How to apply for Valley Baptist Financial Assistance + Cameron County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP) in Texas

Who it's for

Cameron County does NOT maintain a public hospital district, so low-income uninsured residents have two separate programs: (1) the VALLEY BAPTIST PATIENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM at Valley Baptist Medical Center (Brownsville and Harlingen), available to households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level OR households whose annual out-of-pocket medical costs exceeded 10% of household income — apply through Valley Baptist Patient Financial Services at 956-389-3132; and (2) the CAMERON COUNTY INDIGENT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM (CIHCP), run by Cameron County Public Health, for county residents who do not qualify for Medicaid, have household income at or below 21% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and have no more than $2,000 in household resources ($3,000 if someone in the household is 60+ or disabled). CIHCP covers physician services, screenings, annual physicals, immunizations, lab and X-ray, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and up to three prescription drugs per month, through participating providers. To apply for CIHCP, pick up an application and make an appointment at a Cameron County Public Health office: Brownsville, 1204 Jose Colunga Jr. (956-574-8745), or San Benito, 1390 W. Expressway 83 (956-247-3665), Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–noon and 1–5 p.m. The 10%-of-income medical-burden path at Valley Baptist means even higher-income households facing large medical bills can qualify.

What you'll need

• Completed Valley Baptist Patient Financial Assistance Program application
• Proof of all household income (paycheck stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statement)
• Proof of Cameron County residency
• Photo identification
• Proof of uninsured or underinsured status
• For CIHCP (21% FPL): a Cameron County Public Health application plus proof of household resources (limit $2,000, or $3,000 if someone in the household is 60+ or disabled)
• For 10%-of-income medical-burden alternate qualification: documentation of medical bills over the past 12 months

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Valley Baptist Financial Assistance + Cameron County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need completed Valley Baptist Patient Financial Assistance Program application, proof of all household income (paycheck stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statement), proof of Cameron County residency — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

annual recertification required