- 1. Why So Many Texans Are Losing Coverage
- Key Takeaways
- 2. Common Reasons People Lose Medicaid in Texas
- 3. Step 1: Confirm Your Status
- 4. Step 2: Appeal or Reapply Quickly
- 5. Step 3: Apply for Marketplace (ACA) Plans
- 6. Step 4: Explore Other Affordable Options
- 7. Step 5: Prevent Gaps in Coverage
- 8. Step 6: Get Free Local Help
- 9. Avoid Renewal Problems Next Time
- 10. Conclusion: You Still Have Options
- Frequently Asked Questions – Missed Medicaid Renewal in Texas
- What happens if I miss my Medicaid renewal in Texas?
- How do I check if my Medicaid coverage has actually ended?
- How long do I have to appeal a Medicaid termination?
- If I lose Medicaid, can I still get health insurance?
- What if I don’t qualify for Medicaid or ACA subsidies?
- Can I get help filling out the appeal or Marketplace application?
- How can I avoid missing my Medicaid renewal in the future?
1. Why So Many Texans Are Losing Coverage
You check your mail and find a letter from Texas Health and Human Services.
It says your Medicaid has ended.
You might not remember getting a renewal form, or maybe you did but didn’t send it back in time.
This is happening to thousands of people across Texas — especially in Dallas–Fort Worth. When the federal rule that kept everyone on Medicaid during the pandemic ended, Texas began reviewing everyone’s eligibility again. This process is called redetermination.
For many, the process feels rushed and confusing. Forms can get lost. Letters sometimes look like junk mail. Deadlines can be short.
Here’s the good news: losing Medicaid doesn’t mean you have to go without health care. You still have options — and this guide will walk you through them step-by-step.
Key Takeaways
- You’re not alone – Many Texans are losing Medicaid due to renewal deadlines, address changes, or paperwork errors, especially after the end of pandemic protections.
- Check your status first – Log into YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1 to confirm whether your coverage is fully canceled or just pending.
- Act quickly on appeals – You usually have 30 days to appeal a Medicaid denial and may get coverage reinstated if you send the right documents in time.
- Marketplace plans are an option – Losing Medicaid gives you a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for Affordable Care Act coverage, and many people qualify for $0–$10/month plans.
- Explore other low-cost care – CHIP, county assistance programs, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and nonprofit clinics can help bridge coverage gaps.
- Avoid gaps in the future – Keep your address updated, open all mail from the state, set renewal reminders, and keep copies of all submitted documents.
- Free local help is available – EIMA Health provides one-on-one guidance at no cost, helping with Medicaid appeals, Marketplace enrollment, and year-round support.
2. Common Reasons People Lose Medicaid in Texas
Even if you still qualify, you can lose coverage for reasons that have nothing to do with your health or income. Common causes include:
- Missed renewal deadlines – Renewal forms often come with short deadlines.
- Income or family changes – Medicaid eligibility depends on your income and household size.
- Outdated contact information – If you moved and didn’t update your address, your renewal packet may not reach you.
- Mail problems – Even correct addresses can see mail lost or returned.
- Policy change – The COVID-19 rule that kept everyone enrolled ended in 2023.
Example: Maria, a single mom in Dallas, moved to a new apartment in February. Her renewal form went to her old address. By the time she saw it, her Medicaid had been canceled — even though she still qualified.
3. Step 1: Confirm Your Status
Before you assume your coverage is gone, check your status. Sometimes Medicaid cases are only “pending” because the state is waiting for paperwork.
How to check:
- Visit YourTexasBenefits.com – Log in to see your case status, renewal date, and any missing items.
- Call 2-1-1 – Choose Option 2 for Texas Health and Human Services.
- Have your information ready – Case number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address.
Tip: If your case was closed for missing documents, sending them in quickly may get your coverage restored right away.
4. Step 2: Appeal or Reapply Quickly
If you believe you still qualify, you have the right to appeal — but time matters. Most appeals must be filed within 30 days of the notice date.
Your next steps:
- File your appeal immediately – Use the form that came with your denial letter or call 2-1-1.
- Send missing documents – Pay stubs, proof of address, or other requested items.
- Explain delays – If you missed the deadline because you didn’t get the notice or were dealing with an emergency, tell them.
Example: Denise in Carrollton missed her deadline while recovering from surgery. She called the state, explained her situation, and her case was reopened.
If you’re no longer eligible for Medicaid because of income, you may still qualify for affordable coverage through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
EIMA Health can help with appeals and reapplications at no cost — making sure every form is completed and submitted on time.
