Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Harris Health Financial Assistance Program (formerly 'Gold Card')
Harris Health System — Harris County's public hospital system; operates Ben Taub Hospital, LBJ Hospital, Quentin Mease Hospital, plus 30+ outpatient clinics across Harris County; administers the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) for Harris County residents at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level
Who it's for
Harris Health System is Harris County's public hospital system — operating Ben Taub Hospital (a Level I trauma center), Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital (a Level III trauma center), Quentin Mease Hospital, and a network of more than 30 outpatient primary-care, specialty, and dental clinics across Harris County. The Harris Health Financial Assistance Program (FAP) — historically known as the 'Gold Card' after the gold-colored ID card formerly issued to enrolled patients — provides sliding-scale and free care to uninsured and underinsured Harris County residents at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. The program covers primary care, specialty care, hospital inpatient and outpatient, emergency care, surgery, prescription drugs, mental health, and dental care at all Harris Health facilities. To apply, complete the online application at ola.veritysource.com/harris or call the Eligibility Call Center at 713-566-6509. Enrolled members typically receive a one-year enrollment that must be renewed annually. For seniors who already have Medicare, Harris Health FAP covers Medicare cost-sharing and services not covered by Medicare. The Harris Health network is by far the largest county-public-hospital safety net modeled in the catalog.
Harris Health Financial Assistance Program is THE primary safety net for uninsured Harris County residents — Harris County has one of the largest uninsured populations in the U.S., and Harris Health operates as the public hospital system covering that population. The 150% FPL income gate is more generous than many peer public-hospital-district programs (FL's Lower Keys Medical Center uses multiples-of-FPL; Texas's Harris Health uses the cleaner 150% FPL line). Harris County residency MUST be verified — the program does not cover residents of surrounding counties (Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston). Members who move out of Harris County lose eligibility immediately. Annual recertification is required; missed renewals are the most common cause of coverage gaps. For seniors on Medicare, Harris Health FAP provides COMPLEMENTARY coverage — copays, deductibles, and uncovered services (dental, some prescriptions, mental health) — making the FAP especially valuable for Medicare-eligible Harris County seniors below 150% FPL.
What you'll need
- Completed Harris Health Financial Assistance Program application (online at ola.veritysource.com/harris or paper)
- Proof of all household income for the prior 30-90 days (Social Security award letter, pension statement, pay stubs, SSI award letter, tax return)
- Proof of all household members (birth certificates, dependents)
- Proof of Harris County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence dated within the prior 60 days)
- Photo identification for the applicant
- Social Security number for the applicant (if available)
- For non-citizens: documentation of immigration status (or signed affidavit of lawful status)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 713-566-6509
Renewals
annual recertification required
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.