Is It Time to Renew Your Benefits? Here’s What You Need to Know.
January 30, 2024
Are you a current Medicaid or CHIP member? If so, you must renew your coverage every 12 months to keep your benefits. Renewing takes less time than submitting a new application – but it’s still important to be prepared.
Take action now – and save time later!
Make sure that Texas Health & Human Services (HHSC) has your current mailing address, phone number, and email address so you can get important updates about your coverage.
The easiest way to do this is by setting up an account with Your Texas Benefits. Click here to learn more about creating and updating a Your Texas Benefits account.
How will I know when it’s time to renew?
Your Texas Benefits is the best place to check your renewal date. If you have a Your Texas Benefits account, log in 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.
When it’s time for you to renew, Texas HHSC will send you a notice in the mail. If you sign up for electronic communications, you will receive a text or email message instead.
What information will I need to provide with my renewal application?
When you renew your benefits, you will be asked to share information about:
- Who you are (identity).
- Money you get (income).
- Costs you pay (expenses).
- Things you paid for and own (assets).
If your income or expenses have changed, you will need to provide proof of the changes. Examples of proof include:
- Copies of paychecks.
- Bills you pay.
- Benefit award letters.
- Bank and other account statements.
If you do not provide all of the requested information, your coverage may be delayed.
Can I get help renewing my benefits?
Yes! You can get renewal assistance by:
- Calling 2-1-1 and choose Option 2 after picking a language.
- Visiting a local Texas HHSC office or a community partner. To find an HHSC office or a community partner, visit YourTexasBenefits.com/Screener/FindanOffice.
- Current Parkland Community Health Plan members can get help from a Retention Specialist, who will help them complete the application and determine what documents they need to provide. Click here to sign up for a future renewal session.
I’ve lost my coverage – what can I do?
If you lost your Medicaid or CHIP coverage recently, you may still be able to reapply.
Here are some common reasons you might have lost coverage:
- You didn’t renew on time. You need to renew your Medicaid benefits every year to keep them. You may be at risk of losing coverage if you miss your renewal deadline, miss a step in the renewal process, or don't complete all parts of your application. Call 2-1-1 or visit Your Texas Benefits.com for assistance.
- You moved or made other changes to your contact information. Texas HHSC sends you information and reminders about your coverage through the mail. If HHSC doesn't have your current address on file, you may have missed some important notices. You can update your address by calling 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905 or visiting com.
- You had a baby. Medicaid maternity plans cover you while you're pregnant and up to two months after your baby is born – so your pregnancy benefits may have ended. Texas HHSC will let you know if you’re eligible for a Medicaid plan just for parents, or if they need more information from you. You may need to complete a new application to verify your eligibility.
- Your job or income changed. Your Medicaid eligibility is based on several factors, including your income. You may no longer qualify if you started a new job, got a raise, or worked more hours.
- You got married or changed living situations. These kinds of status changes could impact your ability to qualify.
Do you need insurance for yourself and your children?
Texas STAR Medicaid and CHIP provide healthcare for low-income families, children, and pregnant women at low or no cost.
