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Office Information

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State Medicaid Line
1-877-541-7905
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2-1-1 Texas
Dial 2-1-1 for help
⚠️ Walk-ins Welcome: Most HHSC offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary. For faster service, apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1 first.
Monday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
🚗 Get Directions

⚠️ Texas Has NOT Expanded Medicaid

Texas is one of the states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This means many low-income adults without children may not qualify for Medicaid, even with very low income. Eligibility is limited to specific categories: children, pregnant women, parents/caretakers with very low income, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.

If you don't qualify for Texas Medicaid, you may still have options:
  • HealthCare.gov — Check for subsidized Marketplace insurance plans
  • Harris County/Houston Health Dept — Community health centers and low-cost clinics
  • Harris Health System (Gold Card) — Financial assistance program for uninsured Harris County residents
  • CHIP — Children's Health Insurance Program for kids who don't qualify for Medicaid

💡 Before You Drive to This Office

Most Medicaid business can be done online, by phone, or by mail. Check if you can skip the trip.

  • Apply for Texas Medicaid online at YourTexasBenefits.com — available 24/7
  • Renew your Medicaid coverage online — log in to your YourTexasBenefits account
  • Report changes (income, address, household size) through your online account
  • Check your application status online or by calling 2-1-1
  • Apply for CHIP (Children's Health Insurance) at the same portal
  • Apply for SNAP (food assistance) and TANF at the same time as Medicaid
  • Call 2-1-1 (Texas Health and Human Services) for questions — available in English and Spanish
  • Call the state Medicaid line at 1-877-541-7905 for eligibility questions
🌐 Go to YourTexasBenefits.com

Still need to visit in person? Keep reading for tips on making your visit as smooth as possible. Some situations — like resolving document issues, complex eligibility questions, or helping someone who isn't tech-savvy — are genuinely better handled face-to-face.

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What to Bring

Dr. Ed says: "Don't wait on documents. Don't delay your visit trying to gather every piece of paperwork. Call 1-877-541-7905 or walk in — they will tell you exactly what you need for YOUR situation. Every case is different. If you're eligible for Medicaid, you could be losing coverage every day you wait. Go in. Get started. They'll guide you."

At minimum, bring:

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
  • Social Security numbers for everyone applying
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from employer) — if you have it
  • Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or mail with your address) — if you have it

That's enough to get started. The office will tell you if they need anything else. Don't let missing paperwork stop you from going.

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Insider Tips for Your Visit

⏱ Best Time to Go

Mid-month (10th–20th) is typically less crowded. Avoid the first week of the month and Mondays — that's when everyone goes. Tuesday through Thursday mid-morning is your best bet.

📱 Apply Online First

Even if you plan to visit in person, starting your application online at YourTexasBenefits.com first can speed up your visit significantly. Bring your confirmation number.

🎓 Bring a Helper

If English isn't your first language or you need help understanding the process, bring someone who can help translate or advocate for you. The office also has interpreter services available.

⚠️ Watch Your Renewal Date

Texas Medicaid renews every 12 months. If you miss your renewal deadline, your coverage STOPS. Watch for mail from HHSC and respond immediately. You can also renew online.

📋 Appeal Deadline: 90 Days

If you're denied, you have 90 days to file an appeal. Don't give up — many denials are overturned on appeal. Ask the office for a fair hearing request form.

💰 Apply for Everything

When you apply for Medicaid, you can also apply for SNAP (food assistance), TANF (cash assistance), and CHIP (children's insurance) on the same application. Don't leave benefits on the table.

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Rate Your Experience at This Office

Help others prepare for their visit by sharing your experience at the Houston Medicaid office on Telephone Rd. Your feedback is anonymous and helps the community.

Your feedback helps others prepare. Do not share personal information such as your Social Security number, case number, or full name.

📞 Called the Medicaid Line? Share Your Phone Experience

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Services Available at This Office

The Harris County HHSC office on Telephone Rd provides these services. This is a full-service HHSC office — you can handle Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF all in one visit.

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Medicaid Enrollment

Apply for Texas Medicaid coverage for yourself, your children, or family members

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Medicaid Renewal

Renew your coverage before the 12-month deadline to avoid gaps

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CHIP (Children's Insurance)

Children's Health Insurance Program for kids who don't qualify for Medicaid

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Appeals & Fair Hearings

File an appeal if your Medicaid application was denied — 90-day deadline

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SNAP (Food Assistance)

Apply for food stamps/SNAP benefits on the same application

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TANF (Cash Assistance)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — cash benefits for families with children

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Document Submission

Submit verification documents for pending applications or renewals

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Report Changes

Update income, address, household size, or other eligibility information

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Medicaid for Pregnant Women

Special Medicaid coverage for pregnant women — often faster approval

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Disability-Related Medicaid

Medicaid for individuals with disabilities — may take up to 90 days to process

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Frequently Asked Questions — Texas Medicaid

What documents do I need to apply for Texas Medicaid? ▼
Don't overthink this. At minimum, bring a government-issued photo ID and Social Security numbers for everyone applying. If you have proof of income (pay stubs, tax return) and proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease), bring those too. But don't let missing documents stop you from going. The office will tell you exactly what they need for your specific situation. You can always bring documents later.
Can I apply for Texas Medicaid online? ▼
Yes! YourTexasBenefits.com is the official Texas portal where you can apply for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF — all online, 24/7. You can also call 2-1-1 for phone assistance in English or Spanish. The online application is the fastest way to get started.
How long does Medicaid approval take in Texas? ▼
Standard Medicaid applications are typically processed within 45 days. Disability-related Medicaid can take up to 90 days. Pregnant women and children often get expedited processing. You can check your application status online at YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1.
Is Texas a Medicaid expansion state? ▼
No. Texas has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. This means many low-income adults — especially those without children — may fall into a "coverage gap" where they earn too much for traditional Medicaid but too little for Marketplace subsidies. If you don't qualify, check HealthCare.gov for subsidized insurance or look into Harris Health System's financial assistance program (Gold Card).
How do I renew my Texas Medicaid? ▼
Texas Medicaid must be renewed every 12 months. HHSC will send you a renewal packet by mail about 30–60 days before your deadline. You can renew online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by phone at 2-1-1, by mail, or in person at this office. Don't ignore the renewal notice — if you miss the deadline, your coverage will stop and you'll have to reapply.
What if my Medicaid application is denied? ▼
You have 90 days from the date of the denial notice to request a fair hearing (appeal). Many denials are due to missing information or documentation errors — not because you're actually ineligible. Request the appeal in writing, and consider visiting this office to get help filing it. Don't give up.
Can I get Medicaid and Medicare at the same time? ▼
Yes! People who qualify for both are called "dual eligibles." If you're 65+ or disabled and have low income, you may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays. This is sometimes called the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) or QMB/SLMB. Ask about this at the office — many people miss out on this benefit.
Does this office handle SNAP (food stamps) too? ▼
Yes. This is a full-service HHSC office. You can apply for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP (food assistance), and TANF (cash assistance) all in one visit or on one application. If you're applying for Medicaid, always ask about SNAP too — many Medicaid-eligible families also qualify for food assistance.