Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Big Bend Health — Big Bend Regional Hospital District (Brewster County)
Big Bend Regional Hospital District — a BI-COUNTY public hospital district serving Brewster and Presidio counties; operates the Big Bend Regional Medical Center (Alpine); in 2022 rebranded its assistance programs as Big Bend Health, providing comprehensive medical coverage to eligible Brewster and Presidio County residents through a network of local and regional medical providers
Who it's for
Big Bend Regional Hospital District is a DISTINCTIVE BI-COUNTY public hospital district serving both Brewster and Presidio counties — one of the few multi-county hospital districts modeled in the catalog. The District operates the Big Bend Regional Medical Center in Alpine (the only acute-care hospital in the Big Bend region) and a network of clinics. In 2022, the District rebranded its assistance programs as Big Bend Health, providing comprehensive medical coverage to eligible Brewster and Presidio County residents who don't qualify for other state or federal healthcare programs. Big Bend Health provides medical care through a network of service providers including clinics, hospitals, physician offices, and other healthcare providers across both counties. Eligibility is based on income and residency in Brewster or Presidio. For tertiary care beyond Big Bend Regional's scope, patients are typically referred to El Paso (UMC, Tenet hospitals — 240+ miles) or Midland/Odessa. Apply by calling Big Bend Health at 432-837-3447 or visiting bigbendhealth.org.
The bi-county Big Bend Regional Hospital District structure is unusual — Brewster (Alpine) and Presidio (Marfa) jointly fund the district through property taxes. This creates a meaningful regional hospital safety net for a sparsely-populated area that would otherwise lack one. Big Bend Regional Medical Center is the only acute-care hospital for ~240 miles in any direction; for specialty care beyond its scope, El Paso (240+ mi) or Midland/Odessa is the referral path. Coordinate TRAX transit (tx.brewster.trax_west_texas_opportunities_transit or tx.presidio counterpart) for non-emergency referral trips.
What you'll need
- Completed Big Bend Health application
- Proof of all household income
- Proof of Brewster County residency
- Photo identification
- Proof of uninsured status and Medicaid ineligibility
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 432-837-3447
Renewals
annual recertification
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.