It is possible to obtain quality healthcare, even when times are tough.
The inability to afford quality health insurance is becoming epidemic. In some areas of Texas, many adults cannot afford health insurance, making healthcare inaccessible to a large percentage of the Texas population. Fortunately, there are government-run and private services available to help low-income individuals and families stay healthy with free and supplemental health care.
Medicaid
Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to inquire about Medicaid. This is a program offered to qualifying individuals based on income and household size. The medical costs covered under Medicaid include emergency health care, family health care, and vision and dental care. Request an application from the HHSC by phone or download a copy from the HHSC website (hhsc.state.tx.us). Complete the application and return it to the HHSC by mail, or you can complete it online. You now must wait for the commission to review your qualifications for the program.
CHIP and Children's Medicaid
Apply for free medical care for children under the Children's Health Insurance Program if you are not eligible for Medicaid. Another program that provides free medical care for kids is the Children's Medicaid program. These programs are designed to provide medical coverage for children less than 19 years of age in low-income households that do not qualify for Medicaid.
Free Clinics
While the cost of medical care often prevents some from receiving regular care, there are private and charitable clinics that help ease the medical cost burden by providing free services to individuals and families with low incomes. Look for free medical care at clinics in larger Texas cities, such as the H.O.M.E.S. Clinic in Houston. Some clinics also offer a partial pay program for low-income families.
Women's Health Services
The Texas Women's Health Program is designed to provide low-income women with quality preventative and family planning health care services. Services covered under this program include regular annual pap smears, birth control pills and other contraceptives, breast and cervical cancer screening, and screening for diabetes and other disorders.
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