5. Step 3: Apply for Marketplace (ACA) Plans
Losing Medicaid triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.
What to know:
- You have 60 days after Medicaid ends to sign up.
- Apply at HealthCare.gov.
- Many Dallas–Fort Worth residents qualify for plans costing $0–$10 per month after subsidies.
Example: James, a rideshare driver in Arlington, lost Medicaid when his income rose slightly. He got a $0/month Marketplace plan with the same doctor and low out-of-pocket costs.
Marketplace plans cover doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays, and preventive care — and they can’t deny you for pre-existing conditions.
6. Step 4: Explore Other Affordable Options
If Medicaid and ACA subsidies aren’t available to you, there are still low-cost options in Texas:
- CHIP – For children under 19 whose families earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage.
- County assistance programs – Dallas County’s Medical Assistance Program offers doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care for residents with limited income.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) – Sliding-scale prices based on income. Examples: Foremost Family Health Centers, Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic, Healing Hands Ministries.
- Nonprofit clinics – Mission East Dallas, Hope Clinic of McKinney, and Baylor Scott & White’s Faith in Action Outreach provide free or low-cost care.
7. Step 5: Prevent Gaps in Coverage
Even short breaks in coverage can lead to big medical bills. Protect yourself by:
- Acting quickly – File appeals or enroll in a new plan as soon as coverage ends.
- Considering short-term plans – These can help in emergencies while waiting for long-term coverage (note: they may not cover pre-existing conditions).
- Planning ahead – Schedule needed doctor visits and refill prescriptions before your last covered day.
8. Step 6: Get Free Local Help
You don’t have to handle this alone.
EIMA Health offers:
- Direct help – You work with a person, not a call center.
- Clear explanations – We make the process easy to follow.
- No cost to you – Our help is free; we’re paid by insurance carriers.
- Year-round support – We assist with renewals, provider changes, and questions.
- Local expertise – Serving North Dallas, Farmers Branch, Richardson, Carrollton, and nearby areas.
9. Avoid Renewal Problems Next Time
When your coverage is restored or replaced, set yourself up for an easier renewal process:
- Update your address with Texas Health and Human Services as soon as you move.
- Open and read all mail from the state.
- Mark your renewal month on your calendar.
- Respond right away to requests for information.
- Keep copies of all forms and documents you send.
10. Conclusion: You Still Have Options
Losing Medicaid in Texas can be upsetting — but it’s not the end of your health coverage. Whether your case closed because of a paperwork error, a missed deadline, or a change in income, you still have paths forward.
Check your status, act fast on appeals or new applications, and explore every option. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone.
📞 Call (972) 728-0386 or visit https://eimahealth.com/contact-us/ to set up your free appointment with EIMA Health. We’ll review your options, help you find affordable coverage, and stay by your side every step of the way — without pressure or judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions – Missed Medicaid Renewal in Texas
What happens if I miss my Medicaid renewal in Texas?
If you miss the renewal deadline, your Medicaid coverage may end. You might still be able to appeal or reapply, but you must act quickly. Sometimes coverage can be reinstated if you provide the required documents right away.
How do I check if my Medicaid coverage has actually ended?
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and log in to view your case status, or call 2-1-1 and select Option 2 to speak with Texas Health and Human Services. Have your case number, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready.
How long do I have to appeal a Medicaid termination?
In most cases, you have 30 days from the date on your notice to file an appeal. The sooner you act, the better your chances of keeping or restoring your coverage.
If I lose Medicaid, can I still get health insurance?
Yes. Losing Medicaid gives you a 60-day Special Enrollment Period to apply for a Marketplace (ACA) plan through HealthCare.gov. Many people qualify for low-cost plans — sometimes as little as $0–$10 per month after subsidies.
What if I don’t qualify for Medicaid or ACA subsidies?
You may still get care through:
- CHIP (for children under 19)
- County assistance programs (like Dallas County’s Medical Assistance Program)
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that offer sliding-scale fees
- Nonprofit and charity clinics in your area
Can I get help filling out the appeal or Marketplace application?
Yes. EIMA Health offers free, one-on-one assistance with Medicaid appeals, Marketplace applications, and year-round coverage support. We can explain each step and make sure paperwork is completed on time.
How can I avoid missing my Medicaid renewal in the future?
Keep your mailing address updated with Texas Health and Human Services
Open all mail from the state
Set phone or calendar reminders for your renewal month
Respond quickly to requests for information
Save copies of everything you send
This article has been a collaboration between EIMA Health and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on Aug 11, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with EIMA Health’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.
