State of Texas Launches New CHIP Perinatal Program to Provide Health Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women and Contracts With Community Health Choice, Inc., for 20 Counties

Applications Now Being Accepted for Basic Pregnancy Coverage With No Enrollment Fees, No Co-Pays and No Waiting Period

HOUSTON, Feb. 7, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Community Heath Choice, Inc. (CHC), has contracted with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission for its new CHIP Perinatal product. CHC is an HMO owned by the Harris County Hospital District. CHIP Perinatal gives health care benefits to the unborn children of pregnant women. To qualify, a pregnant woman must meet two tests. Her household income must be under 200% of Federal Poverty Level and she must not have other health insurance. CHIP Perinatal is available through CHC in 20 Texas counties. These include Harris, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harding, Montgomery, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Tyler, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties.

"Expectant moms will be happy to learn that the new CHIP Perinatal program requires no enrollment fees, no co-payments and no waiting period for coverage," says Dr. Glen Johnson, CHC President and CEO. "It provides 12 months of continuous coverage from when she is enrolled. For example, if she is enrolled when she is three months pregnant, her unborn child will have six months of prenatal coverage and six months of coverage after birth."

The CHIP Perinatal program benefits include:

 -- Up to 20 prenatal visits
 -- Lab tests, education and counseling related to pregnancy
 -- Prescription drug coverage for pregnancy, such as prenatal 
    vitamins
 -- Hospitalization for labor with delivery of child (either through 
    CHIP Perinatal or Emergency Medicaid)
 -- Two postpartum visits for the mother
 -- Basic CHIP benefits for the baby after the baby leaves the 
    hospital. 

These include regular checkups, office visits, shots and immunizations, prescription drugs, x-rays, lab tests, medical supplies, access to medical specialists, and coverage for special health needs. A full list of covered benefits and application information is available online at www.CHIPmedicaid.gov.

Pregnant women participating in the program must be uninsured and must not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Their household income must be below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (about $1,600 per month for an individual, or $3,200 per month for a family of four). The application only requires proof of income. The pregnant mother's immigration status is not reviewed.

CHIP Perinatal program applications are available:

 * on the Internet at yourtexasbenefits.org
 * by calling 1-800-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)
 * or by visiting Texas Health and Human Services benefits offices 
   (call 2-1-1 for location information) or participating WIC offices.

Completed applications can be returned at a local Health and Human Services benefits office, by mail or fax. The fax number and address are on the application.

Over the last 10 years, Community Health Choice, Inc., has increased its membership from 2,000 to over 90,000 members. It currently delivers STAR Medicaid and CHIP services through a provider network of more than 5,000 doctors and 46 hospitals in its 20-county service area.

"We are pleased to be selected by the State of Texas to offer CHIP Perinatal coverage in 20 counties. We believe that this reflects our success in building strong physician and hospital networks and bringing about significant declines in premature birth rates among our membership through initiatives targeting high-risk pregnancy," Dr. Johnson says. "Our core mission -- to improve access to quality healthcare in the region -- will be greatly furthered by our participation in this new state program."

CHC offers all standard Medicaid and CHIP health benefits. These include routine check-ups, shots, prescriptions and other important services. Through its "Healthy Choices, Healthy Families" program for members, CHC sponsors free, special events, educational activities and newsletters. These extra benefits teach members healthy living habits. Additional CHC benefits include a 24-hour Nurse Help Line, walk-in and after-hours appointments, and free health education classes. CHC is accredited by URAC.

For more information about Community Health Choice, Inc., call (713) 295-2294 or (888) 760-2600, or visit communityhealthchoice.org.

CONTACT:  Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
          Media Contact:
          Susan Oakland
          (713) 523-7900 
          soakland@mmihouston.com