- The Maryland Childrens Health Program (MCHP) gives
full health benefits for children up to age 19, and pregnant women of any age who meet the
income guidelines. MCHP enrollees obtain care from a variety of Managed Care Organizations
(MCOs) through the Maryland HealthChoice Program.
- Those eligible for MCHP are:
- Children under age 19, who are not eligible for Medicaid,
and whose countable income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty
level (FPL);
- Pregnant women of any age,
whose countable income is at or below 250% FPL;
- Uninsured (NOTE: In some instances, having health insurance
will not prevent eligibility for MCHP. Even if you have health insurance, its best
to apply and let the case manager assigned to your application determine whether your
health insurance will affect your eligibility for MCHP.)
For more information on income guidelines for MCHP, please
see MCHP Income Guidelines.
What
are the benefits? |
Benefits for children include: |
Benefits For Pregnant Women Include:
|
Doctor Visits (well and sick care) |
Prenatal and Post-Partum Doctor Visits |
Hospital Care |
Hospital Delivery Bill |
Lab Work and Tests |
Doctors Visits not relating to Pregnancy |
Dental Care |
Lab Work and Tests |
Vision Care |
Dental Care |
Immunizations (shots) |
Vision Care |
Prescription Medicines |
Prescription Medicines (including vitamins) |
Transportation to Medical Appointments |
Transportation to Medical Appointments |
Mental Health Services |
Mental Health Services |
Substance Abuse Treatment |
Substances Abuse Services |
|
After delivery, family planning services |
-
- The application is brief and the process is simple. The
application asks for:
- General Information (such as Name, Address, Telephone
Number),
- Any health insurance coverage,
- Information about family members (such as names and birth
dates)
- Social Security numbers of applicants,
- Sources and amounts of family income.
- Local Health Departments will mail applications on request.
Also, applications are available at:
- Local Health Departments
- Local Department of Social Services
- WIC Centers, and
- Local Hospitals and Schools.
For your convenience you may download a copy of the MCHP
application from this site. See
MCHP Application
Form.
- Applications can be completed at home and mailed in or
dropped off at any local health department. Case managers are available to assist you
there.
-
- Those found eligible for MCHP will receive an enrollment
packet in the mail to select a MCO for health care.
-
If I am pregnant
and live with my parents, who signs the application? |
- A pregnant woman of any age can complete and sign the
application herself. Your eligibility is determined based on your income listed on the
application, not your parents. If your parents provide your food and shelter,
indicate that on the application.
-
Can I apply for
my grandchild (or niece, brother, etc.), if they live with me? |
- Yes, if neither of the applicants parents live with
the child. Your income would not be counted toward determining the applicants
eligibility unless you have adopted the child.
-
If you are eligible for
MCHP:
- Within 14 days, you will receive a red and white Medical
Assistance card. You may use this card to get health care until you enroll
in the HealthChoice program and select a MCO. Do not throw away this card, it will allow
you to obtain additional services even when you receive your MCO card.
- Within 5 days, you will receive your enrollment packet to
select your MCO. If you do not receive your enrollment packet within two weeks, contact
your case manager immediately
|
When you receive your enrollment packet in
the mail, you will:
- Find out from your doctor which MCO plans they accept;
- Pick a MCO and primary care doctor to provide your care. If
you do not pick a MCO, the state will pick one for you;
- Inform HealthChoice which MCO and doctor you have selected;
- Contact the doctor for an appointment.
|
How can I obtain
more information? |
- To assist you in obtaining more information, you may
contact:
- Your Local Health Departments
- DHMH MCHP Hotline
(800) 456-8900
- TDD for the Disabled
(800) 735-2258.
- Information For Medical Providers
What can providers
do to help patients who might qualify for MCHP? |
- Inform your patients about MCHP and encourage them to apply
if they think they may be eligible, or if there are older siblings in the family who may
qualify;
- Make available brochures, fact sheets and the application
form to anyone who needs health insurance. These materials can be obtained from the Local
Health Departments;
- Tell your patients all of the MCOs with which you
participate. Explain to your patients that they need to choose a MCO and you as their
primary care provider when they enroll.
- Urge your patients to keep their addresses up to date with
you and their Local Health Department; and
- Primary Care Providers should always check the Eligibility
Verification System (EVS) to obtain their patients MCO and eligibility status at the
time of appointment. The number to call is 1-866-710-1447.
|