How to Apply for Medicaid in Texas in 2026

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Quick Summary

• Apply through your state Medicaid agency or HealthCare.gov.
• Eligibility is based on income, household size, and category.
• Have proof of income, identity, and residency ready.
• Check and renew your coverage on your state portal.
• Use official government sites only.

What are you trying to do?

Medicaid in Texas is run by Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) and provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Texans. Here is how to apply in 2026.

2026 Medicaid Work Requirement Update (New Federal Rule)

Under a new federal rule finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in June 2026 — required by the 2025 federal budget law — most adults ages 19–64 in the Medicaid adult (expansion) group must meet a monthly “community engagement” (work) requirement to keep coverage. Here is what is confirmed so far:

• 80 hours per month of qualifying activities: a job, self-employment, approved work or job-training programs, community service, or being enrolled at least half-time in school.
• Or earn at least $580 per month (80 times the federal minimum wage) from work.
• Timing: the rule takes effect July 31, 2026, and states must put it in place no later than January 1, 2027 — some may start sooner.

Who is generally exempt: people who are pregnant or postpartum; under 19 or age 65 and older; enrolled in Medicare; medically frail or disabled; American Indian or Alaska Native; a parent or caregiver of a young child or a person with a disability; a veteran with a total disability rating; or already meeting SNAP or TANF work rules. Exact rules vary by state. See our Medicaid work requirement exemptions guide.

What to do now: confirm how your state will apply the rule, keep records of your work or activity hours, and report any changes on time. Check details with your state Medicaid agency or at Medicaid.gov and the CMS newsroom.

Last reviewed July 2026. General information, not legal advice — GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency. Confirm current rules with your state Medicaid agency before acting.

Who is eligible

Texas Medicaid covers groups including children, pregnant people, parents and caretakers, seniors, and people with disabilities, based mainly on income and household size and the specific category. The core rules follow national Medicaid eligibility; because income limits change and depend on your household and category, confirm the current figures at the official source below and review what counts as income.

Documents you will need

• Proof of identity and Texas residency.
• Income information (pay stubs, benefit letters).
• Social Security numbers and immigration/status information for applicants.
• Household and tax-filing details.

How to apply in Texas

1. Online through YourTexasBenefits.com (the state benefits portal).
2. By phone with Texas HHSC (2-1-1 can connect you).
3. By mail or in person at a local HHSC benefits office.

Applying is free – never pay a third party to apply.

After you apply

HHSC reviews your application and may request more information – respond quickly. Track it with the Medicaid application status guide, and see when coverage starts and later how to renew your coverage. Children who do not qualify for Medicaid may be covered by CHIP, and people who also have Medicare should read about dual eligibility.

If you have an urgent medical need

If you recently had a medical emergency, ask about retroactive coverage and Emergency Medicaid while your application is processed.

Tips

• Apply even if unsure – HHSC makes the final determination.
• Keep copies and note your case number.
• Report changes in income or household promptly to keep coverage accurate.
• Renew on time each year to avoid a gap; California residents can compare applying for Medi-Cal.

What to do next

Gather your documents and apply through YourTexasBenefits or your local HHSC office today. Coverage can begin once you are approved.

What Texas Medicaid covers

Texas Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage, generally including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive services, and most children get dental and vision care. Many members receive care through managed-care plans such as STAR (for most families and children), STAR+PLUS (for people with disabilities and seniors), and STAR Kids (for children with disabilities). Most members pay little or nothing. Because covered services and any small costs depend on your plan and category, confirm the details with HHSC or the official source below.

Keeping your coverage

After you enroll, Texas Medicaid is renewed periodically. Watch for a renewal notice from HHSC, respond by the deadline, and report changes in income, address, or household so your coverage does not lapse. If you get a notice that coverage is ending, act right away – you may be able to fix a paperwork issue or move a child to CHIP.

Official source

Learn about Texas Medicaid and apply through Texas Health and Human Services at hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip and medicaid.gov. Applying is free.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I apply for Medicaid in Texas?

Online through YourTexasBenefits.com, by phone (2-1-1 can help), by mail, or in person at a local HHSC office. Applying is free.

Who runs Texas Medicaid?

Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC). Many members receive care through Medicaid managed-care plans such as STAR and STAR+PLUS.

What documents do I need?

Proof of identity, Texas residency, income, and Social Security numbers/immigration information for applicants. Have household and tax details ready.

What to Do Next

Ready to act? Applying, checking status, and getting help are free through the official agency – you never pay a third party. Gather what you need, apply or respond early, and keep copies of everything you submit.

Planning ahead? See Texas Medicaid 2027: what to expect for the 2027 update timeline.

Official Texas benefit sites

These are official government sites. Links open in a new tab. GlobalBenefits.org is not a government agency and does not process applications.

Related guides

• Medicaid application guide
• Medicaid income limits
• Documents for Medicaid
• Texas SNAP
• Check what you qualify for
• Documents you need to apply