Losing Medicaid? Here’s How to Stay Covered Without Gaps

Introduction

If you’ve lost your Medicaid coverage—or got a letter saying it’s ending—you’re not alone.

Right now, thousands of people in Texas are in the same situation. It can feel scary, confusing, or even unfair. But you don’t have to go without health insurance.

At EIMA Health, we help people in Texas find new, affordable coverage after losing Medicaid. Many qualify for plans that cost little or nothing each month and cover everything from doctor visits to prescriptions.

This guide explains:

• Why so many are losing Medicaid
  
• What other options are available
  
• How to stay covered with help from EIMA Health
  

If you’re ready to talk to someone now, visit eimahealth.com/contact-us or call/text (972) 728-0386.

Key Takeaways

1. Many Texans Are Losing Medicaid Right Now
   Texas has restarted yearly Medicaid eligibility checks (redetermination), leading to thousands of people—especially low-income families—losing coverage.
   
2. Losing Medicaid Doesn’t Mean You Have to Go Without Insurance
   If your Medicaid ends, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), giving you 60 days to sign up for new coverage.
   
3. Marketplace Plans Are Affordable and Comprehensive
   Most people qualify for discounted ACA (Marketplace) plans that cost less than $10/month—and some pay $0. These plans cover doctor visits, prescriptions, and more.
   
4. CHIP May Still Cover Your Children
   Even if parents lose Medicaid, children may still be eligible for CHIP, which provides low-cost coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.
   
5. Act Quickly—You Only Have 60 Days
   Waiting too long can lead to a gap in coverage or high out-of-pocket medical costs. It’s important to start the process as soon as possible.
   
6. EIMA Health Offers Free, One-on-One Help
   EIMA Health provides personalized support with no fees. Agents help with plan selection, enrollment, CHIP applications, and ongoing assistance all year long.
   
7. Support for Every Situation
   Whether you’re a parent, senior, gig worker, or part of an immigrant family, EIMA Health offers culturally sensitive and local help to ensure you’re not left behind.

Why So Many Texans Are Losing Medicaid

During the COVID-19 emergency, the government allowed people to stay on Medicaid without checking their income or household details every year. Now that policy has ended.

Texas is reviewing everyone’s Medicaid to decide who still qualifies. This process is called redetermination.

People are losing Medicaid for reasons like:

• Not turning in required forms
  
• Small income increases
  
• Missed mail or outdated addresses
  

For example, Maria, a single mom in Dallas earning $22,000, didn’t receive her Medicaid renewal notice. She only found out her coverage ended when her son’s prescription wasn’t covered at the pharmacy.

This is happening to many families in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, and nearby areas. But the good news is that other coverage options are available—and you can act now to stay protected.

What to Do After Losing Medicaid

If you’ve lost Medicaid, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This is a 60-day window that lets you apply for a new health plan right away. You don’t need to wait until the regular Open Enrollment period in the fall.

Here are your main coverage options:

1. Marketplace (ACA) Health Plans

These plans are sold through Healthcare.gov and include:

• Doctor visits
  
• Emergency care
  
• Mental health services
  
• Prescription drugs
  
• Preventive care
  
• Optional dental and vision
  

Most people qualify for large discounts based on income. Many plans cost less than $10 per month—some even cost $0.

Example: Luis, a 32-year-old gig worker in Denton earning $29,000/year, got a plan with a $0 deductible for only $11/month. It covers all his regular care, including prescriptions.

2. Job-Based Insurance

If you just started a job that offers insurance, you may be able to enroll there. However, if your job’s insurance is too expensive, you may still qualify for Marketplace plans with better prices.

3. CHIP for Kids

If your kids are losing Medicaid, they might still qualify for CHIP—the Children’s Health Insurance Program. It provides low-cost coverage for doctor visits, prescriptions, and dental care.

At EIMA Health, we can help your family apply for both Marketplace and CHIP coverage together.

4. Short-Term Plans (Last Resort)

Short-term plans are not full insurance. They usually don’t cover pre-existing conditions or regular doctor visits. We only recommend them when no other option is available.

