CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is low-cost health coverage for Texas kids whose families earn a little too much for Medicaid but still need affordable insurance. It covers checkups, prescriptions, dental, vision, and hospital care, so cost doesn't keep your child from getting care.
Texas Health Help is a community nonprofit. We do not approve coverage, but we share clear, trustworthy information and help families across rural and underserved Texas understand their options and connect to the right resources — for free.
What is CHIP in Texas?
CHIP stands for the Children's Health Insurance Program. It's run by the State of Texas (HHSC) and the federal government to cover children from birth through age 18 in working families. CHIP also includes CHIP Perinatal, which provides prenatal care for pregnant women who earn a little too much for Medicaid.
Think of CHIP as the step right above Medicaid: when a family earns too much for free Medicaid, their children can usually still get CHIP for a small fee. You apply once, and Texas checks your kids for both programs.
2026 CHIP Texas Income Limits (by Family Size)
Updated March 2026
Texas CHIP covers children in families earning up to 201% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). A family of 4 can earn about $5,528 a month (roughly $66,300 a year) and still qualify. The more people in your family, the higher the limit. If your gross monthly income is at or below the amount below, your children likely qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
| Household size | Approx. monthly limit (≈201% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,674 / month |
| 2 | $3,625 / month |
| 3 | $4,577 / month |
| 4 | $5,528 / month |
| 5 | $6,480 / month |
| 6 | $7,431 / month |
| 7 | $8,383 / month |
| 8 | $9,334 / month |
For families larger than 8, add about $951/month for each additional person. These figures are approximate and update each year, so the most reliable way to know is to apply — there's no cost to check.
- Children often qualify even when parents earn a moderate income.
- One application checks your kids for both Medicaid (free) and CHIP (low-cost).
- Earning a little too much for Medicaid is exactly who CHIP is for.
- Pregnant and over the Medicaid limit? Look at CHIP Perinatal for prenatal care.
How Much Does CHIP Cost?
CHIP is low-cost, not free for most families — but the cost is small compared to private insurance:
- Annual enrollment fee of $50 or less per family (families with the lowest incomes pay $0).
- Small co-pays for some doctor visits and prescriptions.
- No surprise bills for covered services — CHIP caps what your family pays each year.
What Does CHIP Cover?
Texas CHIP generally covers:
- Regular checkups and doctor visits
- Prescriptions
- Dental care (checkups, cleanings, fillings)
- Eye exams and glasses
- Hospital and emergency care
- Immunizations (shots)
- Lab tests and X-rays
- Mental health and counseling
Who May Qualify?
Your child may qualify for Texas CHIP if:
- They are under age 19
- They live in Texas (your family is a Texas resident)
- Your household income is at or below about 201% FPL
- They are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- They are not covered by Medicaid or other health insurance
Not sure? Apply anyway. The state will check your children for free, across both Medicaid and CHIP at once.
How to Apply for CHIP (Step by Step)
- 1
Gather your documents
Use the checklist below so you have everything ready in one sitting.
- 2
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.
- 3
Fill out one application
One Texas application checks your children for Medicaid, CHIP, and CHIP Perinatal at the same time — you don't have to pick.
- 4
Pay the small enrollment fee, if approved for CHIP
If your kids are placed in CHIP, you'll pay an annual fee of $50 or less. Then their coverage begins.
- 5
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 for the parent or guardian (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, benefits letter, or tax return)
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or piece of mail)
- Household info (names, birthdays, and Social Security numbers)
- Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status for the child
- Each child's date of birth
Helpful Texas Resources
YourTexasBenefits.com
Apply online for CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP, and more — one application for many programs.
Texas HHSC
Official state information on CHIP, benefits, costs, and local offices.
2-1-1 Texas
Free, statewide helpline. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with health and community services.
Earn too much for Medicaid? Compare with our Texas Medicaid eligibility guide. Pregnant? See the CHIP Perinatal guide.
Need help applying for CHIP in Texas?
You don't have to figure this out alone. Our community navigators help Texas families understand eligibility, gather documents, and apply for CHIP and Medicaid — at no cost and in plain language.
Related guides & resources
All Texas Benefits Guides
Browse every healthcare, food, and transportation guide in one place.
