The Texas Healthy Women (HTW) Program is a state-funded health coverage program designed for low-income women who no longer qualify for Medicaid but still need access to women's health services. If your Medicaid for Pregnant Women coverage recently ended, HTW is specifically built to bridge that gap and keep you connected to care.
As of 2025, Texas expanded the program through an approved 1115 waiver extension running through June 30, 2030. The extension added HTW Plus, a set of postpartum benefits covering mental health, cardiovascular care, and substance use disorder treatment for women in the 12 months after pregnancy. This is one of the most significant updates to the program in years.
Here is what you need to know about eligibility, services, income limits, and how to apply in 2026.
What Is the Texas Healthy Women Program?
Healthy Texas Women is a state health coverage program administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). It covers family planning, preventive health services, and basic women's health care for women ages 15 to 44 who do not qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
The program is not full Medicaid. It does not cover emergency room visits, hospitalization, or primary care beyond the scope of women's health and family planning. But for women transitioning off Medicaid for Pregnant Women, it provides meaningful continuity of care at no cost.
HTW is funded through a federal Section 1115 demonstration waiver, which allows Texas to offer family planning services to women who would not otherwise qualify for Medicaid.
Who Is Eligible for Healthy Texas Women?
To qualify for HTW in 2026, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Female
- Ages 15 through 44 (you are considered 15 the month of your 15th birthday, and 44 through the month of your 45th birthday)
- Texas resident
- U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant
- Not currently pregnant
- Not currently enrolled in full Medicaid or CHIP
- Family income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Starting April 1, 2026, HHSC automatically tests all women for HTW eligibility when they are found ineligible for other MAGI Medicaid programs and CHIP. This means many women are screened for HTW as part of a standard Medicaid determination, without having to submit a separate application.
Income Limits for 2026
HTW covers women with family income at or below 200% FPL. The table below shows the monthly gross income limits based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines.
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit (200% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $7,393 |
For each additional person, add approximately $947 per month. These figures are based on 2026 federal poverty guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Income is counted for the individual woman and her household, not just her personal earnings. Gross income before taxes is used for the calculation.
Transitioning from Medicaid for Pregnant Women
When Medicaid for Pregnant Women coverage ends, usually 60 days after delivery, many women face a sudden gap in health coverage. HTW is designed to serve as the next step in that coverage continuum.
If you were enrolled in Medicaid for Pregnant Women and your pregnancy coverage is ending, Texas HHSC may automatically enroll you in HTW if you appear eligible. You should receive a letter confirming your enrollment. However, automatic enrollment is not guaranteed, and it is worth applying directly if you have not received a notice.
Women who qualify for HTW Plus receive expanded services during the first 12 months after pregnancy, in addition to all standard HTW benefits. HTW Plus was approved by CMS in June 2025 and covers outpatient physical health, mental health, and substance use disorder services targeting conditions that contribute to maternal mortality.
Services Covered by Healthy Texas Women
Standard HTW benefits include the following services, all at no cost to the enrollee:
Family Planning
- Contraceptive counseling and methods (pills, patches, rings, injections, IUDs, implants)
- Permanent sterilization
- Condom supply and barrier method education
Preventive Screenings
- Breast and cervical cancer screenings, including mammograms and Pap tests
- STI and HIV screening
- Cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure screening and treatment
- Pregnancy testing and pelvic exams
Postpartum and Reproductive Health
- Screening and treatment for postpartum depression
- Family planning follow-up after delivery
HTW Plus (for women within 12 months of pregnancy)
HTW Plus covers a broader range of postpartum services, including:
- Mental health services: individual, family, and group psychotherapy, peer specialist services
- Cardiovascular care: imaging studies, blood pressure monitoring, antihypertensive medications, anticoagulant therapy
- Substance use disorder services: screenings, brief interventions, outpatient counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), peer support, smoking cessation
HTW Plus targets the leading causes of maternal mortality in Texas during the postpartum period. It fills a gap that existed when Medicaid pregnancy coverage ended before many postpartum complications fully resolved.
What HTW Does Not Cover
HTW is a limited benefit program. It does not replace full Medicaid coverage. The following are generally not covered:
- Emergency room visits for non-family-planning issues
- Hospital stays or inpatient care
- Primary care for conditions unrelated to reproductive or preventive women's health
- Dental and vision care
- Prescription drugs outside the HTW formulary
If you need broader health coverage, you may qualify for a subsidized marketplace plan through the ACA. Use the free Benefits Navigator screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check what you may qualify for.
How to Apply for Healthy Texas Women in 2026
There are four ways to apply:
Option 1: Apply Online at YourTexasBenefits.com
- Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and create an account or log in.
- Click "Apply for Benefits" and select the combined benefits application.
- Complete all sections, including household information, income, and residency.
- Upload supporting documents: proof of identity, income, and citizenship or immigration status.
