Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Hidalgo County Indigent Health Care Program (County-Operated, No Hospital District)
Hidalgo County Health & Human Services — a Hidalgo County BoCC department; operates the County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) for low-income uninsured Hidalgo County residents — required of Texas counties under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 (the County Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act) because Hidalgo County DOES NOT MAINTAIN A PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT
Who it's for
Hidalgo County operates a County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) for low-income uninsured residents — REQUIRED of Texas counties under Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 (the County Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act of 1985) because Hidalgo County does NOT maintain a public hospital district. The CIHCP framework applies in ALL 254 Texas counties — those WITH a public hospital district can satisfy the requirement through the district (e.g., Harris through Harris Health, Dallas through Parkland), while those WITHOUT a hospital district must operate the CIHCP directly via the county Commissioners Court. Hidalgo County's CIHCP provides basic healthcare coverage (primary care, specialty care, hospital inpatient and outpatient, prescription drugs) to Hidalgo County residents who meet strict income, resource, and uninsured-status criteria. The CIHCP minimum income eligibility threshold under Texas statute is 21% of the Federal Poverty Level — counties may opt to expand this threshold up to 50% FPL or higher, but Hidalgo's actual threshold varies by program year and county appropriations. Counties typically use participating provider networks rather than directly operate hospitals — Hidalgo CIHCP partners include DHR Health, South Texas Health System hospitals, and Hope Family Health Center (an Edinburg nonprofit clinic supported by DHR Health and Hidalgo County). To apply, call Hidalgo County Health & Human Services at 956-383-3826 (same office as HCCSA's CEAP).
The Hidalgo County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) is the safety-net of LAST RESORT for uninsured low-income Hidalgo residents — Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 61 requires counties WITHOUT a public hospital district to operate the CIHCP. The statutory minimum income threshold is 21% FPL; Hidalgo's actual threshold varies and is typically near 100% FPL. ASSET LIMITS are STRICTER than peer TX public hospital district programs (Hidalgo CIHCP often uses sub-$2,000 asset limits similar to Medicaid). Six-month Hidalgo County residency is typically required. Hidalgo CIHCP is APPROPRIATIONS-LIMITED — Hidalgo County Commissioners Court sets annual funding, and waitlists are common. DHR Health and South Texas Health System participate in CIHCP networks. For Hidalgo seniors needing Medicare cost-sharing assistance, the federal Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) are typically the deepest assistance pathway separate from CIHCP. Hope Family Health Center (Edinburg nonprofit clinic) is a complementary safety net for uninsured RGV residents — funded by DHR Health and Hidalgo County.
What you'll need
- Completed Hidalgo County CIHCP application
- Proof of all household income (paycheck stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statement, SSI award letter, tax return)
- Proof of all household assets (bank statements, vehicle titles)
- Proof of Hidalgo County residency for at least 6 months (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Photo identification
- Proof of uninsured status (Medicaid denial letter, lack of insurance documentation)
- Citizenship or eligible non-citizen documentation
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 956-383-3826
Renewals
periodic redetermination per Texas statute and county policy
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.