Healthy Adulting for Young Texans
To help young adults, we have created this guide to accessing health and food resources in Texas. This tool gives you an overview of ways to get help here in Texas, and also how to sign up for help if you think you are eligible. It also lists ways to see a doctor or get food assistance if you are an immigrant. Click on the service you are interested in to learn more.
Health Care
Help cover visits to doctors' offices and medications ordered by doctors.
Reproductive Health Services
Receive care related to reproductive healthcare, STI treatment and other services.
Food & Nutrition
Help you and your family pay for groceries.
Services Available Regardless of Immigration Status
Health care and food aid for anyone, no matter your immigration status.
for Young People
Parent’s Plan
If you’re under the age of 26, the easiest way to get coverage is to be added to your parent’s plan.
Job-based Plans
If your employer offers health insurance coverage, you may qualify for health coverage through your place of employment.
University Health Plans
Depending on your college or university, you may be able to receive health coverage through a university health plan.
The Marketplace
If you are not on your parent’s plan and your employer doesn't offer health insurance coverage, you may qualify for your own coverage through the Healthcare.gov.
Medicaid
If you are pregnant, are responsible for a child under the age of 18, or have a disability, you may qualify for Medicaid.
Eligibility
Must Live in the United States
Must Be a U.S. Citizen or be Lawfully Present
Can NOT Be Enrolled in Medicaid
Can NOT Be in Prison
Depending on if you are still your parent’s tax dependent, the amount of savings you could get through the Marketplace could change based on your parents income. However, many qualifying young adults will be eligible for low cost health insurance.
For more information on citizen and immigration requirements click here.
How to Enroll
Medicaid:
Eligibility
Must be:
- A Resident of Texas
- A U.S. Citizen (Some Lawfully Present Immigrants)
- Low-Income.
Must be:
- Pregnant; or
- Responsible for child that is 18 years old or younger; or
- Blind or have a disability.
Income requirements:
- Must be of low income.
Keep in mind:
- If you are 19 years or older, there are very few options to receive coverage through Texas Medicaid. If you do not qualify, explore other options such as Being placed on parent’s plan, Enrolling in Job-based Plan, Healthcare.gov, or plans that may be offered by your college or university
Family Planning Options
Healthy Texas Women
You can get annual appointments, medicine for cardiovascular conditions or diabetes, etc.
Family Planning Program
Men and women are able to enroll. Provides limited services such as STI treatment, annual check-up, and contraception.
Healthy Texas Women Eligibility
Live in Texas
Must Be a U.S. Citizen or be Lawfully Present
Must meet income requirements
Between 18-44 years old
Certain lawfully present immigrants may qualify.
Women who have been pregnant within the last 12 months qualify for HTW Plus.
For income eligibility requirements, visit the link below.
Eligibility
Live in the United States
Do not Have to Be a U.S. Citizen
Can NOT Be Enrolled in Medicaid
Can NOT Be in Prison
For income eligibility requirements, visit the link below.
How to Enroll
Step 1:
Call or go online and create an account to apply, or find a local office to help you apply.
Step 4:
All Done! To Keep Track of Your Application Status:
Login to Your Account >
Go to Applications > Click Started or Sent Application > Click View Status
Eligibility
Can qualify regardless of citizenship status, sex, or gender
Anyone can receive services at Title X clinics, but they are designed for those who are low-income.
For adolescents (under 17) and adults who would like to receive confidential reproductive health services.
Provides limited services such as annual well-woman exams, contraception, STI treatment, and other services.
You may bring proof of income to see if you qualify for free services or services at a reduced charge. However, you will not be denied services if you do not bring proof of income. For proof of income, you may provide paycheck stub from the last 60 days, a letter from your employer, etc.
To find a Title X clinic and schedule an appointment, visit the link below.
Eligibility
Can qualify no matter citizenship status, sex or gender as long as you are under the age of 64.
Must meet income requirements.
Have to apply in person. Bring proof of income. Staff at the clinic will help you determine your eligibility and provide services.
Provides limited services such as annual well-woman exams, contraception, STI treatment, and other services.
For proof of income, you may provide paycheck stub from the last 60 days, a letter from employer, etc.
To find a FPP clinic, visit the link below.
for Young People
SNAP
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly funds for low-income people to buy groceries or other items.
WIC
A supplemental food program for women, infants and children. Will cover a pregnant women from pregnancy, birth, and up to the child's 5th birthday.
University Food Pantry
If you attend college or university, there may be a food bank or pantry located on your campus.
Food Banks
People who have trouble purchasing groceries can get free food at these locations.
Eligibility
Must be:
- A Resident of Texas
- A U.S. Citizen (Some Lawfully Present Immigrants)
- Low Income
Must meet:
- SNAP Work Requirements
Income & Assets:
- Have cash assets of less than $5,000 and your car (or first car if you have multiple) has to be worth less than $15,000.
Work Requirements:
Most SNAP recipients must work at least 20 hours a week unless they are pregnant, disabled, have a child under 6, or are in job training. Full-time college students may also qualify if they participate in work-study programs.
During the COVID-Pandemic:
College students are exempt if they have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of 0, or are eligible for a work-study program.
How to Register
Step 1:
Go online to make an account to apply, find local help or call and speak to a representative to begin.
Step 2:
Have information handy such as: income, social security number, make of your vehicle, and housing expenses.
Step 3:
Be ready for potential interview. HHSC representatives may call.
Step 4:
After they have reviewed your materials, they will send you a decision through mail or you can check your portal.
Eligibility
Live in Texas.
Can receive benefits regardless of immigration status.
Must meet income requirements.
Must be pregnant or have a child under the age of 5.
For proof of income, you may provide a pay stub from the last 60 days, a letter from employer, etc.
For income eligibility requirements, visit the link below.
How to Enroll
Step 1:
Go online to begin the application process, find local WIC clinics, or call and speak to a representative to begin.
Step 2:
Have information handy: A form of ID, proof of where you live, proof of income, and immunization records if you have them.
Step 3:
Attend your WIC appointment and provide relative information.
Step 4:
All done! If you qualify, you will receive a food package and a WIC card to help buy groceries.
Food Banks:
Are free to everyone in need of service regardless of immigration status.
If you attend college or university, there may be a food bank or pantry located on your campus.
Some offer different programs such as weekly drive-through distributions or mobile delivery if you have a disability.
Can help you sign up for SNAP, WIC, HTW, and other benefits.
If you are on a college or university campus, contact your university officials to get the latest information on how you can receive benefits if there is an onsite pantry (i.e. you may be required to show school I.D.).
To find a food bank near you, visit the link below.
Services Available Regardless of
Community Health Centers
If you are uninsured and do not qualify for other insurance, there may be community health centers in your area that will provide you with care at a discounted price.
Family Planning Program
Provides limited services such as STI treatment, annual check-up, contraception, etc. Available to people regardless of gender who:
- Live in Texas
- Are younger than 64 years old
- Have an income below 250%% the federal poverty Level
CHIP-Perinatal
Provides prenatal and postnatal care in addition to other limited services.
Food Banks
People who have trouble purchasing groceries can get free food at these locations.