Texas Medicaid redetermination is underway
Until recently, you could keep your Medicaid coverage with automatic renewals because of the COVID-19 public health emergency. This was known as continuous Medicaid coverage. Now, because of a new federal law, states are returning to normal renewal processes beginning in 2023. Learn how the end of continuous Medicaid coverage in Texas may impact you and your family. We can help you understand how to stay covered.
How to renew Medicaid in Texas and what to do if you’re no longer eligible
As the Texas Medicaid redetermination process gets underway, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is reviewing the eligibility of some 5.9 million recipients who have been receiving Medicaid throughout the pandemic. If this is you, be on the lookout for a renewal notice and instructions from HHS.
The top of the notice says, “Form 1809: Retest all Continuous Medicaid Population.” It will include your case number at the top. The form will explain how to complete your renewal, which you must do to keep your Medicaid coverage.
If you are uncertain whether this redetermination (also called an “unwinding”) affects you or are wondering “How do I check my Medicaid status in Texas?”, you can call HHS at 800-252-8263, 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. Or visit the YourTexasBenefits.com.
No longer eligible to renew Medicaid in Texas? You have options for health insurance in TX.
Get coverage through your job
Find out if you can get coverage through your employer, or the employer of your spouse or parent. There is a special enrollment window for employer-sponsored coverage if you lose your Medicaid coverage. That window typically lasts for 60 days for people who have lost Medicaid coverage.
Texas health insurance Marketplace
If you lose your Medicaid coverage, you will qualify for a special enrollment period. During this limited window of time, you can find replacement coverage on the ACA health insurance Marketplace.
Get financial help, if needed
If you can get health insurance coverage through your job but it is too expensive for you to afford, you may qualify for financial assistance. Use our Employer Health Plan Affordability Calculator to see your potential savings on an ACA Marketplace plan.
See if you qualify for Medicare
People over the age of 65 and some younger people who have permanent disabilities are eligible for Medicare. If you’ve become eligible for Medicare since 2020 but have not enrolled because you had Medicaid, you’ll have a special enrollment period to transition to Medicare when your Medicaid ends.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Medicaid redeterminations and renewals
Why did I receive a yellow envelope that says “Action Required”?
If you need to complete your renewal to keep receiving Medicaid benefits, Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) may send you a renewal notice. The notice will come in a yellow envelope that says “Action Required.” It’s important to update your contact information with HHS so you continue to receive important notices and updates.
You may receive a notice from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). At the top of the notice, it will say, “Form 1809: Retest all Continuous Medicaid Population.” It will include your case number at the top.
What should I do if I receive a request for information or a renewal packet from Texas Health and Human Services?
To verify your eligibility and keep receiving Medicaid benefits, you may need to give more information or complete a renewal packet. In Texas, the form you may receive with a request for information is the H1020, Request for Information or Action form. If you receive this form, it’s time to renew your benefits. Follow the instructions on the form and be sure to respond by the deadline listed.
How do I set up a Your Texas Benefits account to update contact information and renew Medicaid benefits?
You can respond to requests and update your contact information online through a Your Texas Benefits online account. Your Texas Benefits accounts allow you to manage your case and renew benefits for:
- Medicaid
- SNAP food benefits
- The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- TANF cash help for families
To set up an account, visit: YourTexasBenefits.com.
How can I check my Medicaid eligibility to keep receiving benefits in Texas?
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) has an online tool to help you learn about your Medicaid eligibility.
How will I know if my Medicaid benefits have been renewed?
Once Texas HHS has reviewed your eligibility, you will get a final determination notice. That notice is “Form TF0001, Notice of Case Action.” If the notice tells you that you are no longer eligible, you can appeal the decision to try to keep receiving benefits. Instructions for the appeal will be included on Form TF0001.
Louise Norris is an individual health insurance broker who has been writing about health insurance and health reform since 2006. She has written dozens of opinions and educational pieces about the Affordable Care Act for healthinsurance.org.
