Resources for Families

There are two major changes.

First, families should know that extra help for SNAP, or food stamps, ended. During the pandemic, the government provided extra SNAP benefits to help all families keep up food on the table. This March is the first month since 2020 that families will no longer see the extra SNAP. Every family will see their SNAP benefit decrease by at least $95. Moving forward, the amount that families receive will be based on their income level and other household expenses.

The second change begins on April 1st. That’s when Texas will start re-checking eligibility for Medicaid for millions of Texans. We are going to see many families lose coverage as early as June 1 and through the summer.

Eligibility checks are normally routine, and known as renewing your Medicaid. Since the pandemic began, most Texans have been able to stay on Medicaid even if they didn’t complete paperwork or were no longer eligible. Now, Texas Medicaid will start re-checking everyone’s eligibility, and families should expect to complete a renewal once a year moving forward. The process can be confusing and we’re worried families who still qualify may fall through the cracks because the state can’t find them—so if you’re listening, please help us spread the word.

• Make sure you have access to your account on YourTexasBenefits.com or through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
• Update your information in Your Texas Benefits, especially if you moved since 2020. Make sure your address, income information, and household expenses are correct. This way you’ll receive important updates, and that you get every SNAP dollar you qualify for.
• Families with Medicaid should keep an eye out for a yellow notice in the mail, and respond to requests for information right away.
• You don’t have to go through this alone—local help is available. If you’re confused or unsure about a notice, or need help accessing your account, you can reach out to the Central Texas Food Bank, the Texas Community Partner Program, or the Texas Association of Community Health Centers.

Families should rest assured that accessing Medicaid and SNAP is safe and will help you and your children stay healthy. Use of these programs by eligible family members will not harm your chances of becoming a U.S. Citizen or put you at risk of deportation.

In fact, in December of 2022, the Biden administration formalized this in a new regulation. Because it went through a long process to become an official regulation, it will be harder for future administrations to change this.

Families can also rest assured that the information you provide to Your Texas Benefits or in benefit applications will be protected by law. It will only be used to determine your benefits and will not be shared with immigration enforcement agencies. Updating your information is a necessary step to continue using these programs to help your family stay healthy.

Families received their last extra SNAP benefit in February.

For Medicaid, renewals will take place in waves starting in April and through the next year. Texas Medicaid will start by checking eligibility for those they suspect are no longer eligible. This includes children who turned 19 after March 2020 and have aged out of Medicaid, as well as Texans who had Medicaid for their pregnancies but are no longer pregnant.

Next they will look at families whose income has increased and may no longer qualify.

This is why it’s important to keep an eye out for any notices so you know when it’s your time to renew.

There are a couple of affordable health care options.  

• Families with children who saw a small increase to their income may be able to enroll their children in CHIP, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
• You can also find low-cost, high-quality health insurance through Healthcare.Gov. Congress reduced the price of insurance on HealthCare.Gov, so families who struggled to find affordable plans in the past should definitely take another look. Today four out of five Texans who qualify can get plans for less than $10 per month. HealthCare.Gov enrollment takes place in the fall for most people, but Texans losing Medicaid between now and July 31, 2024 will have a period to sign up.

If you missed the deadline to submit your paperwork, you can still send it in within 90 days for your renewal to be re-opened. After 90 days, you have to reapply. If you think your application was incorrectly denied because of your immigration status, income, or another reason, you can find local help for assistance or contact the Office of the Ombudsman. You also have the right to appeal and have a fair hearing.

We definitely need all hands on deck to get the word out! Maybe you know a cousin or niece or grandchild who could use this information. If you’re a teacher, send this information home in your students’ backpacks. If you’re a faith leader, share this with your congregation. Anyone who works with children and families can play a part in helping our whole community stay covered and fed.