Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) provides free coverage to eligible uninsured children whose family earns too much money to get Medicaid, but not enough to afford private health insurance. Your child may be eligible for Medicaid or MCHP even if you are not.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Maryland Children's Health Program, a child must:

Live in Maryland.
Be a U.S. Citizen or a qualified non-citizen – see Immigration Status Requirements and exceptions.
Be under 19 years old.
Not have other health insurance.
Meet the income limit for your household size.
Provide or apply for a Social Security number.

The only way to know for sure if your child is eligible for MCHP is to apply.

Benefits

MCHP provides full Medicaid coverage for children. Children who are enrolled in MCHP get care from one of Maryland's nine HealthChoice managed care organizations (MCO). You can choose your HealthChoice MCO for services.

Some benefits are:

Dental care
Doctor visits - well and sick care
Hospital care
Immunizations - shots
Lab work and tests
Mental health services
Prescription medicine
Substance abuse treatment
Transportation to medical care
Vision care

For more information, see HealthChoice MCO comparison chart.

Apply Any Time

You can apply for Medicaid or MCHP any time. Apply now and create an account at Maryland Health Connection.

Resources

COMAR 10.09.11.

Contact

For more information, call Maryland Health Connection at 1-855-642-8572 or for Maryland Relay dial 7-1-1.

NOTICE: MCHP Premium Program Participants

As of May 1, 2024, Maryland Medicaid has ended premium payments for this program. You no longer have a premium payment. There is no change to your child’s health care coverage.

Your child must continue to meet all the eligibility requirements to be in the Maryland Children’s Health Program.

You will get a renewal notice to reapply for the Maryland Children’s Health Program every year. Be sure to keep your contact information up to date to get messages about your coverage. Login to your Maryland Health Connection account or call 1-855-642-8572 to update your contact information.

Do not make future payments.