Health Insurance Coverage

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

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 security

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

Step 1:

Sign up online or by phone.

Need help? Find free local help at localhelp.healthcare.gov

education

Step 2:

Have your materials ready.

Step 3:

Get eligibility results and find the best coverage for you.
food security

Step 4:

Complete Enrollment!

Medicaid:

Eligibility

Must be:

Must be:

Income requirements:

Keep in mind:

Medicaid income requirements for:

Family Planning Options

Healthy Texas Women

You can get annual appointments, medicine for cardiovascular conditions or diabetes, etc.

HTW Plus

Has all Healthy Texas Women benefits in addition to other services.

Family Planning Program

Men and women are able to enroll. Provides limited services such as STI treatment, annual check-up, and contraception.

Title X

Limited benefits, included confidential services such as contraceptives without parental consent.

CHIP-Perinatal

Provides prenatal and postnatal care in addition to other limited services.

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.

Step 1:

Call or go online and create an account to apply, or find a local office to help you apply.
education

Step 2:

Gather your materials.

Step 3:

Submit Application.

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:

Must meet:

Income & Assets:

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.
education

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.

Go Online

Find Local Help

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.
education

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.
food security

Step 4:

All done! If you qualify, you will receive a food package and a WIC card to help buy groceries.

Go Online

Find Local Help

Call For Help

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.

WIC

Helps women who are pregnant or have a child under the age of 5 years old buy food.

Family Planning Program

Provides limited services such as STI treatment, annual check-up, contraception, etc. Available to people regardless of gender who:

Title X

Limited reproductive health benefits. Includes confidential services such as contraceptives without parental consent.

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.