Short answer: The Texas CHIP enrollment fee is $0, $35 or $50 per household (not per child) for each 12-month enrollment period, based on income.
HHSC sets the fee by the household’s net income as a percentage of the federal poverty income limit:
- At or below 151%: $0
- Above 151% up to 186%: $35
- Above 186% up to 201%: $50
The fee covers the whole continuous enrollment period and is charged again at each renewal. Children generally cannot start coverage until the fee is received, and failing to pay it at application or renewal is one of the listed exceptions to CHIP’s 12 months of continuous coverage. Fees paid online at YourTexasBenefits.com carry a $2 nonrefundable convenience fee.
The fee is not the family’s whole cost: CHIP also has copays, subject to an annual cap.