Medicaid Card Questions and Answers

Your Texas Benefits Medicaid Card

What does the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card look like?

The card is plastic, like a credit card, and it has your name and Medicaid number on the front. Here is a sample Medicaid card (PDF).

Will you send me a new Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card each month?

No. The card we send is your everyday Medicaid card. Keep using this card even if you change medical or dental plans. We won't send another Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card unless you request one. You also can view and print your Medicaid card on the YourTexasBenefits.com's Medicaid Client Portal.

Do I still have to renew my Medicaid?

Yes. You must renew it each time we send you a renewal application in the mail.

What if I lose my card? How can I get a new one?

You can order a new card by phone or by visiting YourTexasBenefits.com's Medicaid Client Portal.

Phone

  1. Call toll-free at 800-252-8263.
  2. Choose English or Spanish.
  3. Choose option 2. Be ready to give your Medicaid number.

Web

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account, click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the Quick Links section.
  6. Click View services and available health information.
  7. Choose a name from the client drop-down menu on the upper right side or by clicking Select a different Medicaid client.
  8. Click Cards at the top of the page.
  9. Click Order Card.
  10. Confirm your mailing address.
  11. Click Order Card and wait for a message saying your card was sent.

Can I print my card from the web?

Yes. If your computer is connected to a printer, you can print a paper copy of the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card. You can see an electronic version using a smartphone or tablet.

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account, click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the Quick Links section.
  6. Click View services and available health information.
  7. Choose a name from the client drop-down menu on the upper right side or by clicking Select a different Medicaid client.
  8. Click Cards at the top of the page.
  9. An image of your card will appear below "View Card."
  10. Click Print. A new window will open with the image of the card.

I received someone else's card in the mail. What should I do with it?

  1. Call toll-free at 800-252-8263.
  2. Select English or Spanish.
  3. Choose option 2. Be ready to give your Medicaid number.

We will collect some information. Then, we will ask you to write "Return to Sender" on the envelope and mail the card back.

Someone who is part of my case passed away. What should I do with the card?

Shred or cut up the card and throw it away. Then, report the client's death to the HHSC benefits office in your area or call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. HHSC will close the client's record.

See Your Medicaid Information

I'm not sure if I am in a Medicaid program or not. How can I find out which program I'm in?

You can find out if you have Medicaid by phone or through the web.

Phone

  1. Call toll-free at 800-252-8263, 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
  2. Choose English or Spanish.
  3. Choose option 2. The person you speak with can help you find out if you have Medicaid or not.

Web

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account, click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the Quick Links section.
  6. Click View services and available health information.
  7. Click Medicaid Benefits at the top of the page. You will be able to see who has Medicaid and the plan and program names.

Note: If you are a legally authorized representative, you must click on the client drop-down menu on the upper right side, and choose a name from the list to see who has Medicaid and the plan and program names.

How will the doctor know which Medicaid program I'm in?

The doctor's staff can use your Medicaid number to see which Medicaid program you're in. Your doctor should always check to make sure you're covered by Medicaid.

How do I find my main doctor's name and phone number? It's not on the card. Same with my dentist. How do I get this information?

  • If you get your services through Medicaid medical or dental plans, you can get the name and phone number of your main doctor or dentist by calling your plan.
  • If you don't know your plan's email address or phone number, call the number below. You also can get your plan's phone number and mailing address on YourTexasBenefits.com.

Phone

  1. Call toll-free at 800-252-8263.
  2. Choose English or Spanish.
  3. Choose option 2. The person you speak with can help you with Medicaid questions.

Web

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the Quick Links section.
  6. Click View services and available health information.
  7. Click Medicaid Benefits at the top of the page. This section lists the name, phone number and address for your main doctor. You can print a map and directions to your doctor's office. Your medical and dental plan information is available on the card printout.

Note:

  • If you are 20 or younger, you'll need to call your dental plan to find out about services or to get your dentist's phone number and email address.
  • If you are 21 or older, you don't have a Medicaid dental plan. For answers to questions about Medicaid dental services, call your Medicaid medical plan.

How can I change my address and phone number?

You can change your address and phone number by visiting YourTexasBenefits.com. You can also make changes by phone.

