WASHINGTON CO. BEGINNING 36TH YEAR IN INDIGENT CARE PROGRAM
Washington County begins its 36th year under the Texas Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act today (Wednesday).
The act defines who is indigent, identifies medical services that those eligible can receive and assigns responsibility for the indigent health care.
Washington County is complying through the County Indigent Health Care (CIHC) Program, outlined by the Texas Department of Health and administered by the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG). The county sets the limits within the program for the BVCOG to direct.
Applicants must be a resident of the county where they make the application, with the intent to stay. They also need to completely fill out applications—some assistance is available—and provide the information required to verify and document residency, income, resources and size of family.
Applicants must also have a net income of less than 21 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Other factors may apply, such as household size. Resources for a family of one cannot exceed $2,000 after exemptions, while resources for a family of two cannot go over $3,000 after exemptions.
Providers are reimbursed for eligible services according to average Medicaid payment. Clients must use approved physicians.
To apply for the CIHC program, visit www.bvcog.org or call 979-595-2800.