Benefits:
MCHIP uses federal and state funds to ensure that all Maryland's children have medical insurance.
The Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program (MCHIP) gives full health benefits for children up to age 19, and pregnant women of any age who meet the income guidelines. MCHIP provides care through a variety of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
Eligibility:
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Children under age 19, who are not eligible for Medicaid
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Pregnant women of any age
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Whose countable income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
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Children of employed parents whose employer does not offer family health insurance (NOTE: In some instances, having health insurance will not prevent you from being eligible for MCHIP. Even if you have health insurance, it's best to apply and let the case manager assigned to your application determine your eligibility)
How to Apply:
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Complete an application and provide the requested information. The sooner you complete the application, the sooner your child(ren) will receive assistance.
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Applications can be mailed in or carried in to any location listed below.
Where to Apply:
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Applications are available at the local department of social services
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Applications are also available at your local health department, WIC Centers, and local hospitals and schools
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Applications can be mailed upon request by calling 1-800-456-8900
What to Bring:
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General information about family members (such as names and birth dates)
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Social Security numbers of applicants
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Sources and amounts of income
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If pregnant, written proof of pregnancy and expected date of delivery signed by your doctor or nurse.
Program Description:
Medicaid, also called Medical Assistance, is a Program that pays the medical bills of certain needy and low-income individuals. It is administered by the State and pays medical bills with Federal and State funds.
Eligibility:
Medicaid coverage is automatically granted to individuals receiving other public assistance, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), and Foster Care. Low-income families, children, pregnant women, and aged, blind, or disabled adults may also qualify for Medicaid. You can have private health insurance and be eligible for Medicaid. The rules are different for different groups and the kinds of medical care covered are different for different groups. If you need help paying for your own or your family?s medical bills, you should find out for sure about your eligibility for Medical Assistance by filing an application at your Local Department of Social Services.
Regional Variations
Benefits and eligibility requirements are standard across the State.
Where to Apply:
You must file an application to find out if you are eligible for Medicaid. To do this, go to The Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) in the city or county where you live. If you are applying for a child or a pregnant woman, you may apply at your Local Health Department.
For additional information on the Medicaid Program and eligibility requirements
Services Offered:
The Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program provides help to qualified Maryland residents, regardless of age, who are not eligible for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program. Eligibility is not limited to the elderly and disabled.
Eligibility:
Eligibility for the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program is based on the financial resources available to the family unit. Participants receive a yellow and white MPAP card within one week of approval. Eligibility is for one year from the first day of the month in which the application is received.
How to Apply:
Those applying must contact their local department of social services. Complete and submit a declaratory application, which includes identifying information for each member of the household, including income and assets.
Services Offered:
The Medicare Buy-In Program, also known as QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) and SLIMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary). It is designed to protect low-income Medicare beneficiaries from the significant and growing costs required to receive Medicare coverage, including out-of-pocket cost sharing expenses (deductibles and co--payments). The Program connects the two largest public health programs in the country, Medicare and Medicaid, as Medicaid pays for all or part of the Medicare premium and deductible amounts for individuals who are financially eligible.
The QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) Program serves individuals with modest assets (up to $4,000 per individual or $6,000 per couple) with combined incomes that do not go over 100 percent of the federal poverty level. The state Medicaid program pays their Medicare Part B premiums and cost-sharing amounts. The SLIMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) Program pays only the Part B premium for those with incomes between 100 and 120 percent of poverty with assets up to $4,000 per individual or $6,000 per couple.
Please note that applications for all Medical Assistance programs can be obtained completed and submitted at your local health department, Drs. Office and Hospital Social Work Department.
Click here for Application form.
