WASHINGTON CO. STARTING 41ST YEAR IN INDIGENT CARE PROGRAM
Next Tuesday, September 1st, Washington County will start its 41st year under the Texas Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act.
The act sets the criteria for who is indigent, details the medical services available for eligible recipients and establishes the legal responsibilities for local governments providing the indigent health care.
Washington County is complying through the County Indigent Health Care (CIHC) Program as outlined in the rules set by the Texas Department of Health. It is administered by the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, who oversees the program with the financial and procedural boundaries set by the county.
To qualify, applicants must be residents of the county where they make their application, with the explicit intent to stay. Applications must be completely filled out and include documentation needed to verify residency, income, assets and family size. Some assistance is available for completing the applications.
The net household income cannot exceed 21 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Other factors may apply, such as household size. Resources for a single person may not exceed $2,000 after exemptions, while resources for a family of two are capped at $3,000 after exemptions.
Providers are reimbursed for eligible services based on average Medicaid rates and Diagnostic Related Group standards. Clients must receive care from pre-approved physicians.
To learn more about the program or access applications, go to www.bvcog.org or call 979-595-2801.