Information for Parents/Guardians

The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) and Medical Assistance for Families (MAF) are government-sponsored health insurance programs available only to children and families living in Maryland who are United States citizens, United States permanent residents (i.e., have  green cards), or are refugees or individuals seeking asylum. To qualify financially, gross family income— pre-tax income— must be at or below state financial eligibility guidelines based on income by family size.

There are five income tiers at which a family or children may qualify for medical assistance provided they meet the citizenship or residency requirements listed above.  At the lowest income tier (less than or equal to 116% of Federal Poverty Guidelines), parents or blood relative caregivers living with children under the age of 21 years plus all children under the age of 21 years old living in the household may be eligible for medical assistance. For families with incomes greater than those in Tier 1 but less than or equal to income levels in Tier 2 (less than or equal to 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines), medical assistance is available for children only who are under the age of 19 years old.  Families with incomes greater than those in Tier 2—less than 250% or less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines— may be eligible for low-cost health insurance known as Maryland Children's Health Insurance Premium.  See Tiers 3 and 4 below.  Pregnant females, regardless of age, may be eligible for free medical assistance as long as their income is less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See Tier 5.

Maryland Medical Assistance Benefits for Eligible Individuals