Texas didn’t expand Medicaid, so the rules are narrower than in many states. And applying is always free. Here’s the full walkthrough, with free help options at every step.
Key takeaways
- Free to apply, free coverage: Applying for Texas Medicaid costs nothing, and if you qualify, your health coverage is free.
- Who qualifies: Children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers with very low incomes, and people who are 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify — check YourTexasBenefits.com to see if you do.
- 3 free ways to apply: Online at YourTexasBenefits.com (fastest), by phone at 2-1-1, or in person with free help from Food Bank navigators (210-431-8326).
- Timeline: It can take several weeks to hear back. If you haven’t heard anything, check your case status at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1. Incomplete applications and missing documents are common causes of delays — submit everything on the checklist.
In this guide
- Who qualifies in Texas?
- What you’ll need
- How to apply (3 free ways)
- After you apply
- Kids: don’t forget CHIP
Who qualifies in Texas?
- Children (through Medicaid or CHIP, with higher income limits than adults)
- Pregnant women
- Parents/caretakers with very low income
- Seniors 65+ and people with disabilities (often alongside SSI)
- Former foster youth up to age 26
Note: Childless adults who aren’t 65+, blind, or disabled generally don’t qualify — Texas Medicaid for adults is limited to parents/caretakers with very low incomes (a family of three: $230/month with one parent), per HHSC. If that’s you, check the ACA marketplace during open enrollment — subsidies can make premiums very low.
What you’ll need
The same core documents as SNAP: photo ID, Social Security numbers for applicants, proof of income (last 30 days), proof of Texas residency, and information about any current health insurance. Pregnant applicants should have their due date handy. Gathering these before you start is free — and it prevents most delays.
How to apply (3 free ways)
- Online: one free application at YourTexasBenefits.com covers Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP together — applying online is the most convenient option for most people.
- By phone: Call 2-1-1 and follow the prompts for free health coverage help.
- In person: Visit a local HHSC benefits office, or get free help from San Antonio Food Bank navigators at 210-431-8326.
After you apply
Medicaid determinations take longer than SNAP — often 30–45 days — because of extra verification steps. You’ll get notices by mail and in your online account if documents are needed. Respond fast: incomplete applications and missing documents are common causes of delays — submit everything on the checklist. Once approved, you’ll pick a health plan (call the Texas Enrollment Broker helpline at 800-964-2777 to choose or change plans).
Kids: don’t forget CHIP
If your children don’t qualify for Medicaid, they may qualify for CHIP. CHIP uses the same YourTexasBenefits application; cost-sharing depends on your income — the approval letter will show any enrollment fees or copays.
Let us do the paperwork mapping
Read every question carefully and submit all requested documents; mistakes can delay or deny your application. Our free Apply for Me program gives you a personalized checklist for Medicaid, CHIP, and every other benefit your household qualifies for — at no cost.
