Benefits · Healthcare
How to apply for Central Health Medical Access Program (MAP) — Travis County Healthcare Access
Central Health (the Travis County Healthcare District) — Travis County's public hospital district, operates jointly with Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas (Travis County's primary public hospital partner) and a network of community health clinics; administers the Medical Access Program (MAP) for uninsured Travis County residents
Who it's for
Central Health is the Travis County Healthcare District — a special taxing district approved by Travis County voters in 2004 — operating as Travis County's public hospital safety net. Unlike Harris County's Harris Health, Dallas County's Parkland, or Bexar County's University Health (which directly operate hospitals), Central Health primarily FINANCES and CONTRACTS healthcare delivery through partner systems: Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas (Travis County's primary public hospital partner) and a network of community health clinics. The Medical Access Program (MAP) is Central Health's principal financial assistance program — providing healthcare coverage to UNINSURED Travis County residents with income AT OR BELOW 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. MAP and MAP Basic eligibility is based on income received in the LAST 30 DAYS (more current-state than annual-income-based programs). Applicants must NOT be eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare AND must NOT have private insurance. MAP covers primary care, specialty care, hospital inpatient and outpatient, emergency care, prescription drugs, behavioral health, and dental at the contracted Central Health partner network. To apply, call Central Health at 512-978-8130, option 1 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) or visit centralhealth.net/map. The 200% FPL threshold matches Parkland Dallas and University Health Bexar — more generous than Harris Health Houston (150% FPL).
Central Health's structure is DISTINCTIVE among Texas public hospital districts — unlike Parkland (Dallas), University Health (Bexar), and Harris Health (Houston) which directly OPERATE hospitals, Central Health primarily FINANCES and CONTRACTS healthcare delivery through Dell Seton Medical Center and partner clinics. This contractor model means MAP enrollees access care at a network of CONTRACTED providers, not at a single Central Health-owned facility. The 200% FPL income gate matches Parkland Dallas and University Health Bexar; more generous than Harris Health Houston (150% FPL). The LAST-30-DAYS income basis is more current-state than annual-income programs — recent income changes (job loss, retirement, disability onset) qualify a household quickly without waiting for annual recertification. Travis County residency is RIGOROUSLY VERIFIED; non-residents (Williamson, Hays, Bastrop counties) do not qualify. MAP enrollees MUST be uninsured AND not eligible for Medicaid/Medicare — Medicare-eligible Travis seniors typically do NOT qualify for MAP since Medicare eligibility itself disqualifies them. Lower-income Medicare-eligible Travis seniors should pursue the Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) instead.
What you'll need
- Completed Central Health MAP application
- Proof of income received in the LAST 30 DAYS (paycheck stubs, Social Security award letter, pension statement, SSI award letter)
- Proof of Travis County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
- Photo identification for the applicant
- Documentation of household members and ages
- Proof of uninsured or underinsured status (Medicaid denial letter, lack of insurance documentation)
- Social Security number for the applicant (if available)
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 512-978-8130
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.