As we mentioned in an earlier post, the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is ending on May 11, 2023. This means that automatic renewal of Medicaid benefits is also ending. All Medicaid members must submit a renewal application to continue receiving benefits.
If you are receiving Texas Medicaid benefits, please respond promptly to requests from Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) to avoid a lapse in your coverage. (Click here to learn how to update your contact information with HHSC.)
See below for some common questions and answers about the end of automatic Medicaid renewal.
What is the Public Health Emergency, and why is it important for my benefits?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government declared a public health emergency (PHE) in early 2020. This allowed Texas to renew Medicaid benefits automatically.
The PHE is ending May 11, 2023 – but this does not mean all Medicaid recipients will lose coverage at that time. Beginning in April through December 2023, Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) will contact Medicaid members so you can renew your coverage (if you’re still eligible).
Be on the lookout for notices from HHSC. These notices are mailed in a yellow envelope that says “Action Required” in red ink.
You will get an email or text message if you have a Your Texas Benefits account and opted to go paperless.
What should I do now to ensure my Medicaid coverage continues if I am eligible?
First, create an account (or log in if you already have one) at YourTexasBenefits.com. Make sure your email address and mailing address are up to date. (Don’t have an account? Click here to learn how to create one.)
When you get a notice from HHSC, respond as soon as you can. If your address is correct with YourTexasBenefits.com, you will get a yellow packet with information about your renewal. Follow the instructions to complete and return the information as soon as possible. This will ensure that your benefits continue if you are eligible.
Why is it important for me to renew my coverage now?
If you are eligible, completing your renewal on time will help make sure you don’t lose 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.
How do I know if I need to renew my Medicaid coverage?
You will get a yellow packet in the mail from HHSC. If you signed up for electronic notices through YourTexasBenefits.com, you will get an email or text telling you that a letter was posted to your account.
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.
You can also call 2-1-1 and choose 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 YourTexasBenefits.com.
How do I complete my renewal?
The best way to complete your renewal is online at YourTexasBenefits.com. You can also submit your application, renewal form, and requested information by:
- 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.
What information will I need to provide?
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.
My information has not changed. Do I still need to renew?
Yes. If you do not have any changes, select “No Changes” in each part of the application.
I’ve moved recently and didn’t get a renewal letter. What should I do?
Call 2-1-1 to make sure that HHSC has your current address.
What happens after I turn in my renewal?
HHSC will review your application. They may ask about information that is missing or can’t be found from other sources. If you are still eligible, you will get a notice from HHSC that says your Medicaid eligibility is renewed.
If I’m no longer eligible for Medicaid, what are my other options?
During the Medicaid renewal process, HHSC will decide if you are eligible 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 you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you may receive information about other health insurance options, including 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 1-800-318-2596 to learn more or find someone to help you with your application.
- 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. Visit this website 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 offers women’s health and family planning services to eligible women and men in Texas. Visit HealthyTexasWomen.org to see if you or someone you know is eligible and find out how to apply.
- Mental Health Services.
HHSC works 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 can get help with your medications through the Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) or Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). Through these programs, prescription medications may be available at low or no cost for people 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, click here.
What is the best way to ensure that I stay up to date on my benefits?
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.
What if I forgot my password for my Your Texas Benefits account?
To reset your password, follow the steps below:
- Click “Log In” at the top of the page.
- Click “Forgot password?”.
- Enter your username.
- 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 1-877- 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.
What if I can’t reset my password for my Your Texas Benefits account online?
If you are unable to reset your password online, please do one of the following:
- Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-541-7905. After you pick a language, choose Option 2.
- Go to an HHSC benefits office. You will need to show proof of your identity, like a driver’s license or other photo ID.
Information and FAQs for other programs and benefits
Will my child’s CHIP coverage change when automatic Medicaid renewal ends?
No. If your child is already receiving CHIP, their benefits will not change. CHIP renewals will continue as usual. Please respond to any agency requests related to your child’s CHIP benefits.
What do I do if my child is newly eligible for CHIP?
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 co-pay 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.
I am enrolled in the Healthy Texas Women (HTW) program. Will my HTW benefits change when automatic Medicaid renewal ends?
HTW falls under HHSC’s Medicaid program. Because of this, those enrolled in HTW have been continuously enrolled since 2020. HHSC will now review HTW eligibility, so you need to respond to any agency requests related to your HTW benefits. No longer qualify for HTW? Please refer to the responses under the question, “If I am no longer ineligible for Medicaid, what are my other options?”
I get SNAP benefits. Will my SNAP benefits change now that automatic Medicaid renewal has ended?
Yes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 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. Because of recent changes to federal law, those emergency allotments ended in February 2023. For more information, please refer to HHSC’s SNAP Emergency Allotment FAQ (PDF).
SNAP renewals will continue during the unwinding of automatic coverage, so you need to respond to any agency requests related to your SNAP benefits.
I get TANF benefits. Will my TANF benefits change when automatic Medicaid renewal ends?
No. If you currently receive TANF, your benefits will not change when automatic Medicaid coverage ends. TANF renewals will continue as usual. Please respond to any requests related to your TANF benefits.
