Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

The Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) began in July 1998. MCHP uses federal and state funds to provide health care coverage to low-income children up to age 19 and pregnant women of any age.

Questions and Answers

The Maryland Children’s Health Program MCHP) began in July 1998. MCHP uses federal and state funds to provide health care coverage to low-income children up to age 19 and pregnant women of any age.

What is MCHP?

The Maryland Children’s 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.

What is MCHP?

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, it’s 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.

Benefits for children include:

Doctor Visits (well and sick care)
Hospital Care
Lab Work and Tests
Dental Care
Vision Care
Immunizations (shots)
Prescription Medicines
Transportation to Medical Appointments
Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse Treatment

Benefits For Pregnant Women Include:

Prenatal and Post-Partum Doctor Visits
Hospital Delivery Bill
Doctors Visits not relating to Pregnancy
Lab Work and Tests
Dental Care
Vision Care
Prescription Medicines (including vitamins)
Transportation to Medical Appointments
Mental Health Services
Substances Abuse Services
After delivery, family planning services

How do I Apply?

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 applicant’s parents live with the child. Your income would not be counted toward determining the applicant’s eligibility unless you have adopted the child.

When can I see a doctor?

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

See Local Health Department Directory for a listing of the Local Health Department Contacts for MCHP.

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.