Texas Health Insurance
Fast Facts about Texas
| TX | Rank4 | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population1 | 24,782,302 | 2 | 307,006,550 |
| Total area (square miles) | 268,581 | 2 | 3,803,290 |
| Land area (square miles) | 261,797 | 2 | 3,541,479 |
| Population density (people per square mile of land) | 94.7 | 27 | 86.7 |
| Proportion of population with health insurance2 | 74.9% | 51 | 84.7% |
| Number of physicians3 | 59,797 | 3 | 991,066 |
| Number of physicians per 1,000 population | 2.5 | 43 | 3.2 |
Texas Medicaid
Medicaid is a government health care program for certain low-income individuals and families who might otherwise not be able to afford medical care. The cost of the program is shared between the federal government and the state. Not all low-income people will qualify for Medicaid assistance, only those in specially designated groups.
The Texas Medicaid program is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Coverage may be available to people in the following groups who meet income criteria:
- Children;
- Parent or relative caring for a child under age 19;
- Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care;
- Pregnant women;
- Women aged 18 to 44 (Women’s Health Program benefits);
- Women who have been diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer;
- People age 65 or older; and
- People with Disabilities.
Texas Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Health care coverage is available to low-income children in Texas through Children’s Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Both programs offer health care benefits, including regular checkups, hospital care, prescription drugs, medical supplies, eye exams, dental care, and treatment of pre-existing conditions.
Eligibility is based on family income and the child must be a resident of Texas and a United States citizen or legal permanent resident (parents will not be asked about their own citizenship or immigration status). Visit the CHIP/Children’s Medicaid website for more information.
Texas High Risk Pools
The Texas Health Insurance Pool provides health insurance to eligible Texas residents who are unable to obtain coverage in the private market due to medical conditions. The pool also provides coverage to Texans who have lost their employer-sponsored group coverage.
Uninsured residents of Texas with pre-existing conditions may also be able to obtain coverage through the state’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). This program was created as a result of the recent federal health insurance reforms. It is an interim measure until 2014 when insurers will no longer be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. The PCIP is managed on behalf of the state by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To qualify for coverage you must:
- Be a resident of Texas;
- Be a citizen or national of the United States or lawfully present in the United States;
- Have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of a health condition; and
- Have been uninsured for at least six months before you apply.
Texas Department of Insurance
The Texas Department of Insurance is a state agency that protects consumers by regulating the insurance industry and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Department ensures the financial solvency of insurers, reviews insurance forms and rates, provides educational resources for consumers, and investigates complaints against insurance companies and agents.
Texas Department of State Health Services
The Texas Department of State Health Services is tasked with improving health and well-being of all Texans. The Department administers a variety of programs to prevent disease and injury, assure the availability of health care services, promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles, and provide consumer protection.
- Population estimates as of July 1, 2009. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
- Proportion of population with health insurance is the average for the two-year period 2007-2008. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
- Number of physicians comprises all licensed nonfederal physicians as of 2008. Source: The Kaiser Family Foundation, statehealthfacts.org.
- Rank is based on highest to lowest amount across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
