Where and how to apply for Texas Medicaid

You apply for Medicaid in Texas through the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which runs the program for the state. You have three ways to apply: online through the Your Benefits Now portal, by mail, or in person at a local HHSC office. The online route is fastest — you can submit your application and upload documents without leaving home, and you'll get a decision within 30 days in most cases.

To start an online application, go to yourbenefitstexas.com and create an account. You'll answer questions about your household size, income, citizenship, and the reason you're seeking coverage. The system will tell you immediately whether you appear to meet the income and resource limits for the Medicaid category you're applying for. If you apply by mail, send your completed application (Form H1010) to the HHSC office that serves your county. If you apply in person, bring your documents with you and an HHSC worker will help you fill out the form on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at yourbenefitstexas.com, by mail using Form H1010, or in person at your local HHSC office — online is usually fastest.
  • You'll need proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer), proof of citizenship or immigration status, and your Social Security number.
  • Texas Medicaid has different income limits depending on which category you fall into: children, pregnant people, parents, elderly people, or people with disabilities.
  • HHSC will contact you within 30 days to ask for any missing documents or to tell you whether you're covered.
  • If you're approved, coverage usually starts the first day of the month after you apply, though emergency Medicaid can start immediately in some situations.

Documents you need to have ready

HHSC will ask for proof of several things. Bring or upload a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer stating your income, or your last two years of tax returns — anything that shows what you earn. If you're self-employed, bring tax returns and a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive Social Security, unemployment, or other benefits, bring a recent statement showing the amount.

You also need proof of citizenship or immigration status. A U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work for citizenship. If you're not a citizen, bring your green card, work permit, or other immigration document. HHSC can also verify citizenship electronically if you give permission, which speeds things up. You'll need your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of everyone in your household who is applying.

Bring proof of where you live — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If you're homeless or staying with someone else, you can write a statement instead. If you have medical expenses, bring receipts or bills showing what you've paid out of pocket, because some Medicaid categories count medical costs when calculating income.

Income limits and which Medicaid category fits your situation

Texas Medicaid covers different groups at different income levels. Children under 19 can earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level — roughly $3,500 a month for a single child, though this changes yearly. Pregnant people and new parents can earn up to 196% of poverty. Parents of children can earn up to 19% of poverty, which is much lower — around $330 a month for a single parent. People over 65 or with disabilities can earn up to 100% of poverty but have a separate resource limit of $2,000 in savings or assets.

The income limit that applies to you depends on your household size and which group you belong to. HHSC will calculate your household income by adding up what everyone living with you earns, then subtracting certain things like child support you pay or work expenses. If your income is above the limit for one category, you might still may have access to for another — for example, a parent earning too much might have a child who qualifies on their own.

Texas also has a program called CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) for children whose family income is too high for Medicaid but still low. CHIP covers children up to 19 and has a higher income limit than Medicaid — roughly 400% of poverty. If you're turned down for Medicaid, HHSC will tell you whether your child can get CHIP instead.

What happens after you submit your application

HHSC has 30 days to make a decision. During that time, they may contact you by phone, email, or mail asking for more information or documents. If they ask for something, send it back as soon as you can — if you don't respond within 10 days, they may close your case. You can check the status of your application anytime by logging into yourbenefitstexas.com or calling the HHSC customer service line at 1-800-252-8263.

If you're approved, you'll receive a notice in the mail saying your coverage starts. Coverage usually begins the first day of the month after you apply. In some situations — such as if you're in the hospital or have an emergency medical need — you may get emergency Medicaid that covers you right away, even while your regular application is being reviewed. The notice will explain what you're covered for and how to use your benefits.

If you're turned down, the notice will explain why and tell you how to ask for a hearing to challenge the decision. You have 90 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing. If you disagree with the reason you were denied, you can submit more information or documents to support your case.

Renewing your Medicaid coverage

Your Medicaid coverage lasts for a set period — usually 12 months — and then you have to renew. HHSC will mail you a renewal form about 30 days before your coverage ends. You fill it out, send it back, and they'll review it to make sure you still meet the income and other requirements. If your situation hasn't changed, renewal is usually quick.

You can renew online, by mail, or in person, just like you applied. If you don't renew by the deadline, your coverage will end. If your income or household size has changed since you applied, tell HHSC right away — you don't have to wait for the renewal date. Changes like a new job, a child born, or someone moving out can affect whether you still may have access to or what you're covered for.

What to do if you need help with your application

If you get stuck filling out the application or don't understand what HHSC is asking for, you can call 1-800-252-8263 and speak to someone. They can answer questions about what documents you need or what income counts. If you speak Spanish, interpreters are available. You can also visit a local HHSC office in person and ask a worker to help you apply.

Some community organizations and legal aid groups also help people apply for Medicaid for free. You can find local help through 211 (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) or by searching "Medicaid help near me" online. These groups know the Texas system and can walk you through the process or help you gather documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Medicaid if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and some other immigration statuses can get Medicaid. Undocumented immigrants cannot get regular Medicaid, but Texas does have emergency Medicaid that covers urgent medical needs. Bring whatever immigration document you have when you apply, and HHSC will tell you what you're covered for.

How long does it take to get approved?

HHSC has 30 days to make a decision from the date you apply. If you apply online and upload all your documents right away, you may hear back in two to three weeks. If you apply by mail or are missing documents, it may take closer to 30 days. Once approved, coverage usually starts the first of the next month.

What if my income is above the limit but I have high medical bills?

Some Medicaid categories allow you to subtract medical expenses from your income. If you're over 65 or have a disability, you can count unpaid medical bills, nursing home costs, or other health expenses. This can bring your income down below the limit. Bring receipts or bills showing what you've paid.

Can I apply if I'm working?

Yes. Many people on Medicaid work — the income limit just means your earnings have to be low enough. If you work part-time or earn minimum wage, you likely meet the income limit. Tell HHSC how much you earn and bring a recent pay stub to prove it.

What if HHSC asks for documents I don't have?

Call HHSC and explain what you're missing. They may accept a written statement from you instead, or they may contact your employer or bank directly to verify information. Don't ignore the request — if you don't respond within 10 days, they'll close your case. If that happens, you can reapply.