Pregnancy Medicaid in Texas
Postpartum coverage & eligibility checklist — 2026
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Step 1 — Do you qualify? (the 4 rules)
- You are pregnant, or were pregnant within the last 12 months.
- You live in Texas.There is no minimum time you must have lived in the state.
- Your gross monthly household income is at or under 198% of the federal poverty level.2026 limits: $3,490 (2 people), $4,399 (3), $5,308 (4), $6,217 (5), $7,126 (6). Count yourself plus your unborn baby.
- You are a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant.If not, CHIP Perinatal or Emergency Medicaid can still cover prenatal care and delivery.
- No asset or savings test, no credit check — applying is always free.
Step 2 — Documents to gather
- Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of pregnancy from your clinic or doctor, with your due date
- Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefits letter, or tax return)
- Proof of Texas address (utility bill, lease, or piece of mail)
- Household info: names, birthdays, and Social Security numbers
- Proof of citizenship or qualified immigration status, if requested
Step 3 — Apply (most approvals in about 15 days)
- Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com — this is the fastest way.You can also call 2-1-1 (option 2), mail Form H1205, or visit a local HHSC benefits office.
- Use one application to be screened for Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, and SNAP at the same time.
- Upload every requested document the same day and answer HHSC messages within 10 days.
- Ask about back-dated coverage — care from up to 3 months before you applied may be covered.
Step 4 — Your 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Delivery: hospital stay, labor and delivery, and newborn care are covered.
- Weeks 1–6: schedule your postpartum checkup, plus any blood pressure or bleeding follow-up.
- Months 2–6: mental health care and postpartum depression treatment are covered.Also covered: ongoing treatment for diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid, and other conditions.
- Months 6–12: keep primary care, prescriptions, dental, and family planning visits.
- Month 11: ask a navigator about what comes next before coverage ends.You may qualify for Healthy Texas Women, regular Medicaid, or a marketplace plan.
- Report address, income, or household changes right away so you don't lose coverage.