Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

What are the 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.

How to Apply

You can apply for Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) any time. Apply now and create an account at Maryland Health Connection.

Applicants can apply in any Office of Eligibility and Support Services office below.

  • Silver Spring Office 8630 Fenton Street, 10th. Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910
  • Silver Spring Office 8818 Georgia Avenue, 2nd. Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910*
  • Rockville Office 1401 Rockville Pike, 1st floor, Rockville, MD 20852
  • Germantown Office 12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd. Floor, Germantown, MD 20874*

*Customers can enroll in a Private Health Plan in Maryland Health Connection.

Documents to Bring

In general, the following documents are needed:

  • Proof of identity 
  • Social Security number (not the Social Security Card) 
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status for non-U.S. born applicants 

Eligibility Requirements

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. 

Fees and Payments

None.

FAQ's

1.  How long does it take to process my MCHP for Families application?

It takes approximately 10 days.

2.  What happens after my application is approved?

When you receive your enrollment packet in the mail, you will:

  • Find out from your doctor which managed care organizations (MCO) plans they accept;
  • Pick a MCO and primary care doctor to provide your care. If you do not pick a MCO, the State will pick one for you;
  • Inform HealthChoice which MCO and doctor you have selected;
  • Contact the doctor for an appointment.

3.  What is the County’s Role With MCHP?

MCHP is managed by the State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Health (MDH). It uses federal and state funds to provide the health care coverage. Montgomery County DHHS staff determine MCHP eligibility at the local level and assist county residents who want to apply for the program 

The Maryland Health Connection application is in Spanish and English. Individuals who wish to apply but do not speak English or have limited English proficiency will have access to an interpreter. The interpreter may be a local department staff member, an individual designated by the applicant, an individual outside the agency who is proficient in the customer’s language, or the department can use the Language Line. An interpreter cannot be a minor child. 

4.  What should I do when my address, family size, or income changes?

It’s important to update your information right away if you’ve had changes in your household or income to be sure you are receiving the right coverage.
Please report any address or income changes within 10 days, as required, by logging in to your Maryland Health Connection account, calling the Consolidated Call Center at 855-642-8572, or visiting the Office of Eligibility and Support Services location.

5.  How do I get more information about fees or services covered by MCHP?

You may call the Maryland Medicaid HealthChoice. 

 Additional Information

No Additional Information at this time

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