Healthy Texas Women's is a Medicaid program for women earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level

Healthy Texas Women's is a state Medicaid program that covers preventive health services for women who don't have other insurance. The program focuses on family planning, cancer screenings, and related preventive care. You must be a Texas resident, a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, and meet the income limit — which changes yearly but is roughly $2,800 per month for a single person (the exact amount depends on current federal poverty guidelines).

The program does not cover hospital stays, emergency room visits, or treatment for ongoing medical conditions. It is designed as a preventive-care safety net, not as comprehensive health coverage. If you need broader coverage, you may want to explore other Medicaid programs or marketplace insurance instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Healthy Texas Women's covers preventive services like cancer screenings, family planning visits, and contraception for women earning up to 200% of federal poverty level.
  • The program does not pay for hospital care, emergency services, or treatment of existing medical conditions — only prevention and screening.
  • You must be a Texas resident, U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, and meet income limits to be covered.
  • You can learn about enrollment through the Texas Health and Human Services website or by calling 2-1-1 for local referrals.

What services Healthy Texas Women's covers

The program pays for preventive health visits, cancer screenings (including breast and cervical cancer), family planning services, contraception, and related counseling. It also covers certain sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings and treatment. These services are meant to catch health problems early or prevent pregnancy when you're not ready for it.

The program does not cover treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer or another disease during a screening. It does not cover pregnancy care, delivery, or postpartum services. It does not cover mental health treatment, dental care, vision care, or prescription medications outside of contraception. If you need any of those services, you would need to find coverage elsewhere or pay out of pocket.

Income limits and how they're calculated

Healthy Texas Women's covers women earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level changes each year, so the income limit for the program changes too. For the most current dollar amount, you need to check the Texas Health and Human Services website or call 2-1-1, because the exact threshold varies by year and is updated annually.

Income is calculated based on your household size and gross monthly income. If you live alone, only your income counts. If you have dependents, their income may be included depending on whether they live with you and whether you claim them on taxes. The program counts wages, self-employment income, Social Security, and other regular income sources.

How to learn about you may be covered

Start by contacting the Texas Health and Human Services Commission directly through their website, or call 2-1-1 (a free referral line) to reach your local health department or family planning clinic. They can tell you whether your income and situation fit the program's requirements. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer) and proof of Texas residency.

Many family planning clinics in Texas also enroll people directly into Healthy Texas Women's. If you have a clinic you already visit, ask whether they handle enrollment. This can be faster than going through the state system, because the clinic staff know the program and can walk you through it in person.

What happens after you're covered

Once you are covered, you can visit any provider who accepts Healthy Texas Women's Medicaid. Not all doctors or clinics participate, so you may need to call ahead to confirm. The program typically covers the full cost of preventive visits and screenings with no copay, though some clinics may charge a small fee based on your income.

Coverage is usually good for one year, after which you will need to renew. The program will send you a notice before your coverage ends, telling you how to renew. If your income changes or you move out of Texas, you should report that to the program so your coverage can be updated or ended.

Other Medicaid programs that might cover more

If you need coverage beyond preventive care — for example, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or need mental health treatment — Healthy Texas Women's won't cover it. In that case, you may be able to enroll in Texas Medicaid (the full program) if your income is low enough, or you might explore marketplace insurance through Healthcare.gov.

Texas Medicaid covers hospital care, emergency services, prescription medications, and ongoing treatment for chronic conditions. The income limit for Texas Medicaid is lower than Healthy Texas Women's, so you may not be covered by both. A 2-1-1 referral or your local health department can help you understand which program you might be covered by based on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Healthy Texas Women's cover pregnancy or prenatal care?

No. The program covers preventive services and family planning, but not pregnancy care, delivery, or postpartum services. If you become pregnant while covered, you would need to enroll in a different Medicaid program or find other coverage for pregnancy-related care.

Can I use Healthy Texas Women's at any doctor or clinic?

Only at providers who accept Healthy Texas Women's Medicaid. Not all doctors participate. Call ahead to confirm that your preferred clinic or doctor accepts the program before you schedule an appointment.

What if my income goes up after I'm covered?

You should report the income change to the program. If your new income exceeds the 200% poverty level, your coverage may end. The program will tell you when that happens and may refer you to other coverage options.

How long does coverage last?

Coverage is typically good for one year. You will receive a renewal notice before your coverage ends, with instructions on how to renew. If you don't renew, your coverage will stop.

Can I get Healthy Texas Women's if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen or a may have access to immigrant (which includes certain visa holders and refugees). Undocumented immigrants are not covered by this program. Contact 2-1-1 or your local health department to learn what your immigration status means for coverage.