In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency (PHE) on Jan. 27, 2020. This allowed Texas to provide you with continuous Medicaid coverage until March 31, 2023. Continuous Medicaid coverage has ended. Between April 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, HHSC must redetermine eligibility for more than 5.9 million people who receive Medicaid.

Based on new federal law, continuous Medicaid coverage will end on March 31, 2023. HHSC will reach out to you when it’s time to renew your coverage. It is important for you to respond to any renewals or information requests from HHSC to ensure you keep your coverage if you are still eligible.

You should be on the lookout for notices from HHSC. These notices are mailed in a yellow envelope that says Action Required in red.

You will also be sent a notice electronically if have a Your Texas Benefits account and opted to go paperless.

Log in to your account at YourTexasBenefits.com and click Select Details for your case. If it’s time for you to renew your benefits, it will say Yes in the Time to Renew column.

If you miss the deadline to submit your packet, you have up to 90 days to turn it in and have HHSC redetermine your eligibility. The renewal packet must be received not more than 90 days after the date your coverage ended.

This is the same for additional information requested. If HHSC requested more information from you, but you didn’t turn it in before the deadline, you can still turn it in during this 90-day period and have your eligibility redetermined.

There are assistance programs available that can provide guidance, instructions and help to ease the renewal process.

Case Assistance Affiliates (CAA) CAA assists with learning about YourTexasBenefits.com, the mobile app and how to navigate the Medicaid redetermination process during the unwinding period.

Managed Care Organizations (MCO) MCOs are dedicated to helping their members with maintaining health coverage, including transitioning to the Marketplace. They can also help complete and submit Medicaid renewal forms.

Authorized Representatives (AR) A person has the right to choose a trusted adult to assist them with their Medicaid application, eligibility, and enrollment. They can also receive correspondence on behalf of the person. (A member of CAA or MCO can’t be designated as an AR due to conflict of interest.) To learn more about how to designate an AR, call 2-1-1, Option 2.

Community Partners Community partners are community organizations that work with HHSC and can include food banks, churches, and community health centers. All partners have computers that people can use to go to YourTexasBenefits.com. Some partners have staff or volunteers who can help people apply for benefits or check their benefit case. To find a community partner, visit yourtexasbenefits.com/Screener/FindanOffice and check the “Community partner offices” box.

Local Offices Benefit offices are Texas HHSC offices that focus on benefit programs like SNAP food benefits, Medicaid for families and children, Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities, and more. Staff are there to help, and people can use computers in the benefit office to access YourTexasBenefits.com, apply for benefits, renew benefits, and update their case. In order to find your benefit office, visit yourtexasbenefits.com/Screener/FindanOffice.

Call Center 2-1-1, Option 2
Dialing 2-1-1 is a free, easy way to find out about services you can get in your area or through state programs. If you need help with your benefits, call 2-1-1 (select your language and then Option 2). You can also submit your application, renewal form and information through Option 2.

You should respond to any request HHSC sends you. When you get a notice that your renewal is due, follow the instructions to complete and return the information as soon as possible. This will ensure that your benefits continue if you are eligible.

The best way to complete your renewal is online at YourTexasBenefits.com.

You can also submit your application, renewal form and requested information by:

• Mail.
• Fax.
• Calling 2-1-1 and choosing Option 2 after picking a language.
• Visiting a local office or a community partner. To find an HHSC office or a community partner, visit yourtexasbenefits.com/Screener/FindanOffice, or call 2-1-1 and choose Option 2 after picking a language.

You can create a Your Texas Benefits online account or download the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to view your account information, update your contact information or report a change, and download verifications requested by HHSC. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com to get started. You can also sign up for electronic alerts to stay informed about your case.

You must continue to report all changes and return all requested information, including renewal forms. You can report a change by going to YourTexasBenefits.com, using the mobile app, or calling 2-1-1 and choosing Option 2 after picking a language.

Only some people may need to submit a new application. Members will receive a notice or a request for information from HHSC that may include completing an application or renewal form or providing additional verification.

The best way to submit an application or respond to those requests is online at YourTexasBenefits.com.

You can also submit your application, renewal form and information by:

• Mail.
• Fax.
• Calling 2-1-1 and choosing Option 2 after picking a language.
• Visiting a local office or a community partner. To find an HHSC office or a community partner, visit yourtexasbenefits.com/Screener/FindanOffice or call 2-1-1.

If you are eligible, completing your renewal now will help make sure you don’t lose your coverage later or have a gap in coverage.

If you renew your coverage now and are eligible, you will not need to renew your benefits again until your certification period ends.

You will get a letter in the mail from HHSC, or if you signed up for electronic notices through Your Texas Benefits you will get an email or text informing you there is a letter posted to your account. You can also check if it’s time for you to renew by logging in to your account on YourTexasBenefits.com or the mobile app, or by calling 2-1-1 and choosing Option 2 after picking a language.

If you are the head of household or an authorized representative, you will be able to apply, renew and report changes on the YourTexasBenefits.com website. You can also access your renewal and make changes from the mobile app.

If you submit your application after eligibility has ended there may be a gap in coverage. If you are determined eligible, your coverage will begin the first of the month in which the renewal application is received. You can request Medicaid coverage for up to three months prior to the date your application was received if you have unpaid medical bills for services provided in those months.

• If you were enrolled in a plan in the last six months, then you will be auto-enrolled back to your previous plan. 
• If you were not enrolled in a plan in the last six months, then you will be sent an enrollment packet and will need to select a plan.

