, Inpatient (per admission)
Annual co-pay Maximum
Native Americans
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
None
At or below 151%
$5
$5
$0
$5
$35
5% of family's income
About 151% up to and including 186%
$20
$75
$10
$35
$75
5% of family's income
Above 186% up to and including 201%
$25
$75
$10
$35
$125
5% of the family's income

Member Services:

How do I qualify?

Who can qualify for Medicaid (STAR Program) and CHIP?
  • Age 18 or younger (some children up to 20 years of age may qualify for Medicaid)
  • A Texas Resident
  • A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
Who can apply?
  • 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 19 or younger who lives on their own can apply.
  • A pregnant person of any age can apply for CHIP perinatal services for her unborn child or apply for Medicaid.
Please refer to the Qualifications page for more information.

If you would like our assistance with the Medicaid/CHIP application you can call our office and make an appointment.

Call 915-532-3778

Toll Free at 1-877-532-3778

The Member Handbook:
Everything you need to know!

Your Member Handbook is your guide for health services. Read about:

  • How to use your benefits.
  • How to choose a primary care provider.
  • How to get help if your doctor's office is closed.
  • How to reach Member Services if you have questions.
  • Your Rights and Responsibilities as an El Paso Health Member.

Member Handbooks and Downloadable Directories

Document
Last Updated
Size
CHIP Member Handbook
Feb. 2025
4.68 MB
CHIP and CHIP Perinatal Provider Directory
Feb. 2025
2.85 MB

Need a Handbook mailed to you?

Just message us your mailing address to have a CHIP Member Handbook mailed to you at no cost. The Handbook will be mailed within five business days of your request.
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