How to apply for Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD)

Who it's for

Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (the MEPD handbook categories at HHSC) is the SSI-related Medicaid pathway for low-income Texans who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who do not require nursing home care. Eligibility is income-tested against the federal SSI Benefit Rate (FBR) — for 2026 the FBR is $967/month for an individual and $1,450/month for a couple — with a $2,000 countable-asset limit ($3,000 for a couple). Recipients who qualify for SSI cash benefits are automatically Medicaid-eligible in Texas; non-SSI applicants apply through HHSC. Medicaid covers physician visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, lab and X-ray, family planning, vision and hearing services, durable medical equipment, mental health care, and other services. For Texans who need long-term services and supports (in-home personal care, adult day care, home modifications) the pathway is STAR+PLUS (tx.star_plus). Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com, by calling 2-1-1, or by calling HHSC at 1-800-252-8263.

What you'll need

• Proof of age (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, birth certificate, or Medicare card)
• Proof of all household income (Social Security award letter, pension statement, SSI award letter)
• Proof of all countable resources (bank statements, brokerage statements, vehicle titles)
• Proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
• Photo identification
• Social Security number

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Texas Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (MEPD). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age (texas driver's license, texas id, birth certificate, or medicare card), proof of all household income (social security award letter, pension statement, ssi award letter), proof of all countable resources (bank statements, brokerage statements, vehicle titles) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your required documents: proof of age (Texas driver's license, Texas ID, birth certificate, or Medicare card), photo identification, and your Social Security number.
2. Collect proof of all household income, such as a Social Security award letter, SSI award letter, or pension statement.
3. Gather proof of all countable resources, including recent bank statements, brokerage statements, and any vehicle titles.
4. Get proof of Texas residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or government correspondence.
5. Apply online at YourTexasBenefits.com, by calling 2-1-1, or by calling Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) directly at 1-800-252-8263.
6. Complete any follow-up steps HHSC requests, such as providing additional documents or attending an interview.
7. Watch for your eligibility notice in the mail and keep a copy of all documents you submitted.

What to expect: After submitting your application, HHSC will review your income, resources, age, and residency to determine eligibility. Processing times vary, so contact HHSC at 1-800-252-8263 for an estimate if you need one. If approved, you will receive a notice explaining your coverage and, if you are age 65 or older or have a disability, you will likely be enrolled in the STAR+PLUS managed care program. Note that if you need in-home personal care or other long-term services and supports, the STAR+PLUS pathway is separate from regular MEPD Medicaid — ask HHSC about that program if it applies to your situation. Texas Medicaid requires an annual redetermination, so watch for renewal paperwork each year and respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.

Renewals

annual redetermination