If you need help applying for benefits in Houston, you can get free application assistance for programs like SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, WIC, the Harris Health Gold Card, and the Medicare Savings Program. The best place to start is with a benefits navigator, community health worker, WIC clinic, Texas Health and Human Services office, or local agency that helps residents complete applications, upload documents, renew benefits, and understand what they may qualify for.
My name is Nick Bryant, and I have worked in Houston community health for more than 13 years. Through my work in healthcare navigation, public health, case management, and HoustonCaseManagers.com, I have helped thousands of Houston residents connect to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, WIC, Harris Health, rent assistance, utility assistance, mental health services, low-cost clinics, and other local support programs.
Applying for benefits can feel confusing because each program has its own rules. SNAP helps with food. Medicaid and CHIP help with healthcare. WIC helps pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. TANF may provide cash help for eligible families with children. The Harris Health Gold Card helps eligible Harris County residents lower the cost of care at Harris Health clinics and hospitals. The Medicare Savings Program may help people with Medicare pay their Part B premium and other costs.
This guide explains where to get help applying for benefits in Houston, which agencies help with each program, where you can go in person, which phone numbers to call, and which appointment links to use when you are ready to apply.
About This Guide
I have worked in Houston community health for more than 13 years and have helped thousands of residents connect to healthcare, Medicaid, Medicare, food assistance, Harris Health, WIC, rent assistance, utility assistance, and local support programs.
I know these applications can feel confusing because every program has a different name, different documents, and different agency. You may hear people say “food stamps,” “SNAP,” “Medicaid,” “CHIP,” “TANF,” “Gold Card,” “Harris Health,” “QMB,” or “Medicare Savings Program.” This guide explains where to get help applying for those benefits in Houston and which agency makes the most sense for your situation.
Quick Answer: Where To Get Help Applying for Benefits in Houston
| Benefit You Need | Best Places To Start |
|---|---|
| SNAP food stamps | Houston Food Bank, HCPH Connect, ECHOS, MAM, HHSC office, YourTexasBenefits.com |
| Medicaid | HCPH Connect, ECHOS, MAM, Houston Food Bank, HHSC office, YourTexasBenefits.com |
| CHIP / Children’s Medicaid | Texas Children’s Health Plan, Community Health Choice, HCPH Connect, ECHOS, MAM, Houston Food Bank |
| TANF cash help | HCPH Connect, Houston Food Bank, MAM, HHSC office, YourTexasBenefits.com |
| WIC | Houston Health Department WIC, Harris County Public Health WIC, Texas WIC |
| Gold Card / Harris Health Financial Assistance | Harris Health, ECHOS, HCPH Connect, MAM, Houston Health Department Multi-Service Centers |
| Medicare Savings Program / QMB | HCPH Connect, Houston Food Bank, MAM, Houston Area Agency on Aging / ADRC |
| You do not know what you qualify for | United Way 2-1-1 or HCPH Connect |
The Main Benefits You Can Apply For in Houston
SNAP Food Stamps
SNAP helps you buy food using a Lone Star Card. In Houston, many people still call this program “food stamps,” but the official name is SNAP, which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
You can apply for SNAP through:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
You can also get help applying through Houston Food Bank, HCPH Connect, ECHOS, MAM, United Way 2-1-1, or a Texas Health and Human Services office.
Medicaid
Medicaid helps pay for healthcare for eligible children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, people with disabilities, and some adults who qualify under Texas rules.
You can apply for Medicaid through:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
You can also call 2-1-1 and choose option 2 to apply by phone.
After Medicaid approves you, you may need to choose a Medicaid health plan, also called an MCO. That is where plans like Community Health Choice, Texas Children’s Health Plan, Molina, Superior, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, or Wellpoint may come in.
CHIP
CHIP is health insurance for children whose families earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage. You can apply for CHIP through Your Texas Benefits, 2-1-1, Texas Children’s Health Plan, Community Health Choice, Houston Food Bank, ECHOS, HCPH Connect, or MAM.
TANF Cash Help
TANF provides cash assistance to eligible families with children. You apply through Your Texas Benefits or Texas Health and Human Services.
You can also ask Houston Food Bank, HCPH Connect, MAM, or a local HHSC benefits office for help with the application.
