If you're pregnant in Texas and were told you make a little too much for Medicaid, you may still get free or low-cost prenatal care through CHIP Perinatal. It's also available to many moms who don't qualify for Medicaid because of immigration status. This guide explains it in plain language.
Texas Health Help is a community nonprofit. We do not approve benefits, but we share clear, trustworthy information and help moms across rural and underserved Texas understand their options and connect to the right resources — for free.
What is CHIP Perinatal?
CHIP Perinatal is part of the Children's Health Insurance Program. It pays for prenatal care and delivery for the unborn baby of a pregnant woman who doesn't qualify for Pregnancy Medicaid. After the baby is born, coverage continues through CHIP or Medicaid.
It exists so that no pregnant woman in Texas goes without prenatal care just because her income is slightly too high for Medicaid — or because of her immigration status.
What Does It Cover?
CHIP Perinatal in Texas typically covers:
- Prenatal doctor visits and checkups
- Prescriptions and prenatal vitamins
- Lab tests and pregnancy-related care
- Labor and delivery for the baby
- Coverage for the newborn after birth
- Help managing pregnancy health conditions
Income Limits — Who Qualifies on Income
CHIP Perinatal is for pregnant women whose household income is too high for Pregnancy Medicaid but still within CHIP limits. Like other pregnancy programs, your household size includes your unborn baby (or babies).
Because the exact limits change each year, the best step is to apply — one Texas application checks you for both Pregnancy Medicaid and CHIP Perinatal at no cost, so you'll land in whichever program fits your income.
Who May Qualify?
You may qualify for CHIP Perinatal if you are:
- Pregnant and living in Texas
- Earning a little too much for Pregnancy Medicaid
- Without health insurance that covers maternity care
- Unable to qualify for Medicaid because of immigration status
- A working mom in a rural or underserved community
Not sure which program fits? Apply anyway. The state checks your eligibility for free and places you in the right one.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
- 1
Gather your documents
Use the checklist below so you have everything ready in one sitting.
- 2
Confirm your pregnancy
A note or proof of pregnancy from your clinic or doctor helps your application move faster.
- 3
Choose how you want to apply
Online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by phone at 2-1-1 (press option 2), by mail, or in person at a local HHSC benefits office.
- 4
Fill out one application
One Texas application checks you for Pregnancy Medicaid, CHIP Perinatal, SNAP, and more at the same time.
- 5
Submit and follow up quickly
Send in any requested documents right away — pregnancy coverage is time-sensitive, so fast follow-up helps you get covered sooner.
- 6
Get help if you're stuck
If anything is confusing, our community navigators can walk through it with you — free and confidential.
What Documents May Be Needed
Most applications ask for some version of the following:
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of pregnancy (a note from your clinic or doctor)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, benefits letter, or tax return)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or piece of mail)
- Household info (names and birthdays)
- Proof of Texas residency
Helpful Texas Resources
YourTexasBenefits.com
Apply online for CHIP Perinatal, Pregnancy Medicaid, SNAP, and more — one application for many programs.
Texas WIC
Nutrition support for pregnant moms and babies — find a local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment.
2-1-1 Texas
Free, statewide helpline. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with maternal and community services.
Think you might qualify for Medicaid instead? See our Pregnancy Medicaid guide.
Need help applying for CHIP Perinatal?
You don't have to figure this out alone. Our community navigators help expecting moms in Texas understand coverage, gather documents, and apply — at no cost and in plain language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CHIP Perinatal in Texas?+
CHIP Perinatal is a Texas program that pays for prenatal care and delivery for the baby of a pregnant woman who doesn't qualify for Pregnancy Medicaid — often because her income is a little too high or because of immigration status. The coverage is for the unborn baby, and it continues for the baby after birth.
Who qualifies for CHIP Perinatal?+
You may qualify if you are pregnant, live in Texas, and your household income is too high for Pregnancy Medicaid but still within CHIP Perinatal limits. Many women who don't qualify for Medicaid because of income or immigration status do qualify for CHIP Perinatal.
What's the difference between Pregnancy Medicaid and CHIP Perinatal?+
Pregnancy Medicaid covers care for the mother and is for lower-income households. CHIP Perinatal covers care for the unborn baby and is for households that earn a little too much for Medicaid. One Texas application checks you for both, so you don't have to choose.
What does CHIP Perinatal cover?+
It covers prenatal doctor visits, prescriptions and prenatal vitamins, labs, and the baby's delivery. After birth, the baby is enrolled in CHIP or Medicaid so coverage continues. Some labor-and-delivery costs for the mother may be covered depending on income.
Does CHIP Perinatal cost anything?+
There is no cost to apply. Depending on your income, there may be a small enrollment fee or co-pays, but many families pay nothing. The state will tell you if any fee applies.
Can I apply if I'm not a U.S. citizen?+
Yes. CHIP Perinatal does not ask the mother about immigration status, which is one reason it helps families who don't qualify for Medicaid. The coverage is tied to the unborn baby.
How fast can I get covered?+
Pregnancy care is time-sensitive, so applications are handled quickly. Apply as soon as you can and send in any requested documents right away to start care sooner.
Does Texas Health Help decide if I qualify?+
No. We are a community nonprofit. We help you understand the program and gather what you need. Only the State of Texas (HHSC) can approve benefits.
Disclaimer: Texas Health Help (Community Health Access Hub Texas) is a community nonprofit, not a government agency. We do not determine eligibility or approve benefits. Only the State of Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and program administrators can make those decisions. This page is general educational information and is not legal, medical, or financial advice.