Texas Medicaid Eligibility
Free coverage for the lowest-income families — one app checks both.
Pregnancy Medicaid
Prenatal, delivery, and postpartum coverage for expecting mothers.
CHIP Perinatal
Prenatal care when you earn a little too much for pregnancy Medicaid.
How to Apply for SNAP
Food-stamp income limits and a step-by-step application guide.
Free & Low-Cost Clinics
Sliding-scale and no-cost clinics for kids and adults across Texas.
Senior Support
Medicare and benefits help for grandparents and older caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CHIP in Texas?+
CHIP stands for the Children's Health Insurance Program. It's low-cost health coverage for Texas children (birth through age 18) in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable insurance. CHIP covers doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision, hospital care, and more. The State of Texas (HHSC) runs it, and applying is free.
What is the income limit for CHIP in Texas?+
Texas CHIP covers children in families earning up to 201% of the federal poverty level. As of March 1, 2026, that is about $3,625/month for a family of 2, $4,577/month for a family of 3, $5,528/month for a family of 4, $6,480/month for 5, and $7,431/month for 6 — add about $951/month for each extra person. Limits update yearly, so the surest step is to apply: one free Texas application checks your children for both Medicaid and CHIP.
How do I apply for CHIP in Texas?+
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. One application checks your children for both Medicaid and CHIP. You'll need a photo ID, proof of income, and proof of Texas residency. Most decisions come within about 45 days.
How much does CHIP cost in Texas?+
CHIP is low-cost, not free for most families. There's a small annual enrollment fee of $50 or less per family, and small co-pays for some visits and prescriptions. Families with the lowest incomes pay $0 enrollment fee. Compared to private insurance, the cost is very low.
What's the difference between CHIP and Medicaid in Texas?+
Both cover children's health care, but Medicaid is for families with the lowest incomes (and is free), while CHIP is for families who earn a little more (and has small fees). You don't have to choose — one Texas application checks your children for both, and the state places them in whichever program fits.
Does CHIP cover dental and vision?+
Yes. Texas CHIP includes regular checkups, cleanings, fillings, and other dental care, plus eye exams and glasses. These are important benefits that many private plans charge extra for.
Can I get CHIP if I just earn a little too much for Medicaid?+
Yes — that's exactly who CHIP is designed for. Many working families don't qualify for Medicaid but do qualify for CHIP. If you're pregnant and earn a little too much for Medicaid, look at our CHIP Perinatal guide, which covers prenatal care.
Is applying free?+
Yes. Applying for CHIP is always free, and checking your eligibility costs nothing. Be cautious of any website or person that charges a fee to apply.
Does Texas Health Help decide if my child qualifies?+
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 coverage.
What is the CHIP income limit in Texas for a family of 4 in 2026?+
A family of 4 can earn up to about $5,528 a month in gross income (roughly $66,300 a year) and still qualify for Texas CHIP. That figure is 201% of the 2026 federal poverty level, effective March 1, 2026. For a family of 3 the limit is about $4,577 a month, and for a family of 5 it is about $6,480 a month.
What age does CHIP cover in Texas?+
Texas CHIP covers children from birth through the month of their 19th birthday. Once your child turns 19, coverage ends, but they may qualify for adult Medicaid if they have a disability, or for a low-cost Marketplace plan. CHIP Perinatal covers unborn babies when the mother earns slightly too much for pregnancy Medicaid.
How long does CHIP last once approved?+
Texas CHIP coverage lasts 12 months at a time. HHSC will send a renewal packet before it ends — return it on time so your child's coverage doesn't lapse. Report income or address changes during the year so renewal goes smoothly.
Can undocumented or immigrant children get CHIP in Texas?+
Lawfully present immigrant children can qualify for Texas CHIP, and Texas does not apply a five-year waiting period for children. Undocumented children generally cannot enroll, but they can still get low-cost care at federally qualified health centers and free clinics, and CHIP Perinatal can cover prenatal care regardless of immigration status.
Do I need to reapply if my child already has Medicaid?+
No. If your income rises above the Medicaid limit at renewal, HHSC automatically checks your child for CHIP using the same application. You only need to respond to any request for updated income documents.
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.