WIC
WIC helps pregnant women, new mothers, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children under age 5 with healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals.
You can apply for WIC through:
https://www.texaswic.org/apply
You can also call a local WIC clinic.
Gold Card / Harris Health Financial Assistance Program
The “Gold Card” is now officially called the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program. It is not health insurance. It helps eligible Harris County residents lower the cost of medical care at Harris Health hospitals and clinics.
You can apply through Harris Health:
https://www.harrishealth.org/access-care-hh/eligibility/Pages/default.aspx
You can also get help from ECHOS, HCPH Connect, MAM, and some Houston Health Department multi-service centers.
Medicare Savings Program
The Medicare Savings Program can help some people with Medicare pay costs like the Medicare Part B premium. You may also hear this called QMB, SLMB, QI, or MSP.
You can apply through Your Texas Benefits:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
Houston Food Bank, HCPH Connect, MAM, and the Houston Area Agency on Aging / ADRC may also help you understand or apply for Medicare Savings Program benefits.
Best Agencies That Help You Apply for Benefits in Houston
HCPH Connect
HCPH Connect is one of the best places to start if you need help applying for benefits in Harris County. This program is run by Harris County Public Health and uses state-certified resource navigators to help residents apply for federal, state, and local benefit programs.
HCPH Connect can help with:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- CHIP
- TANF
- WIC
- Healthy Texas Women
- Medicare Savings Program
- Harris Health Financial Assistance Program / Gold Card
- Referrals to other Harris County Public Health programs
What makes HCPH Connect useful is that you can request help online and choose how you want staff to contact you. This is a good option if you do not want to drive around Houston looking for help or if you need someone to call, text, or email you.
Best for: Harris County residents who need help applying for multiple benefits in one place.
Area served: Harris County
Phone: 832-927-7946
Unlock My Benefits phone: 713-903-7564
Request services:
https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/About/Divisions/Health-Prevention-and-Coordinated-Care-Division/HCPH-Connect
Humble Area Assistance Ministries / HAAM
Humble Area Assistance Ministries, also called HAAM, helps northeast Houston residents apply for public benefits and connect to basic needs services. This is a good option if you live in Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, Porter, New Caney, or northeast Harris County and need help with SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, food assistance, rent, utilities, case management, or client navigation.
HAAM has a Benefits Access Inquiry Form for people who need help applying for programs like food assistance, health coverage, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, medical insurance, and other public benefits. Their website says their Benefits Access Navigators help individuals and families identify, apply for, and maintain access to public benefits and social service programs.
Best for: Northeast Houston residents who want local, in-person benefits help instead of trying to complete the application alone.
Address: 1302 1st Street East, Humble, TX 77338
Phone: 281-446-3663
Area served: Northeast Harris County and East Montgomery County
Common ZIP codes served: 77044, 77302, 77306, 77336, 77338, 77339, 77345, 77346, 77347, 77357, 77365, 77372, 77396, 77532
Benefits Access Inquiry Form:
https://haamministries.org/benefits-access-inquiry/
General Request for Assistance:
https://haamministries.org/haam-assistance-form/
Main website:
https://haamministries.org
Chinese Community Center
Chinese Community Center is a southwest Houston benefits enrollment agency that helps people apply for public benefits and understand what documents they need. This is a strong option if you live near Sharpstown, Chinatown, Alief, Westchase, Gulfton, or southwest Houston and need help with SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, Gold Card, WIC, Medicare Savings Program, Healthy Texas Women, TANF, Social Security benefits, or other public benefit programs.
Chinese Community Center has a public benefits appointment page where you can schedule help. Their Benefits Enrollment Center page lists public benefits help and says applicants should make an appointment. Their public benefits page includes appointment links for SNAP, Gold Card, Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Savings, WIC, Healthy Texas Women, TANF, SSI, SSDI, and other benefits.
Best for: Southwest Houston residents, immigrant families, multilingual households, seniors, uninsured residents, underinsured residents, and families who need help applying for public benefits.
