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Moms with CHIP-Perinate—Keep Your Baby Covered

Congratulations on your little one!

Reminder

As a reminder, newborns of moms covered by CHIP-Perinate are not automatically enrolled in the same health plan as their mother’s.* This means you will need to select a health plan and Primary Care Physician (PCP) for your baby after birth. If you would like your baby to be covered by Texas Children’s Health Plan, this is when you would make that choice.

Why do I need to prepare for this now?

While you have time before you need to take these steps, it is important that you are informed. Being prepared will give your peace of mind, and you will have more time to enjoy spending time with your newborn!

Can I get help with my baby’s enrollment packet?

Don’t worry! We are here to help. Our Application Assistance team members can help you in person or on the phone. Visit our Application Assistance page for more details.

Quick Guide on Newborn Enrollment Process

Follow these steps as soon as possible after delivery to keep your baby on your health plan of choice:

Tell HHSC your baby has arrived as soon as possible after delivery. 

Within 3-4 weeks after you have reported the birth of your baby, HHSC will send you a newborn enrollment packet by mail OR they will reach out by phone. Keep an eye on your mailbox and/or a call from HHSC! 

When you have the newborn enrollment packet, fill it out with your choice of health plan and PCP for your baby. Then, submit the packet back to HHSC. You can do so in one of three ways:

Phone

Phone: 

If you would prefer to fill out this information over the phone, you can call the Enrollment Broker call center at 1-800-964-2777 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. CT.

Phone prompt instructions to get through to an agent:

  • Press 1 for CHIP-Perinatal.
  • Press 1, 2, or 3, depending on which document you have available.
    • Press 1 if you have your baby’s Social Security number.
    • Press 2 if you have your baby’s CHIP Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number.
    • Press 3 if you do not have either document.
  • Press 1 to choose a health plan for your baby.

If you opt to call HHSC, prepare to have the following information ready: 

  • Your Member ID number (found on your Member ID card).
  • Name of the health plan you want for your baby.
  • Name and phone number of your baby’s PCP. 
     
Online

Online:

If you would prefer to fill out this information online, go to YourTexasbenefit.com. Once you have logged into your profile, click “Manage,” then click “Medicaid & CHIP Services” in the Quick Links section, then click “Pick Your Health Plan.” 
 

Mail

Mail:

If you would prefer to fill out this information by mail, simply complete the form included in the packet and return it in the provided pre-paid reply envelope.
 

You should hear back from HHSC quickly once you have submitted the packet.

What if I still don’t have my baby’s enrollment packet or Member ID number?

If you have not received your baby’s enrollment packet or ID number by the time your baby is one month-old, call HHSC at 2-1-1 to check the status of your baby’s enrollment packet. 

What’s next?

Once your baby is covered by your plan of choice, it’s then time to make sure he or she is getting the care they need. Taking your baby to Well-Child Checkups is one of the best ways to ensure he or she stays healthy. You can learn more about these important visits on our Infant and Child Health Care page.

*Please Note: This only applies to newborns of mothers covered by CHIP-Perinate. If you are a pregnant mom covered by Medicaid, your baby is automatically enrolled in your chosen plan after delivery. No actions need to be taken to do so.