Medicaid in Texas isn't one program — it's a family of programs for children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities, each with its own income rule. This hub explains all of them in plain language so you can find the one that fits and apply with confidence.
Community Health Access Hub is a Texas nonprofit. We don't approve coverage — only HHSC can — but we help rural and underserved families understand their options and get connected, free of charge. Last updated August 2026.
Every Texas Medicaid program, explained
One application at YourTexasBenefits.com checks you for all of these at once. You don't have to pick the right one perfectly — the state places you where you fit.
If you are pregnant, the fastest path is Pregnancy Medicaid, which often approves in about 15 days and covers 12 months of postpartum care.
Children's Medicaid
- Who it's for
- Children from birth through age 18 in low-income Texas households.
- Income guide
- Up to about 144–198% FPL depending on the child's age
- What it covers
- Checkups, shots, prescriptions, dental, vision, hospital care — free.
CHIP (the step above Medicaid)
- Who it's for
- Children under 19 whose families earn slightly too much for Medicaid.
- Income guide
- Up to about 201% FPL (about $5,528/mo for a family of 4)
- What it covers
- Same broad coverage as Medicaid for a $50-or-less yearly fee.
Pregnancy Medicaid
- Who it's for
- Pregnant Texans, at any age, counting the unborn baby in household size.
- Income guide
- Up to 198% FPL (about $4,508/mo for a household of 3)
- What it covers
- Prenatal visits, labs, delivery, and 12 months of postpartum care.
CHIP Perinatal
- Who it's for
- Pregnant women over the Medicaid limit, or without immigration status.
- Income guide
- Up to about 202% FPL
- What it covers
- Prenatal care, delivery, and coverage for the baby after birth.
Medicaid for Parents & Caretakers
- Who it's for
- Very low-income parents or relatives caring for a dependent child.
- Income guide
- Roughly 14–17% FPL — one of the strictest limits in the country
- What it covers
- Full adult Medicaid benefits.
Medicaid for the Aged & Disabled (MEPD)
- Who it's for
- Texans 65+, or of any age with a qualifying disability or blindness.
- Income guide
- Around $1,000–$1,300/mo plus an asset limit (about $2,000 single)
- What it covers
- Doctor visits, prescriptions, long-term services, nursing facility care.
STAR, STAR Kids, STAR+PLUS & STAR Health
- Who it's for
- How most people actually receive Medicaid — managed-care health plans.
- Income guide
- No separate limit; you're placed in a plan once approved
- What it covers
- STAR (families/children), STAR Kids (disability under 21), STAR+PLUS (adults with disabilities and 65+), STAR Health (foster care).
Medicaid rides (NEMT / MTP)
- Who it's for
- Anyone on Medicaid who has no way to get to a covered appointment.
- Income guide
- Free with active Medicaid coverage
- What it covers
- Free rides, mileage reimbursement, bus passes, and meals or lodging for long trips.
Healthy Texas Women
- Who it's for
- Women 18–44 who don't qualify for full Medicaid.
- Income guide
- Up to 204% FPL
- What it covers
- Well-woman exams, birth control, screenings, and basic treatment.
2026 Texas Medicaid income limits
Figures are gross monthly income (before taxes), based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines Texas HHSC uses. Pregnant applicants count the unborn baby in household size — so a pregnant woman living alone counts as 2.
| Household size | Pregnancy Medicaid (198% FPL) | Children's Medicaid | CHIP (201% FPL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,634 | $2,674 | $2,674 |
| 2 | $3,571 | $3,625 | $3,625 |
| 3 | $4,508 | $4,577 | $4,577 |
| 4 | $5,445 | $5,528 | $5,528 |
| 5 | $6,382 | $6,480 | $6,480 |
| 6 | $7,319 | $7,431 | $7,431 |
Add roughly $937–$951 per month for each person beyond 6. Medicaid for parents and caretakers uses a much lower limit (about 14–17% FPL), and Medicaid for seniors or people with disabilities uses an income limit near $1,000–$1,300/month plus an asset limit of about $2,000 for one person. Limits change each spring, so the surest answer is to apply — checking is free.
Documents you'll need
Have these ready before you start. Missing income proof is the most common delay.
- Photo ID for the adult applying (driver license, state ID, or passport)
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying, or proof one was requested
- Proof of Texas residency — a lease, utility bill, or mail with your address
- Proof of income: last 30 days of pay stubs, or an employer letter
- Self-employed? Last year's tax return or a simple profit-and-loss record
- Proof of pregnancy with a due date, if applying for Pregnancy Medicaid
- Immigration or citizenship documents, if they apply to you
- For seniors and people with disabilities: bank statements and proof of resources
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Find the program that fits
Use the program table on this page. One Texas application checks you for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF at the same time, so you don't have to guess perfectly.
- 2
Check the income limit
Compare your household's gross monthly income (before taxes) to the 2026 table below. Pregnant applicants count the unborn baby in household size.
- 3
Gather your documents
Photo ID, Social Security numbers, proof of Texas residency, and 30 days of income proof. Missing income proof is the number one reason applications stall.
- 4
Submit your application
Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, call 2-1-1 (option 2) or 1-877-541-7905, mail Form H1205, or visit a local HHSC benefits office.