Address: 9800 Town Park Dr, Houston, TX 77036
Phone: 713-271-6100
Email: info@ccchouston.org
Area served: Southwest Houston, Sharpstown, Chinatown / International District, Alief, Westchase, Gulfton, and surrounding Houston communities
Public Benefits Appointment Page:
https://ccchouston.org/publicbenefitsappointment/
Direct Scheduler:
https://publicbenefits-ccc.youcanbook.me/?noframe=true&skipHeaderFooter=true
Public Benefits Program Page:
https://ccchouston.org/bec/publicbenefits/
Benefits Enrollment Center:
https://ccchouston.org/bec/
Main website:
https://ccchouston.org
HCPH Connect
HCPH Connect is one of the best places in Harris County to request help applying for benefits because it covers several programs in one place. Harris County Public Health describes HCPH Connect as a team of state-certified resource navigators who help vulnerable Harris County residents apply for federal, state, and local benefit programs.
HCPH Connect can help with SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, WIC, Healthy Texas Women, Medicare Savings Program, and the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program, also called the Gold Card. Their online form lets you choose the type of application assistance you need and how you want them to contact you, including phone, text, or email.
Best for: Harris County residents who need help applying for more than one benefit and want someone to follow up by phone, text, or email.
Phone: 832-927-7946
Unlock My Benefits phone: 713-903-7564
Area served: Harris County
HCPH Connect Request Form:
https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/About/Divisions/Health-Prevention-and-Coordinated-Care-Division/HCPH-Connect
Unlock My Benefits:
https://unlockmybenefits.org/
Houston Food Bank SNAP Assistance Calendar
Houston Food Bank’s SNAP assistance calendar is one of the best appointment links to use if your main need is help applying for SNAP food stamps. Houston Food Bank’s Community Assistance Program provides SNAP application assistance and also helps with other state benefit programs like TANF, Children’s Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, Healthy Texas Women, Texas Simplified Application Project, and Medicare Savings Program / QMB.
This is a strong first choice if you need help with a new SNAP application, renewal, case question, or account change. You can schedule a SNAP application assistance appointment online, call the CAP helpline, or visit one of their service locations. Their website also says walk-ins are welcome at the Houston Food Bank location.
Best for: People who need SNAP food stamp application help, SNAP renewal help, or help with state benefits connected to food and healthcare.
Address: Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall St, 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77029
SNAP assistance helpline: 832-369-9390
Main phone: 713-223-3700
Office hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM, 4th Friday 8 AM-12 PM, Saturday 9 AM-1 PM
Area served: Greater Houston area
SNAP Appointment Calendar:
https://calendly.com/cap-resource-houstonfoodbank/30min
Houston Food Bank SNAP Page:
https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/find-help/cap/snap/
Community Assistance Program Page:
https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/find-help/cap/
CAP Service Locations Map:
https://www.houstonfoodbank.org/find-help/cap/services-map/
ECHOS
ECHOS is a benefits application assistance agency in southwest Houston. This is a strong option if you need help applying for SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, or the Harris Health Gold Card.
ECHOS can help with:
- SNAP food stamps
- Children’s Medicaid
- CHIP
- CHIP Perinatal
- Medicaid / Medicare document help
- Harris Health Financial Assistance Program / Gold Card
What makes ECHOS useful is that they focus heavily on healthcare access and benefits application help. They are especially helpful for families in southwest Houston, Gulfton, Sharpstown, Alief, and nearby areas who need hands-on help completing applications.
Best for: Southwest Houston families who need SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, or Gold Card help.
Area served: Southwest Houston, Gulfton, Sharpstown, Alief, and Harris County residents needing help
Address: 9894 Bissonnet St, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77036
Phone: 713-270-0369
Benefits appointment portal:
https://www.echosportal.org/appointment
Website:
https://echoshouston.org/client-services/application-assistance/
United Way 2-1-1 Texas
United Way 2-1-1 is one of the best starting points if you do not know which agency to call. This is not a walk-in benefits office. It is a referral and benefits assistance helpline.
When you call 2-1-1 in Houston, you can ask for help finding food, housing, utility assistance, healthcare, transportation, shelter, and public benefits.
For public benefits, call and choose the public benefits option.
United Way 2-1-1 can help you connect to:
- SNAP application help
- Medicaid application help
- CHIP application help
- TANF application help
- Food pantries
- Rent and utility assistance
- Shelter and housing resources
- Local nonprofits by ZIP code
Best for: People who do not know where to start or need a referral based on ZIP code.
