Memo to: All employees
From: Larry Williams

Re: Children's Health Insurance Program

Effective May 1, 2000 Texas families who currently cannot afford health care coverage, but make too much money to qualify for Medicaid can get insurance coverage through the State free or at very reduced rates.

The program is called CHIP, which stands for Children's Health Insurance Program. Applications will be available on April 3 with coverage beginning May 1. The insurance will cover children from birth to 19 years of age.

Legal immigrant and U.S. citizen children are eligible for CHIP. Undocumented parents can safely apply for their U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident children without being fearful of deportation.

Income limitations are based on two times federal poverty levels, which means a family of four with household income of up to about 33,400, may qualify.

For complete information, please call the CHIP office at 1-800-647-6558.