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.
Medicaid de Texas: preguntas frecuentes
Respuestas claras sobre la elegibilidad para Medicaid en Texas, los límites de ingresos de 2026 y cómo funciona la solicitud de Medicaid.
¿Cuál es el límite de ingresos para Medicaid en Texas en 2026?+
Depende del programa. El Medicaid de Embarazo cubre hogares con hasta el 198% del nivel federal de pobreza — unos $3,571 al mes para 2 personas, $4,508 para 3 y $5,445 para 4. El Medicaid para Niños y CHIP llegan a cerca del 201% del NFP. El Medicaid para padres y cuidadores es mucho más estricto, alrededor del 14–17% del NFP. Las personas de 65 años o más y las personas con discapacidad se miden con un límite aproximado de $1,000–$1,300 al mes más una prueba de bienes.
¿Texas tiene Medicaid expandido para adultos?+
No. Texas no ha expandido Medicaid, así que la mayoría de los adultos sin hijos, sin discapacidad y que no están embarazadas no califican por más bajos que sean sus ingresos. Si ese es su caso, considere Healthy Texas Women, un centro de salud federalmente calificado o una clínica gratuita — todavía hay atención con tarifas según sus ingresos.
¿Cómo solicito Medicaid en Texas?+
Solicite en línea en YourTexasBenefits.com, por teléfono al 2-1-1 (opción 2) o al 1-877-541-7905, enviando por correo el Formulario H1205, o en persona en una oficina local de HHSC. Solicitar siempre es gratis — nunca pague a un sitio web o a una persona para que llene su solicitud.
¿Cuánto tarda la aprobación de Medicaid en Texas?+
La mayoría de las solicitudes se deciden dentro de 45 días. Las solicitudes por embarazo tienen prioridad y con frecuencia se resuelven en unos 15 días. Las solicitudes por discapacidad pueden tardar hasta 90 días porque requieren una revisión médica.
¿Medicaid puede cubrir facturas médicas que ya recibí?+
Muchas veces sí. El Medicaid de Texas puede aplicarse de forma retroactiva hasta tres meses antes del mes en que solicitó, si hubiera calificado en ese momento. Informe a HHSC sobre las facturas médicas sin pagar de ese periodo cuando solicite.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre Medicaid y CHIP?+
Medicaid es cobertura gratuita para los hogares de menores ingresos. CHIP es cobertura de bajo costo para niños cuyas familias ganan un poco más — una cuota anual de $50 o menos y copagos pequeños. Usted no elige entre los dos: una sola solicitud revisa a sus hijos para ambos y el estado los inscribe en el que corresponda.
¿Necesito ser ciudadano estadounidense para recibir Medicaid en Texas?+
El Medicaid completo generalmente requiere ciudadanía o estatus migratorio calificado, y Texas elimina la espera de cinco años para niños y mujeres embarazadas con presencia legal. Sin importar su estatus, el Medicaid de Emergencia puede cubrir una emergencia médica, incluido el parto, y CHIP Perinatal puede cubrir el cuidado prenatal.
¿Solicitar Medicaid afectará mi caso migratorio?+
Usar Medicaid para niños, embarazo o atención de emergencia no cuenta en su contra bajo las reglas actuales de carga pública. Nadie revisa su crédito y solicitar no crea una deuda.
¿Tengo que renovar el Medicaid de Texas?+
Sí. La mayoría de la cobertura se renueva cada 12 meses y HHSC envía por correo un paquete de renovación antes de que termine. Devuélvalo a tiempo — un paquete no devuelto es la razón más común por la que familias que aún califican pierden la cobertura.
¿Puedo obtener transporte gratis a mi cita de Medicaid?+
Sí. El Programa de Transporte Médico ofrece viajes gratuitos, reembolso de millas para un familiar o amigo que maneje, pases de autobús y comidas u hospedaje para viajes largos. Llame al 1-877-633-8747 al menos dos días hábiles antes de su cita.
¿Qué hago si me niegan Medicaid en Texas?+
Tiene derecho a apelar, y la carta de negación indica la fecha límite (por lo general 90 días). Muchas negaciones se deben a documentos faltantes y no a los ingresos, así que lea primero el motivo. También puede volver a solicitar cuando cambie su situación.
¿Dónde consigo ayuda gratuita para solicitar en mi condado?+
Llame al 2-1-1 en cualquier parte de Texas, o use el directorio de condados en esta página para encontrar clínicas, oficinas de beneficios, ayuda alimentaria y transporte cerca de usted. Community Health Access Hub ayuda gratis a las familias del Texas rural — escriba a 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.