Medicaid Guidelines in Texas

In Texas, almost 3 million people have medical coverage from Medicaid. Medicaid guidelines differ in every state, in Texas the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is responsible for setting the guidelines for Medicaid. Texas' Medicaid program is intended to help those who would otherwise go without health coverage.

Income Guidelines

• Medicaid eligibility is largely determined by a formula that compares the income of the household with the amount that is considered poverty level by federal guidelines. In 2010, the annual income that is considered poverty level is $10,830 for a household with one person. Two people have a poverty level of $14,570, each additional member of the household would add on an additional $3,740.

Children's eligibility

• A child can receive medicaid benefits the first year of his life if his family does not meet the income requirement of $33,873 for a family of three. Once the child reaches the age of one to five, then the family income requirement for a family of three is 133 percent of the poverty level at that time. After age 6, if the family makes less than the poverty level, they are eligible for medicaid.

Pregnancy

• Pregnant women in Texas are eligible for medicaid if they make less than 185 percent of the poverty level. For 2010, that would mean $10,830 times 185%, which equals $20,035.

Non-Citizens

• People who are not citizens of the United States are eligible for Medicaid-funded treatment in the case of a medical emergency. Childbirth and Labor are examples of emergency situations.

Elderly and SSI

• If a elderly person is eligible for SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, then they are eligible for Medicaid as well. Nursing home services are based upon various factors, not just income.

Foster Children

• Foster children are eligible for Medicaid while they are in childcare. They can also receive Medicaid once they leave foster care up until the age of 21.