Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

This program provides full health care coverage to pregnant women and families. Covered services include in-patient hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests, dental care, eye care, medicines and immunizations.

To qualify, you must meet these requirements:

• Children under age 19, who are not eligible for Medicaid, and whose annual household income meets the federal poverty level (FPL) guidelines. 

To get further information, contact our MCHP offices at 410-313-5845 or come to the Health Department located at: 
8930 Stanford Blvd
Columbia, MD 21045
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Or you can write us at:  medicaid@howardcountymd.gov

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. 

Medical Assistance for Families provides free and full health care coverage to low-income families with dependent children. This program began in July of 2008 and expands Medicaid eligibility to thousands more Maryland families. Covered services include in-patient hospital care, medical doctor visits, lab tests, low cost or free medicines and immunizations.

 Am I eligible?  

To qualify for MA for Families, you must meet all of these requirements:

• Families whose annual household income is not more than 116% of the federal poverty level or FPL 
• U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or qualified alien (including Refugees and Asylees)

How do I apply? 

To apply, ask questions or get further information, contact our MCHP offices at 410-313-5845 or come into our office located at 8930 Stanford Blvd., Columbia, MD 21045. 
 
Office Hours are: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To file a Maryland Health Connection Application for health care coverage, you can do so in one of the following ways:

• Online at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov
  • You will need to create a user account, then go to "Start New Application" from "Quick Links" on the Account Home Page
• By calling the Maryland Health Connection Call Center at 1-855-642-8572 (1-855-642-8573 voice/relay)
• In person at the Health Department or regional Connector Entity