How Marketplace Plans Work

Marketplace plans are private health insurance plans regulated by the government. They are offered by trusted companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ambetter, and others.

All plans include:

• Preventive care (like checkups and vaccines)
  
• Emergency services and hospital care
  
• Mental health treatment
  
• Lab work and screenings
  
• Pregnancy and newborn care
  
• Prescriptions
  

Plans come in different levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold). What you pay depends on your income. The lower your income, the more help you get through subsidies.

Example: A family of four earning $40,000 might get a Silver plan for under $30/month. A single adult earning $20,000 could qualify for a $0 premium plan.

You can also add dental or vision coverage if you want.

Don’t Wait—You Only Have 60 Days

Losing Medicaid starts a 60-day clock. That’s how long you have to choose a new plan. If you miss that window, you might have to wait until the next Open Enrollment period in November.

Here’s what to do now:

1. Check for mail or online messages from Texas Medicaid.
   
2. Write down the date your Medicaid ended.
   
3. Call or text EIMA Health.
   
4. Gather your recent pay stubs or other proof of income.
   

Many people don’t realize they lost coverage until they try to go to the doctor or pharmacy. Acting now helps you avoid that problem.

How EIMA Health Helps

At EIMA Health, we don’t rush you or hand you off to a call center. We’re real people from the Dallas area who take time to listen and help.

Here’s what we offer:

• Help finding the best health plan for your needs
  
• Free one-on-one guidance in English, Spanish, and other languages
  
• Help checking if your doctors and prescriptions are covered
  
• Year-round support—even after you enroll
  
• Assistance with CHIP, dental, vision, and Medicare plans too
  

We serve families, individuals, seniors, and immigrants across North Dallas, Denton, Richardson, Addison, and surrounding areas.

Our help is always 100% free—no fees, no pressure, and no sales tricks.

Support for Families, Seniors, and Immigrant Households

EIMA Health understands that every family is different. We’re proud to offer respectful, judgment-free support to:

• Parents who need coverage for themselves and CHIP for their children
  
• Seniors who are leaving Medicaid and entering Medicare
  
• Immigrant families, including those with mixed status or language barriers
  

You don’t need to know all the rules or speak perfect English. We explain everything clearly and help you take the next step.

Conclusion: You Can Stay Covered—And We’re Here to Help

Losing Medicaid can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t mean you have to go without care.

You may qualify for affordable insurance that covers your doctors, prescriptions, and more. Most people pay less than $10/month—or even nothing. But you have to act quickly.

EIMA Health is here to help. We’ll explain your options, help you apply, and stay by your side even after you enroll.

📞 Call or text us at (972) 728-0386
💻 Or visit eimahealth.com/contact-us to schedule your free appointment.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here—and ready to help you stay covered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This article has been a collaboration between EIMA Health and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on Aug 18, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with EIMA Health’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.

Emily Ima Founder

Hi, I’m Emily Ima, founder of EIMA Health and a proud Dallas resident. I started this agency with one mission: to make health insurance simple, affordable, and accessible, especially for families and individuals who feel overlooked or overwhelmed by the system. Living with Sickle Cell, I understand firsthand how frustrating and confusing healthcare can be. That’s why I take a personal, compassionate approach with every client whether it’s walking you through your ACA Marketplace options, helping you transition from Medicaid, or finding the best Medicare plan for your needs. You’re never just a number here. I take the time to listen, explain, and advocate for what’s best for you and your family. I serve clients across the country but have a special place in my heart for the Dallas community. When I’m not working, you can usually find me cheering on my daughter Emma at volleyball games, walking the trails with my family and our Goldendoodle Teddy, or exploring new recipes and restaurants around town, from southern food and Italian to Nigerian dishes and some good ole’ Texas BBQ. I’m a proud alumna of both Midwestern State University and the University of Texas at Dallas Go Mustangs and Comets! If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and will take the time to help you understand your health insurance options, you’re in the right place. Let’s get you covered with peace of mind.

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Sickle Cell Warrior Health Insurance Advocate Medicaid & Medicare Dallas ACA (Marketplace)