WASHINGTON CO. BEGINNING 34TH YEAR IN INDIGENT CARE PROGRAM
Starting on September 1st, Washington County begins another year under the Texas Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act.
The act defines who is indigent, identifies medical services that those eligible can receive, and assigns responsibility for the indigent health care.
This is Washington County’s 34th year of utilizing the program.
The 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 need to be a resident of the county where they make the application, with the intent to stay. They also need to completely fill out application forms (some assistance is available), and provide the information required to verify and document residency, income, resources, and size of family.
Applicants must have a net income of less than 21 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Other factors may apply, such as household size. Resources of a family of one cannot go over $2,000 after exemptions, while assets for a family of two cannot pass $3,000 after exemptions.
Providers are reimbursed for eligible services according to average Medicaid payment, using Standards and Diagnostic Related Group rates. Clients must use approved physicians.
To apply for the CIHC Program, contact the Brazos Valley Council of Governments at 979-595-2800, or click here. Program assistance is available each second Thursday of the month from 9 to 11:30 a.m., at the Region 7 public health clinic in Brenham at 100 South Chappell Hill Street.
Question for ANY county commissioner. How much is budgeted for the fund each year? If the funds are not all used up by year end, where do they go? Has the fund ever run out when there were still needs to fill? Hoping one of you will answer.