Health
Ask about it
Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Programs in Texas
Texas programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Medicaid
Texas Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible children, families, older adults, and people with disabilities.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Children’s Health Insurance Program
CHIP provides low-cost health coverage to eligible children whose families earn too much for Medicaid.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Behavioral health services
Local mental health authorities connect Texans with community mental health and substance use services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Texas Department of Insurance
Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace
Texas residents can compare and enroll in individual health plans through the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal programs
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.
Social Security Administration
Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. People with Medicaid or SSI may get it without applying.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
HealthCare.gov
The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA health care
Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Apply online at VA.gov, by phone, by mail, or in person at a VA medical center.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- 2-1-1 Texas
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988