Does Medicaid Stop When You Turn 18 in Texas

In Texas, Medicaid coverage for children does not automatically end when they turn 18. Some individuals may be eligible for extended coverage until age 19, depending on their income and circumstances. Eligibility for Medicaid is determined by several factors, including age, income, and disability status. To find out if you or someone you know is eligible for Medicaid in Texas, you can apply online or contact your local Medicaid office. If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, it is always worth applying to see if you are eligible.

Eligibility for Medicaid in Texas

Medicaid eligibility in Texas is based on several factors, including:

  • Age
  • Income
  • Family size
  • Disability status
  • Pregnancy status

In general, children under the age of 19 are eligible for Medicaid if their family’s income is below a certain level. Pregnant women are also eligible for Medicaid, regardless of their income.

Adults aged 18 to 64 may be eligible for Medicaid if they meet certain criteria, such as having a disability or being pregnant. However, in Texas, adults aged 18 to 64 are not eligible for Medicaid based on income alone.

The following table shows the income limits for Medicaid eligibility in Texas for children and pregnant women:

Family SizeIncome Limit
1$25,760
2$34,840
3$43,920
4$53,000

For more information on Medicaid eligibility in Texas, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website.

Medicaid Coverage for Young Adults in Texas

Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides coverage for low-income individuals and families. In most states, Medicaid coverage for children ends when they turn 18. However, Texas has a program called Texas CHIP Perinate (TCPP) that provides coverage for pregnant women and children up to age 21.

Once a young adult turns 21, they are no longer eligible for Medicaid or TCPP. There are a few alternatives to Medicaid that young adults can explore, including:

Alternatives to Medicaid for Young Adults

  • Employer-sponsored health insurance: If a young adult has a job, they may be able to get health insurance through their employer. This is often the most affordable option, and it may provide more comprehensive coverage than other types of health insurance.
  • Individual health insurance: Young adults can also purchase individual health insurance policies from private insurers. These policies can be more expensive than employer-sponsored health insurance, but they may offer more flexibility in terms of coverage and providers.
  • CHIP: The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides coverage for children and young adults up to age 19. In some states, CHIP coverage may be extended to young adults up to age 21.
  • Medicaid expansion: Some states have expanded Medicaid eligibility to include young adults up to age 26. If a young adult lives in a state that has expanded Medicaid, they may be eligible for coverage.
  • Other programs: There are a number of other programs that may be able to provide health insurance coverage for young adults. These programs include the Young Adult Health Care Program (YAHCP), the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Peace Corps.

The following table summarizes the different health insurance options available to young adults in Texas:

OptionAge RangeEligibilityCost
Medicaid0-20Low-income individuals and familiesFree or low-cost
TCPPPregnant women and childrenLow-income individuals and familiesFree or low-cost
Employer-sponsored health insuranceVariesEmployees of companies that offer health insuranceVaries
Individual health insuranceVariesAll individualsVaries
CHIP0-18 (19 in some states)Low-income children and young adultsFree or low-cost
Medicaid expansion19-26 (in some states)Low-income individuals and familiesFree or low-cost
Other programsVariesVariesVaries

If you are a young adult in Texas and you are not sure how to get health insurance, you can contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for more information. HHSC can help you determine if you are eligible for Medicaid, TCPP, or other health insurance programs.

Medicaid Eligibility in Texas for Individuals Turning 18

Medicaid is a government-sponsored health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. In Texas, Medicaid coverage for children automatically ends when they turn 18, regardless of their income or family situation. However, individuals who qualify for certain categories of Medicaid may be eligible for continued coverage after their 18th birthday.

Applying for Medicaid in Texas

To apply for Medicaid in Texas, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria and complete an application. The application process can be completed online, by mail, or in person at a local Medicaid office. Required documents may include proof of income, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about household members.

Who is Eligible for Medicaid in Texas?

  • Children under 19 years old
  • Pregnant women and women who have recently given birth
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Adults who are blind or disabled
  • Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicare beneficiaries who meet certain income and asset limits
  • Individuals who qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Individuals who do not meet these criteria may still be eligible for Medicaid if they meet certain other requirements. For example, individuals who are caring for a child who is eligible for Medicaid may also be eligible for coverage.

Medicaid Income Limits in Texas
Family SizeIncome Limit
1$2,793
2$3,756
3$4,719
4$5,681

Individuals who are unsure if they are eligible for Medicaid can contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for more information. HHSC can be reached by phone at 1-877-447-4447 or online at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/.

Medicaid Coverage for Young Adults in Texas

Medicaid is a health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. In Texas, Medicaid coverage is available to children up to age 19, as well as to pregnant women and people with disabilities.

However, there are some changes to Medicaid coverage that occur when a young person turns 18. These changes are due to the fact that Medicaid is a state-run program, and each state has its own rules for eligibility and coverage.

General Medicaid Eligibility Requirements for Young Adults in Texas

  • Income: To be eligible for Medicaid in Texas, young adults must meet certain income requirements. These requirements vary depending on the type of Medicaid coverage that is being applied for.
  • Citizenship: To be eligible for Medicaid in Texas, young adults must be U.S. citizens or legal residents.
  • Residency: To be eligible for Medicaid in Texas, young adults must be residents of the state.

Table: Medicaid Coverage Options for Young Adults in Texas

Type of Medicaid CoverageAge RangeIncome RequirementsServices Covered
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)0-18 years oldUp to 200% of the federal poverty levelRegular checkups, immunizations, dental care, vision care, and other essential health services
Medicaid for Pregnant WomenPregnant womenUp to 133% of the federal poverty levelPrenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care
Medicaid for People with Disabilities18 years old and olderVaries depending on the type of disabilityMedical care, dental care, vision care, mental health care, and other necessary services

How to Apply for Medicaid in Texas

To apply for Medicaid in Texas, young adults can visit the Texas Health and Human Services website or call the agency’s toll-free number. The application process is relatively simple and can be completed online or by mail.

What to Do if a Young Adult Loses Medicaid Coverage

If a young adult loses Medicaid coverage, there are a few things that they can do to get coverage. They can:

  • Apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
  • Purchase a private health insurance plan.
  • Enroll in a CHIP program.
  • Apply for Medicaid for People with Disabilities.

For more information about Medicaid coverage for young adults in Texas, please visit the Texas Health and Human Services website or call the agency’s toll-free number.

That’s all there is to know about Medicaid in Texas, for now at least. I know it’s not the most scintillating topic, but hey, it’s important stuff! At the end of the day, if you have any more questions or want to know if something has changed, hit me up; I’m always down to chat. Keep it locked here for more updates on Medicaid and other health-related news. Thanks for reading, amigo!