- Submit the application and note your confirmation number.
Note: The online portal currently works best on desktop computers. Mobile phone and tablet access may be limited.
Option 2: Apply at a Local HTW Clinic
Many clinics that provide HTW services can accept your application in person and may be able to offer services the same day. Use the provider search tool at healthytexaswomen.org to find a participating clinic near you.
Option 3: Apply by Mail or Fax
Download the paper application from the HHSC website, complete it, and send it to:
Healthy Texas Women
P.O. Box 149021
Austin, TX 78714-9021
Fax: 1-866-993-9971 (toll-free)
Option 4: Call 2-1-1 Texas
Dial 2-1-1 to reach a local benefits specialist who can help you apply over the phone. Wait times can be longer around the first of the month.
Processing Times
HHSC typically processes HTW applications within 30 to 45 days. Applying at a clinic may result in faster access since some clinics can provide services on the day you apply, pending eligibility confirmation.
Documents You Will Need
Gather the following before you apply:
- Proof of identity: Texas driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
- Proof of income: Pay stubs from the last 30 days, employer letter, or tax return if self-employed
- Proof of citizenship or immigration status: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or qualifying immigration documents
- Proof of Texas residency: Utility bill, lease agreement, or mail with your current address
If you recently lost Medicaid for Pregnant Women, you may not need to resubmit all documentation if HHSC already has it on file from your prior application.
Renewing Your Benefits
HTW coverage is issued for 12-month periods. You will receive a renewal notice before your coverage expires. Renew through YourTexasBenefits.com, by mail, or by calling your local HHSC office.
If your income or household size changes during the year, report it to HHSC to make sure your eligibility remains accurate.
HTW vs. Full Texas Medicaid: Key Differences
| Feature | Healthy Texas Women (HTW) | Texas Medicaid (STAR) |
|---|
| Age range | 15 to 44 | Varies by category |
| Income limit | Up to 200% FPL | Varies (typically lower) |
| Services covered | Women's health and family planning only | Comprehensive medical |
| Cost to enrollee | Free | Free |
| Pregnancy coverage | Not while pregnant (transition program) | Yes (Medicaid for Pregnant Women) |
| HTW Plus services | Available within 12 months of pregnancy | N/A |
| Application portal | YourTexasBenefits.com | YourTexasBenefits.com |
Other Texas Women's Health Programs
If HTW does not fit your situation, consider these alternatives:
Family Planning Program (FPP): Covers women who do not meet HTW's citizenship or immigration requirements. Income limit is the same (200% FPL).
ACA Marketplace Plans: Women with income above 200% FPL may qualify for reduced-cost plans through the federal marketplace. Premium tax credits are available up to 400% FPL, and cost-sharing reductions apply below 250% FPL.
Texas CHIP Perinatal: If you are pregnant and your child's Medicaid would cover the pregnancy, CHIP Perinatal may apply.
Visit benefitsusa.org/states/texas for a full overview of Texas health coverage programs, or use the free screener to find out which programs you may qualify for based on your household size and income.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Healthy Texas Women in 2026?
The income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a household of one, that is approximately $2,660 per month in gross income. For a household of four, the limit is approximately $5,500 per month.
Can I apply for HTW right after my Medicaid for Pregnant Women ends?
Yes. You can apply as soon as your pregnancy Medicaid ends or even before it ends to avoid a gap in coverage. HHSC may also automatically enroll you if you appear eligible during redetermination.
What is HTW Plus?
HTW Plus is an expanded benefit package for women within 12 months of a pregnancy. It covers postpartum mental health, cardiovascular care, and substance use disorder services in addition to standard HTW benefits. It was approved by CMS in June 2025.
Does HTW cover prescriptions?
HTW covers medications listed in the program's drug formulary, which includes contraceptives and medications related to covered health conditions. It does not cover prescriptions outside the scope of the program's benefit package.
How long does HTW coverage last?
Coverage is renewed annually. You will need to reapply or complete a renewal each year. Your eligibility may change if your income or household situation changes.
Can undocumented women apply for HTW?
HTW requires U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status. Undocumented women may be eligible for the Family Planning Program (FPP), which has the same income limit but different citizenship requirements.
Is HTW the same as Medicaid?
No. HTW is a limited-benefit program funded through a federal demonstration waiver. It covers only women's health and family planning services, not the full range of medical care covered by Medicaid.
How do I find an HTW provider near me?
Use the provider search tool at healthytexaswomen.org to find participating clinics in your area. You can also call TMHP at 800-925-9126 (option 5) for provider referrals.
Does HTW cover mammograms?
Yes. Breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, are covered under standard HTW benefits.
What happens if I get pregnant while on HTW?
If you become pregnant while enrolled in HTW, you should contact HHSC immediately to apply for Medicaid for Pregnant Women, which provides comprehensive prenatal and delivery coverage. HTW does not cover prenatal or obstetric care.