Area served: Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, and statewide Texas referrals
Phone: Dial 2-1-1
Backup phone: 1-877-541-7905
Website:
https://unitedwayhouston.org/what-we-do/211-texas-united-way-helpline/
Search resources:
https://www.211texas.org
Memorial Assistance Ministries / MAM Houston
MAM Houston helps people apply for state benefits and the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program. MAM is a good option if you need in-person help and are unfamiliar with the application process.
MAM can help with:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- CHIP
- CHIP Perinatal
- TANF
- Medicare QMB / Medicare Savings Program
- Harris Health Financial Assistance Program / Gold Card
What makes MAM useful is that their benefits enrollment help is not zip-code restricted. Their financial assistance programs may have service-area rules, but the benefits enrollment assistance page says this service is not zip-code restricted.
Best for: People who need in-person benefits application help, especially in Spring Branch, west Houston, or the Heights area.
Main office: 1625 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77080
Main phone: 713-468-4516
Heights campus: 1015 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77009
Heights phone: 713-574-7545
Benefits help:
https://www.mamhouston.org/benefits
Harris Health Eligibility Services for Gold Card Help
If you need the Gold Card in Houston, the official program is now called the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program. Harris Health says this is not insurance. It is financial assistance for eligible Harris County residents who receive care through Harris Health.
You can apply:
- Online
- By mail
- By dropping off documents at a Harris Health eligibility location or drop box
Harris Health may ask you to apply for other programs first if you may qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, SSI, Marketplace insurance, Healthy Texas Women, or other coverage. This is because Harris Health Financial Assistance is usually treated as the payer of last resort.
Best for: Harris County residents who are uninsured or underinsured and need help lowering costs at Harris Health clinics and hospitals.
Eligibility call center: 713-566-6509
Apply / eligibility information:
https://www.harrishealth.org/access-care-hh/eligibility/Pages/default.aspx
Texas Health and Human Services Offices in Houston
Texas Health and Human Services offices are the official state offices for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and CHIP. You can apply online through YourTexasBenefits.com, but you may still want an HHSC office if you need in-person help, need to drop off documents, need to ask about your case, or have trouble using the online system.
Before going, call 2-1-1 or use the Your Texas Benefits office locator to verify the address, hours, and services.
Apply online:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
Find an office:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com/Screener/FindanOffice
State benefits phone:
2-1-1, option 2
1-877-541-7905
Houston HHSC Benefits Offices
| Area of Houston | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest / Harwin | 9450 Harwin Dr, Houston, TX 77036 | 713-266-5535 |
| East Houston / I-10 East | 10202 I-10 East, Houston, TX 77029 | 713-673-6347 |
| South Houston / Buffalo Speedway area | 13838 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77045 | 713-433-3145 |
| Southeast Houston / Fuqua | 10060 Fuqua St, Houston, TX 77089 | 713-946-6861 |
| North Houston / Meadowfern | 220 Meadowfern Dr, Houston, TX 77067 | 281-874-0048 |
| Northeast Houston / Little York | 1421 Little York Rd, Houston, TX 77093 | 281-372-2540 |
| Northside / North Freeway | 3880 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77022 | 713-699-1098 |
| South Houston / Scott Street | 6124 Scott St, Houston, TX 77021 | 713-748-8450 |
| East End / Telephone Road | 2110 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX 77023 | 713-921-5108 |
| West Houston / Highway 6 | 2133 Highway 6 S, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77077 | 281-597-5200 |
| Northwest Houston / Houston Rosslyn | 8511 N Houston Rosslyn Rd, Houston, TX 77088 | 713-895-6800 |
Important: Office addresses and phone numbers can change. Always verify through Your Texas Benefits or 2-1-1 before sending someone in person.
WIC Clinics in Houston
WIC helps pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum mothers, infants, and children under age 5. WIC can provide healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals.
You can apply for WIC online or contact a local clinic.