- 5
Respond to HHSC quickly
Watch for letters and texts. If the state asks for more proof, you usually have 10 days. A short phone interview is sometimes required.
- 6
Get your decision and pick a plan
Most decisions arrive in 15–45 days. Once approved, choose a STAR, STAR Kids, or STAR+PLUS health plan and schedule your first visit.
Apply online
YourTexasBenefits.com — the fastest route, and always free.
Apply or get help by phone
Call 2-1-1 (option 2) or 1-877-541-7905. Free rides to appointments: 1-877-633-8747.
Want the full paperwork walkthrough? Open the Texas Medicaid application guide — checklist, timelines, and a form that reaches a free navigator.
County directory: local Medicaid help
Each county hub lists nearby clinics, benefit offices, food help, and transportation — plus a map with directions.
Polk County
County seat: Livingston
San Jacinto County
County seat: Coldspring
Walker County
County seat: Huntsville
Liberty County
County seat: Liberty
Brazoria County
County seat: Angleton
Fort Bend County
County seat: Richmond
Don't see your county? Anywhere in Texas you can dial 2-1-1 for free local referrals, or browse our statewide community resource directory.
Texas Medicaid: frequently asked questions
Straight answers about Texas Medicaid eligibility, 2026 income limits, and how the Medicaid application works.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Texas in 2026?+
It depends on the program. Pregnancy Medicaid covers households up to 198% of the federal poverty level — about $3,571/month for 2 people, $4,508 for 3, and $5,445 for 4. Children's Medicaid and CHIP reach about 201% FPL. Medicaid for parents and caretakers is far stricter, around 14–17% FPL. Seniors and people with disabilities are measured against roughly $1,000–$1,300/month plus an asset test.
Does Texas have expanded Medicaid for adults?+
No. Texas has not expanded Medicaid, so most adults without children, without a disability, and who are not pregnant do not qualify no matter how little they earn. If that's you, look at Healthy Texas Women, a federally qualified health center, or a free clinic — care is still available on a sliding scale.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Texas?+
Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by phone at 2-1-1 (choose option 2) or 1-877-541-7905, by mailing Form H1205, or in person at a local HHSC benefits office. Applying is always free — never pay a website or person to file for you.
How long does Texas Medicaid take to approve?+
Most applications are decided within 45 days. Pregnancy applications are prioritized and often decide in about 15 days. Disability-based applications can take up to 90 days because a medical review is required.
Can Medicaid cover bills I already received?+
Often yes. Texas Medicaid can be backdated up to three months before the month you applied, if you would have qualified then. Tell HHSC about unpaid medical bills from that window when you apply.
What's the difference between Medicaid and CHIP?+
Medicaid is free coverage for the lowest-income households. CHIP is low-cost coverage for children whose families earn slightly more — an annual fee of $50 or less plus small copays. You don't choose between them: one application checks your children for both, and the state enrolls them in whichever fits.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get Texas Medicaid?+
Full Medicaid generally requires citizenship or qualified immigration status, and Texas waives the five-year wait for children and pregnant women who are lawfully present. Regardless of status, Emergency Medicaid can cover a medical emergency including labor and delivery, and CHIP Perinatal can cover prenatal care.
Will applying for Medicaid affect my immigration case?+
Using Medicaid for children, pregnancy, or emergency care is not counted against you under current public charge rules. Nobody checks your credit, and applying does not create a debt.
Do I have to renew Texas Medicaid?+
Yes. Most coverage is renewed every 12 months, and HHSC mails a renewal packet before it ends. Return it on time — a missed packet is the most common reason coverage stops for families who still qualify.
Can I get a free ride to my Medicaid appointment?+
Yes. The Medical Transportation Program offers free rides, mileage reimbursement for a friend or family driver, bus passes, and meals or lodging for long trips. Call 1-877-633-8747 at least two business days before your appointment.
What if I'm denied Medicaid in Texas?+
You have the right to appeal, and the denial letter gives the deadline (usually 90 days). Denials often come from missing paperwork rather than income, so read the reason first. You can also reapply any time your situation changes.
Where can I get free help applying in my county?+
Call 2-1-1 anywhere in Texas, or use the county directory on this page for local clinics, benefit offices, food help, and transportation near you. Community Health Access Hub helps rural Texas families for free — email info@texashealthhelp.com.
Not sure where to start with Texas Medicaid?
Our community navigators help Texas families apply, gather documents, and find care — free, confidential, and in English or Spanish.
Related guides & resources
Apply for Medicaid, step by step
Document checklist, six application steps, timelines, and a guided help form.
All resource guides
Every Texas benefits guide we publish, in one index.
Medicaid eligibility 2026
The full income-limit breakdown by program and household size.
CHIP Texas
Low-cost coverage for kids when Medicaid is just out of reach.
Pregnancy Medicaid
Income limits, coverage, and a printable application checklist.
Free Medicaid rides
How to book NEMT trips to covered appointments.
Do I qualify?
Answer a few questions and see which programs may fit.
Disclaimer: Community Health Access Hub Texas is a community nonprofit, not a government agency. We do not determine eligibility or approve benefits — only the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) can. Income limits are approximate and change each year. This page is general educational information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.