During the Medicaid renewal process, HHSC will evaluate your eligibility for other HHSC health care programs, such as Healthy Texas Women (HTW) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Health Insurance Marketplace

If HHSC determines that you are not eligible for Medicaid after continuous coverage ends, you may receive information to explore other health insurance options, like through the Health Insurance Marketplace. As federally required, members’ applications are sent automatically to the Marketplace if they are not eligible for medical coverage through HHSC. You can go to HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596 to learn more or find someone to help you with your application.

If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, explore Community’s Marketplace and Medicare options.

Primary Health Care Services

HHSC’s Primary Health Care (PHC) Services Program works with clinic sites across Texas to ensure eligible Texas residents can get comprehensive primary health care services to prevent, detect and treat health problems. The PHC Services Program serves men, women and children. You can visit hhs.texas.gov/services/health/primary-health-care-services-program to see if you or someone you know is eligible and find out how to apply for services.

Family Planning Program

HHSC’s Family Planning Program (FPP) is dedicated to offering women’s health and family planning services to eligible women and men in Texas. The program offers a wide range of women’s health and core family planning services that can have a positive effect on future pregnancy planning and general health. Visit HealthyTexasWomen.org to see if you or someone you know is eligible and find out how to apply.

Mental Health Services

HHSC contracts with 37 local mental health authorities and two local behavioral health authorities to deliver mental health services in communities across Texas. HHSC will not deny you mental health services, and the charge for services is based on your ability to pay. Visit hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use to learn more and find services in your area.

HIV Medication Program

You may receive help with your medications through the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) or Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). PAPs are programs created by pharmaceutical medication manufacturers to help patients who meet financial criteria purchase necessary medications. Through these programs, prescription medications may be made available at no cost or at a minimal fee for individuals who do not have insurance or are underinsured. Your local community organization may also be able to help you find other local resources for your medications and HIV care. For more information about THMP, visit dshs.texas.gov/hivstd/meds.

Note: This is not a complete list of programs. Call 2-1-1 and choose Option 1 after selecting a language to learn more about other program options.

Create an account at YourTexasBenefits.com so you can view your account information, update your contact information, submit a renewal and respond to requests from HHSC. You can also sign up for electronic alerts and reminders, such as text and email messages, to stay informed about your case.

You may be able to appeal any Medicaid case decision that you disagree with or file a complaint by mailing a letter to HHSC at: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027, calling 2-1-1 and selecting Option 2 after selecting a language or by visiting a local eligibility office.

Note: You cannot appeal the ending of your SNAP emergency allotments as this is a federal decision.

If you do not agree with the action taken on your case, or if you have a complaint about an HHSC program, service or benefit that has not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can send a question or file a complaint with the HHS Office of the Ombudsman:

• Call: 877-787-8999 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central time, Monday through Friday)
• Go online: hhs.texas.gov/ombudsman
• Fax: 888-780-8099 (toll-free)
• Mail:
  Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  Office of the Ombudsman, MC H-700
  P.O. Box 13247, Austin, TX 78711-3247

If you disagree with a service reduction or denial, you can contact your MCO for assistance. If you do not know who your MCO is, visit yourtexasbenefits.com or contact 2-1-1, Option 2 for assistance. Contact information for MCOs is located at hhs.texas.gov/providers/medicaid-business-resources/managed-care-organization-dental-maintenance-organization-provider-services-contact-information.

Additionally, on an individual basis, you may appeal any Medicaid case decision that you disagree with by mailing a letter to HHSC at: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027, calling 2-1-1 and selecting Option 2 after selecting a language or by visiting a local eligibility office.

Note: You cannot appeal the ending of your SNAP emergency allotments.

To reset your password, follow the steps below:

1. Click ‘Log In’ at the top of the page
2. Click ‘Forgot password?’
3. Enter your username
4. Answer the security questions you created when setting up your account

If you answer your security questions correctly, you can create a new password.

If you can’t answer the security questions correctly, call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 for assistance. After you pick a language, choose Option 2.

Due to strict security and privacy rules, we can’t view or change your security questions.

If you are unable to reset your password online, please do one of the following:

• Call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. After you pick a language, choose Option 2.
• Go to an HHSC benefits office. You will need to show us proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license or other photo ID.

No. If your child is already receiving CHIP, their benefits will not change because of the end of continuous Medicaid coverage.

CHIP renewals will continue as usual during the end of continuous coverage, so you need to respond to any agency requests related to your child’s CHIP benefits.

If you are new to CHIP, you will choose a health plan for your child from the ones available in your service area.

Depending on your income, you may have to pay an enrollment fee and copay for doctor visits and medicine. Enrollment fees are $50 or less per family, per year. Co-pays for doctor visits and medicine range from $3 to $5 for lower-income families and $20 to $35 for higher-income families.

HTW falls under HHSC’s Medicaid program, and, because of this, those enrolled in HTW have been continuously enrolled since March 2020. As part of the end of continuous coverage, HHSC will redetermine HTW eligibility, so you need to respond to any agency requests related to your HTW benefits. If you are determined ineligible for HTW, please see Question 8 above for other potential available options.

Yes. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency, and HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the maximum allowable amount of SNAP benefits to recipients based on family size. All SNAP households received a minimum of $95 in emergency allotments. Due to recent changes in federal legislation, those emergency allotments will end in February 2023. For more information, please refer to HHSC’s SNAP Emergency Allotment FAQ (PDF).

SNAP renewals will continue during the unwinding of continuous coverage, so you need to respond to any agency requests related to your SNAP benefits.

No. If you are currently receiving TANF, your benefits will not change when continuous Medicaid coverage ends.

TANF renewals will continue as usual during the end of continuous coverage, so you need to respond to any agency requests related to your TANF benefits.