Texas WIC apply link:
https://www.texaswic.org/apply
Texas WIC office locator:
https://office.texaswic.org
Houston Health Department WIC phone: 832-393-5427
Harris County Public Health WIC appointment line: 713-407-5800
Texas WIC statewide phone: 800-942-3678
Houston Health Department WIC Locations
| Area | WIC Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acres Homes | Acres Homes WIC Center | 6719 W. Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77091 | 832-393-5427 |
| Airline / North Houston | Airline WIC Center | 5990 Airline Dr, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77076 | 832-393-5427 |
| Aldine | Aldine WIC Center | 3000 Aldine Mail Route Rd, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77039 | 832-393-5427 |
| Alief | Alief WIC Center | 11903 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072 | 832-393-5427 |
| Southwest Houston | Braesner WIC Center | 10039 Bissonnet St, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77036 | 832-393-5427 |
| Denver Harbor | Denver Harbor WIC Center | 6402 Market St, Houston, TX 77020 | 832-393-5427 |
| Northside | La Nueva Casa WIC Center | 1809 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009 | 832-393-5427 |
| East End / Magnolia | Magnolia WIC Center | 7037 Capitol St, Suite 201, Houston, TX 77011 | 832-393-5427 |
| Northeast Houston | Northeast WIC Center | 9720 Spaulding St, Houston, TX 77016 | 832-393-5427 |
| Northside / Little York | Northside WIC Center | 8504 Schuller Rd, Houston, TX 77093 | 832-393-5427 |
| Spring Branch / Northwest | Northwest WIC Center | 8536 Hammerly Blvd, Houston, TX 77055 | 832-393-5427 |
| Sharpstown | Sharpstown WIC Center | 6201 Bonhomme Rd, Suite 330, Houston, TX 77036 | 832-393-5427 |
| Southwest Houston | Southwest WIC Center | 6400 High Star Dr, Houston, TX 77074 | 832-393-5427 |
| Sunnyside | Sunnyside WIC Center | 4410 Reed Rd, Houston, TX 77051 | 832-393-5427 |
Houston Health Department WIC website:
https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/family-child-health/wic
Houston WIC locations:
https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/family-child-health/wic/locations
Harris County Public Health WIC Locations
| Area | WIC Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antoine / Northwest Houston | Antoine WIC Center | 5815 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77091 | 713-407-5800 |
| Bear Creek / West Houston | Bear Creek WIC | 16233 Clay Rd, Suite 318, Houston, TX 77084 | 713-407-5800 |
| Baytown | Baytown WIC Center | 1000 Lee Dr, Baytown, TX 77520 | 713-407-5800 |
| Cypress Station / 1960 | Cypress Station WIC Center | 221 FM 1960 W, Suite A, Houston, TX 77090 | 713-407-5800 |
| Veterans Memorial / North Houston | Emerald Plaza WIC Center | 11509 Veterans Memorial Dr, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77067 | 713-407-5800 |
| Fallbrook / 249 | Fallbrook WIC Center | 14901 SH 249 Tomball Pkwy, Suite 107, Houston, TX 77086 | 713-407-5800 |
| Scarsdale / Southeast Houston | Scarsdale WIC Center | 10851 Scarsdale Blvd, Suite 116, Houston, TX 77089 | 713-407-5800 |
| Pasadena / Southeast Harris County | Southeast WIC Center | 3737 Red Bluff Rd, Pasadena, TX 77503 | 713-407-5800 |
| Tomball | Tomball WIC Center | 701 E Main St, Suite 145B, Tomball, TX 77375 | 713-407-5800 |
Harris County Public Health WIC:
https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/About/Divisions/Community-Health-Wellness-Division/Women-Infants-and-Children
HCPH WIC locations:
https://publichealth.harriscountytx.gov/About/Divisions/Community-Health-Wellness-Division/Women-Infants-and-Children/WIC-Center-Locations-Hours
How To Apply for Medicaid in Houston
If you need Medicaid in Houston, use this order.
Step 1: Apply Through Your Texas Benefits
Start here:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
You can apply for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, and TANF through the same state system.
Step 2: Get Help If the Application Confuses You
If the application is too hard, contact one of these agencies:
- HCPH Connect
- Houston Food Bank
- ECHOS
- MAM Houston
- United Way 2-1-1
- Texas Children’s Health Plan application assistance
- Community Health Choice
- A local HHSC benefits office
Step 3: Watch for HHSC Calls and Mail
After you apply, HHSC may call you, mail you letters, or ask for proof. Check your mail, Your Texas Benefits account, and phone messages.