Phone

  1. Call toll-free at 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
  2. Choose English or Spanish.

Web

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Details for the case you need to update.
  6. Click Report a change, and follow the directions on the Getting Started page.

Important: You must report changes to your case within 10 days of the change.

Note:

  • If you get Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income, you must contact them first to update your information. If your address isn't correct in the Social Security system, the wrong address will show up in our system too. Call the Social Security office at 800-772-1213 to correct your address. After that, visit YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 to correct your address.
  • We won't send you another Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card unless you ask us to send you a new card to replace one that has been damaged, lost or stolen.

How do I know if my child is due for a Texas Health Steps checkup?

Texas Health Steps will send you a letter when it's time for your child's medical and dental checkups. You also can visit YourTexasBenefits.com or call the number below to find out if your child is due for a checkup.

Phone

  1. Call toll-free at 800-252-8263.
  2. Choose English or Spanish.
  3. Choose option 2. The person you speak with can help you with Medicaid questions.

Web

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the Quick Links section.
  6. Click View services and available health information.
  7. Choose a name from the client drop-down menu on the upper right side or by clicking Select a different Medicaid client. The page will show you your child's Medical and Dental checkup information. You can print the list to keep with you.

How can I find a drug store that takes Medicaid?

You can search for a Medicaid drug store near your home by phone or on the YourTexasBenefits.com's Medicaid Client Portal.

Phone

  1. Call toll-free at 800-252-8263, 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905.
  2. Choose English or Spanish.
  3. On the first menu, choose option 2.
  4. On the next menu, choose option 3. The person you speak with can help you find a Medicaid drug store.

Web

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the Quick Links section.
  6. Click View services and available health information.
  7. Click Find a Doctor at the bottom of the page. This link will help you look for a Medicaid doctor, dentist or a drug store in your area.

What other information can I view on the YourTexasBenefits website?

Medicaid clients can see their available Medicaid health information. Legally authorized representatives can see their children's available Medicaid health information, which includes:

  • Health events, which might include diagnosis and procedures
  • Prescription medicines
  • Vaccine information

Web

  1. Visit YourTexasBenefits.com.
  2. Click Log In.
  3. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account click Create a new account.
  4. Click Manage.
  5. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the Quick Links section.
  6. Click View services and available health information.
  7. Click Health Summary at the top of the page.

What else can I do on the Your Texas Benefits website?

You can:

  • Fill out and submit an application.
  • Check the status of your application or your case.
  • See what special Medicaid services you can get.

How does sharing my health information help me?

It lets your Medicaid doctors and other providers see what kind of treatment you got in the past. That helps your doctors give you quicker care and fewer medical tests.

What kind of health information will be available?

Your Medicaid doctors and other providers can see what you've been diagnosed with and how it was treated.

Is it safe to share my health information online?

Your privacy is very important to us. Before any Medicaid doctor or other providers can look at your health information, they must:

  • Follow all federal and state privacy laws.
  • Promise to only use your Medicaid health information to help treat you.

What if I don't want my Medicaid doctors and providers to see my health information through this website?

You can "opt out" of sharing. "Opt-out" means that you choose not to share your health information. To opt out, go to YourTexasBenefits.com and then:

  1. Click Log In in the upper-right corner.
  2. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account, click Create a new account and follow the instructions.
  3. Click Manage.
  4. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the "Quick Links" section.
  5. Click View services and available health information.
  6. Click Share Facts About My Health.
  7. Find your name, and click Don't Share Facts about my Health in the "Share Facts About My Health" tab.

You can also opt out by calling 800-252-8263. If you opt out, we won't share your health information with Medicaid doctors or other providers.

What if I change my mind about sharing my Medicaid health information?

You can opt in or opt out whenever you want. To change your settings, go to sit YourTexasBenefits.com and then:

  1. Click Log In in the upper-right corner.
  2. Enter your user name and password. If you don't have an account, click Create a new account and follow the instructions.
  3. Click Manage.
  4. Click Medicaid & CHIP Services in the "Quick Links" section.
  5. Click View Services and Available Health Information.
  6. Click Share Facts About My Health.
  7. Find your name, and click Share Facts about my Health or Don't Share Facts about my Health in the "Share Facts About My Health" tab.

You can also change your settings by calling 800-252-8263.