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 $994/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 before you start: 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 in one of two ways: apply online through YourTexasBenefits.com, or call HHSC at 1-800-252-8263. You can also dial 2-1-1 for help getting connected.
6. Submit all required documents along with your application. Have them ready to upload online or to share with the HHSC representative by phone.
7. Watch for any follow-up requests from HHSC. They may contact you if additional information or verification is needed to complete your application.

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 or dial 2-1-1 to ask for an estimate on your case. If approved, you will receive full Medicaid coverage, which includes physician visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, lab and X-ray services, vision and hearing services, durable medical equipment, mental health care, and more. Texas Medicaid requires an annual redetermination, meaning you will need to confirm your eligibility once a year — HHSC will notify you when it is time to renew. If you are a married applicant or need in-home personal care or other long-term services, speak with an HHSC representative about spousal protections and the STAR+PLUS program, which is a separate pathway for those needs.

Renewals

annual redetermination