March 28, 2023

You may begin collecting CHIP-co-pays on May 12, 2023

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Texas Health and Human Services Commissions (HHSC) waived co-pays for Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) medical office visits. This waiver will end on May 11, 2023.

You may begin collecting co-pays

For CHIP medical office visits scheduled on or after May 12, 2023.

You may not charge co-pay for the following:

For COVID-19 related office visits for COVID-19 vaccines, testing and treatment.

For mental health and substance use disorder outpatient office visits. Co-pays have been permanently removed from mental health and substance use disorder outpatient office visits to comply with federal regulations.

Providers must adhere to co-pay guidelines outlined in our Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Medicaid STAR, CHIP and STAR Kids Provider manual. CHIP co-pays that members must pay are determined based on their income. CHIP co-pays do not apply to Native Americans, Alaska Native, CHIP Perinate and CHIP Perinatal newborn members.

Co-Payment Attestation

Providers must attest that the office visit co-payment was not collected by using the following attestation form and submit an invoice to BCBSTX.

•  COVID-19 CHIP Provider Co-Payment Attestation

Questions

Providers, for questions or additional information, please:

• Contact your BCBSTX Medicaid Network team at 1-855-212-1615 or
• Submit via email Texas Medicaid Network Department