Benefits · Healthcare

How to apply for Carson County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)

Carson County Commissioners Court — administers the County Indigent Health Care Program under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61; located in Panhandle

Who it's for

The Carson County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is required by Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 for low-income residents who don't qualify for other state or federal healthcare programs. Eligibility: Carson County resident age 18+; household income less than 21% of the Federal Poverty Level; not Medicaid-eligible. Covers physician services, lab/x-ray, three prescriptions per month, and inpatient/outpatient hospital services through participating providers. PRIMARY HOSPITAL: No hospital in county; residents access Amarillo or Pampa hospitals. BSA Health System and Northwest Texas Healthcare System (Amarillo) are the regional tertiary referral hospitals for the entire 26-county Panhandle. Apply by calling Carson County at 806-537-3873.

Carson CIHCP at 21% FPL — very strict. No hospital in county; residents access Amarillo or Pampa hospitals. For tertiary care, BSA Health (400% FPL) and NWTHS in Amarillo are the regional referral hospitals; Panhandle Transit can transport CIHCP enrollees there at low cost.

What you'll need

Completed Carson County CIHCP application
Proof of all household income
Proof of household resources/assets
Proof of Carson County residency
Photo identification
Proof of uninsured status and Medicaid ineligibility

Where to apply

Apply online: official application

By phone: 806-537-3873

Renewals

annual recertification

Official source →Last verified · June 7, 2026

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Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.