Where to Apply for Texas Medicaid Online

Texas adults can apply for Medicaid through the Your Texas Benefits portal at yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov. This is the official state system run by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You create an account, log in, and submit your application without visiting an office.

You can also apply by phone through the same system: call 211 and ask for Medicaid, or call the HHSC directly at 1-800-252-8263. Phone applications take longer than online, but both routes lead to the same review process. The online portal is faster if you have your documents ready.

A third option is to apply in person at your local HHSC office, but this requires scheduling and travel. Most people who can apply online do so because the portal is open 24 hours and you can submit everything at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a Your Texas Benefits account at yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov, fill out the Medicaid application, and upload proof of income and residency in one session.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or ID), and proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer).
  • Texas Medicaid has no asset limit for adults, but your monthly income must fall below the limit for your household size — limits change yearly and vary by program type.
  • The state reviews your application within 30 days; you will receive a letter by mail or email telling you whether you are covered, and coverage begins the first day of the month you applied.
  • If you are denied, you can request a hearing within 90 days of the denial letter and present new information or challenge the state's decision.

Creating Your Your Texas Benefits Account

Go to yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov and click "Create Account" or "Sign In." You will need an email address and a password you create yourself. The system will ask you to verify your email by clicking a link sent to your inbox — check your spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes.

Once your email is verified, you can log in and start a new application. The portal will ask whether you are applying for yourself, a family member, or multiple people. Select "Medicaid" as the program. You do not need to apply for other programs (like SNAP or TANF) unless you want to.

If you already have a Your Texas Benefits account from a previous application, log in with your existing email and password. The system will show you any open applications and let you continue where you left off.

Information and Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you open the application. Having them ready means you can finish in one session instead of starting and stopping:

  • Your Social Security number — required for all applicants.
  • Proof of Texas residency — a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or Texas ID or driver's license. The document must show your name and current address.
  • Proof of income — recent pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title and monthly pay, or bank statements showing regular deposits if you are self-employed.
  • Citizenship or immigration status — your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you are a U.S. citizen, you can declare this under penalty of perjury in the application without uploading a document.
  • Medical expenses (optional) — if you have high medical costs, some Medicaid programs count these against your income. Bring receipts or bills if this applies to you.

You can upload documents as PDFs, JPGs, or PNGs. Take clear photos of physical documents with your phone if you do not have a scanner. The portal will tell you if a file is too large or the wrong format.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out the Online Application

After you log in and select Medicaid, the portal walks you through sections in this order:

Personal information: Your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. The system checks your name and SSN against state records to prevent duplicate applications.

Household members: List everyone living with you, including children, spouses, and other adults. The state counts household income together, so everyone in the home affects whether you are covered. You can apply for Medicaid for yourself only, or include others in the same application.

Income: Report all money coming into your household each month — wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment, child support, or rental income. The portal asks you to upload pay stubs or other proof. If your income changes month to month, report your average over the past three months.

Resources and assets: Texas Medicaid for adults has no asset limit, so you do not need to report savings, property, or vehicles. This section may appear but does not affect your coverage decision.

Citizenship: Declare whether you are a U.S. citizen. If you are, you can check a box stating this under penalty of perjury. If you are not a citizen, you will be asked about your immigration status and may need to upload documents.

Upload documents: The portal will prompt you to attach your proof of residency, income, and citizenship. You can upload multiple files. The system saves your work, so if you close the browser, you can log back in and continue.

Review and submit: Before you submit, the portal shows you everything you entered. Check it for typos or missing information. Once you click "Submit," your application is sent to HHSC for review.

What Happens After You Submit

HHSC has 30 days to review your application. During this time, a caseworker checks your income against the current Medicaid limit, verifies your residency and citizenship, and may contact you if they need more information.

You will receive a notice by mail or email (depending on what you chose during application) telling you whether you are covered. If you are approved, your coverage begins on the first day of the month you applied, even if the approval letter arrives later. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request a hearing.

You can check the status of your application anytime by logging back into Your Texas Benefits and viewing your open cases. The portal shows whether the state is still reviewing, whether they need more information from you, or whether a decision has been made.

If HHSC needs more documents or information, they will send you a message through the portal or by mail. You typically have 10 days to respond. If you do not respond, your application may be denied, but you can reapply later.

Income Limits and Program Types in Texas

Texas offers Medicaid to adults under different programs, and the income limit depends on which one you fall into. Texas Medicaid for adults with disabilities or over 65 covers people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The income limit is roughly $1,150 per month for a single person, but this changes yearly.

Texas Medicaid for parents and caretakers covers adults caring for children under 19. The income limit is much lower — around $500 per month for a single person — and this program has been limited in recent years.

Texas Medicaid for pregnant people covers pregnant individuals regardless of immigration status in some cases. The income limit is higher than for parents.

The Your Texas Benefits portal will show you which programs you may be covered under based on your answers. If your income is too high for one program, you may still be covered under another. Check the HHSC website or call 211 to see the exact current limits for your household size.

What to Do If You Are Denied

If your application is denied, the notice will explain the reason — usually that your income is too high, you did not provide proof of residency or citizenship, or you do not fall into a covered category. Read the letter carefully and keep it.

You have the right to request a hearing within 90 days of the denial date. To request a hearing, call HHSC at 1-800-252-8263 or submit a written request through Your Texas Benefits. At the hearing, you can present new documents, explain your situation, and challenge the state's decision. A hearing officer will review your case and issue a new decision.

You can also reapply at any time. If your income has changed, your household situation has changed, or you have new documents, a new application may be approved even if the previous one was denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I do not have a computer or internet at home?

Yes. Call 211 or the HHSC at 1-800-252-8263 to apply by phone. You can also visit your local HHSC office and apply in person with staff help. Public libraries in Texas also offer free computer access and sometimes have staff who can help you navigate the portal.

How long does it take to get approved after I submit online?

HHSC has up to 30 days to review and decide. Many applications are approved or denied within two to three weeks. If the state needs more information from you, the clock pauses while you respond. Coverage begins the first day of the month you applied, not the day you receive approval.

What if my income is too high but I have large medical bills?

Some Texas Medicaid programs allow you to subtract medical expenses from your income. If you have ongoing medical costs, ask HHSC whether your program counts these. Bring receipts or bills as proof. This may lower your countable income enough to be covered.

Do I need to reapply every year?

Yes. Texas Medicaid requires renewal once per year. HHSC will send you a renewal notice by mail or email before your coverage ends. You can renew online through Your Texas Benefits, by phone, or in person. If you do not renew, your coverage will end.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Some immigration statuses may have access to for Texas Medicaid — including lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees. Others do not. During the online application, you will be asked about your immigration status. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, call 211 or HHSC before applying so you know what documents to prepare.