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What is the Maryland Children's Health Program (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 Premium program provides full health benefits to children up to age 18 and pregnant women who meet certain income guidelines even though they do not meet the MCHP income guidelines. MCHP and MCHP Premium enrollees obtain care from a variety of Managed Care Organizations through the Maryland HealthChoice Program.
MCHP benefits include t he same medical coverage as the Maryland Medical Assistance Managed Care Program, including doctor visits (well and sick care), hospital care, lab work and tests, dental care, vision care, immunizations, prescription medicines, transportation to medical appointments, mental health services, and more, according to terms of the managed care program.
Read the law: Md. Code, Health-General, Title 15, Subtitle 3; U.S. Code, Title 42, Chapter 7, Subtitle XXI
Read the regulations: Code of Md. Regulations, Title 10, Subtitle 9, Chapter 11; U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, Chapter IV
Eligibility
Children younger than 19 years old and pregnant women of any age are eligible if they are Maryland residents and a U.S. citizen or a qualified alient.
Read the regulations: Code of Md. Regulations 10.09.11.06
Income
- MCHP - Household countable income at or below 211% of the federal poverty level
- MCHP Premium - Countable income at or below 322% of the federal poverty level. You pay a small premium for the health insurance.
Read the regulations: Code of Md. Regulations 10.09.11.06, 10.09.11.07, 10.09.11.10
Applying
Apply through the Maryland Health Connection.
Read the regulations: Code of Md. Regulations 10.09.11.04
Appeals
You can appeal any denial, termination, or reduction of benefits.
- Appeals must be filed within 90 days of the action, or you cannot appeal.
- If you file within 10 days of notice that benefits are being terminated or reduced, they will continue until the decision. If you do not appeal within 10 days, the termination or reduction will happen.
Read the regulations: Code of Md. Regulations 10.01.04*