Where to apply for Medicaid in Texas

In Texas, you apply for Medicaid through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which runs the program statewide. You do not apply through a hospital, doctor's office, or private insurance company. HHSC processes applications through a system called Your Texas Benefits, which is the official online portal for all state assistance programs in Texas.

You can apply in three ways: online at yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov, by phone at 211 (a free helpline that connects you to local services), or in person at your local HHSC office. The online route is fastest — you can submit an application in about 15 minutes if you have your documents ready. Phone and in-person applications take longer because staff must enter your information manually.

If you do not know where your local HHSC office is, call 211 and give them your zip code. They will tell you the address, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Some offices now require appointments only; others accept walk-ins during specific hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply through Your Texas Benefits online, by calling 211, or at your local HHSC office — not through a doctor or hospital.
  • You will need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of identity (driver's license or passport), and proof of Texas residency (utility bill or lease).
  • HHSC typically makes a decision within 30 days, though complex cases can take longer; you can check your status anytime in Your Texas Benefits.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to request a hearing within 90 days, and you can reapply at any time if your circumstances change.

Documents you need before you start

HHSC requires three categories of proof. First, proof of income: recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your wages, or bank statements showing regular deposits. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns and bank statements. If you receive no income, bring a statement from your bank showing a $0 balance or a letter from a social service agency confirming you receive no benefits.

Second, proof of identity: a Texas driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, HHSC will accept a birth certificate plus one other document with your name on it (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement). You do not need to bring originals — copies work.

Third, proof of Texas residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the past 60 days. If you are homeless or living with someone else, a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a statement from you confirming you live there, will work instead.

If you are applying for a child, you will also need the child's birth certificate and Social Security number. If you are applying for an elderly or disabled adult, bring medical records or a letter from a doctor confirming the disability.

How to apply online through Your Texas Benefits

Go to yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov and click "Apply Now." You will create a login account using an email address and password. HHSC will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and household members' names and birthdates. Have your documents nearby so you can enter income amounts, employer names, and dates of employment as you go.

The form asks whether you are applying for yourself, a child, an elderly person, or a disabled adult. Select the category that matches who needs coverage. You will then enter household size, monthly income, and expenses (rent, utilities, childcare). Be as accurate as possible — HHSC cross-checks income against tax records and employment databases.

At the end, you will upload photos of your documents using your phone or computer camera. Take clear, well-lit photos of both sides of your ID, your most recent pay stub, and your proof of residency. If a photo is blurry or cut off, HHSC will ask you to resubmit it. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — save or screenshot this number.

HHSC will send you an email confirming receipt. Check your email (including spam folder) within 24 hours. If you do not see a confirmation, log back into Your Texas Benefits and check your application status. If the status says "Incomplete," HHSC is asking for more information — the portal will tell you what is missing.

What happens after you submit your application

HHSC has 30 days to review your application and make a decision. During this time, they verify your income by checking tax records and contacting your employer if needed. They also confirm your identity and residency. You can check your application status anytime by logging into Your Texas Benefits — it will show "Pending," "Approved," "Denied," or "More Information Needed."

If HHSC needs more information, they will send you a notice by mail or email explaining what they need and when you must send it. This usually gives you 10 days. If you miss the deadline, your application may be denied, but you can reapply immediately. If you send the information on time, HHSC will restart the 30-day clock.

If you are approved, you will receive a notice in the mail with your Medicaid number and coverage start date. Coverage typically begins on the first day of the month after approval, though in some cases it can be backdated to cover medical bills from the past three months. You will also receive a Medicaid card in the mail within one to two weeks.

Applying by phone or in person

If you cannot apply online, call 211 and ask to speak with an HHSC representative about Medicaid. They will take your information over the phone and mail you an application form to sign and return, or they will schedule you for an in-person appointment. Phone applications take longer because everything must be entered manually, so expect the process to take 45 minutes to an hour.

For in-person applications, bring all your documents (originals or copies) to your local HHSC office. Staff will review them on the spot, ask questions about your household and income, and submit your application while you wait. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency even if you have already applied online — staff will verify these in person. In-person appointments usually take 30 to 45 minutes.

Some HHSC offices have long wait times, especially early in the month. Call ahead to ask about wait times or whether you need an appointment. If you go without an appointment and the wait is more than two hours, ask staff if you can schedule a time to return.

If your application is denied

HHSC will send you a written notice explaining why you were denied. Common reasons include income above the limit, failure to provide required documents, or not meeting the residency requirement. The notice will also tell you that you have the right to request a hearing within 90 days.

To request a hearing, follow the instructions on the denial notice — usually this means calling a phone number or mailing a form back to HHSC. At the hearing, you can present new documents, explain your situation, and challenge HHSC's decision. A hearing officer will listen and make a new decision. Hearings are free and you do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one if you want.

You can also reapply immediately after a denial if your circumstances have changed — for example, if you lost income or moved to a different address. Each new application is reviewed separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back after I apply?

HHSC has 30 days to make a decision. If they need more information from you, they will send a notice asking what they need and when you must send it — usually 10 days. If you send the information on time, the 30-day clock restarts. In practice, most decisions come within 30 to 45 days.

Can I apply if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to apply for Medicaid in Texas. If you do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration. In the meantime, you can still start your HHSC application and enter "pending" for the Social Security number — HHSC will hold your application until you provide it.

What if my income changes after I am approved?

You must report changes in income, household size, or address within 30 days. You can report changes online through Your Texas Benefits, by calling 211, or by visiting your local HHSC office. If your income increases above the limit, your coverage may end. If it decreases, you may become covered for a higher category of Medicaid.

Do I need to reapply every year?

Yes. Medicaid coverage in Texas is approved for 12 months. Before your coverage ends, HHSC will mail you a renewal form. You must return it with updated income and household information within 30 days, or your coverage will stop. You can renew online, by phone, or in person using the same process as a new application.

What if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?

You can still apply for Medicaid. For proof of residency, use a letter from a shelter, food bank, church, or social service agency on their letterhead stating that you receive services there. Include your name and the dates you have been there. You can also use a signed letter from someone who lets you stay with them, plus a statement from you confirming you live there.