You may need to upload or send:
- ID
- Proof of income
- Proof of address
- Immigration documents if applicable
- Social Security numbers if available
- Birth certificates
- Pregnancy proof
- Medical bills
- Pay stubs
- Child support information
- School records for children
Step 4: Choose a Medicaid Health Plan After Approval
After Medicaid approves you, you may need to choose a Medicaid health plan. This is where the Texas Enrollment Broker / Maximus comes in.
Maximus / Texas Medicaid Enrollment Broker
Maximus is the enrollment broker for Texas Medicaid managed care. This is important because Maximus usually helps after Medicaid approval. They help you choose or change your Medicaid health plan and sometimes choose a main doctor.
Maximus is not usually the first place to start a Medicaid application. To apply, start with YourTexasBenefits.com, 2-1-1, HHSC, or a benefits assistance agency. After approval, call Maximus / the Texas Enrollment Broker if you need to choose or change your Medicaid MCO.
Texas Medicaid Enrollment Broker / Maximus:
800-964-2777
TTY: 7-1-1
Call Maximus if you need to:
- Choose a Medicaid health plan
- Change your Medicaid MCO
- Pick or change a main doctor
- Ask which plans are available in your county
- Fix a Medicaid managed care enrollment issue
Medicaid MCOs in Houston
Your Medicaid plan options depend on your Medicaid program, county, age, pregnancy status, disability status, and service area. Use Maximus / Texas Enrollment Broker to confirm the plans available to you.
Community Health Choice
Community Health Choice is a Houston-based nonprofit Medicaid health plan. It offers STAR Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, STAR+PLUS, and other plans depending on eligibility and service area.
Community Health Choice can help answer questions about their Medicaid plans, but you still apply for Medicaid through Your Texas Benefits or HHSC. After approval, you can choose Community Health Choice through the Texas Enrollment Broker if it is available to you.
STAR / CHIP member services: 713-295-2294
Toll-free: 1-888-760-2600
STAR+PLUS: 713-295-2300
STAR+PLUS toll-free: 1-888-435-2850
Enrollment broker: 1-800-964-2777
Website:
https://www.communityhealthchoice.org
Enrollment broker information:
https://www.communityhealthchoice.org/contact-an-enrollment-broker/
Best for: Houston-area families who want a local Medicaid plan with a strong Houston provider network.
Texas Children’s Health Plan
Texas Children’s Health Plan is a major Medicaid and CHIP plan in the Houston area, especially for children, pregnant women, and families. They also have an application assistance team that can help people understand how to apply for Medicaid or CHIP.
Application assistance: 1-888-559-7526
Not a member / get help signing up: 1-800-990-8247
Provider services: 832-828-1004 or 1-877-213-5508
Website:
https://www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org
How to apply:
https://www.texaschildrenshealthplan.org/apply
Best for: Parents applying for Children’s Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, STAR, or STAR Kids coverage.
Molina Healthcare of Texas
Molina Healthcare of Texas offers Medicaid and CHIP plans in Texas. If you want Molina after approval, you can call the Texas Enrollment Broker to choose Molina if it is available in your service area.
Member services: 866-449-6849
Enrollment broker for STAR / CHIP: 800-964-2777
Website:
https://www.molinahealthcare.com/members/tx/en-us/mem/medicaid.aspx
How to apply / join:
https://www.molinahealthcare.com/members/tx/en-us/hp/medicaid/How-to-Apply-for-Medicaid-and-CHIP.aspx
Best for: Medicaid members who want to compare Molina’s network, doctors, extra services, and covered service area.
Superior HealthPlan
Superior HealthPlan provides Medicaid and CHIP coverage in Texas. If Superior is available for your Medicaid program and county, you can choose it through the Texas Enrollment Broker after HHSC approves you.
STAR / CHIP: 1-800-783-5386
Enrollment broker: 1-800-964-2777
Website:
https://www.superiorhealthplan.com
Phone directory:
https://www.superiorhealthplan.com/contact-us/phone-directory.html
Best for: Medicaid or CHIP members comparing available MCO options, especially if their doctor accepts Superior.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan offers Medicaid plans in Texas, including programs such as STAR, STAR Kids, and STAR+PLUS depending on the service area and eligibility. You must confirm availability through the Texas Enrollment Broker.
STAR phone listed by UHC provider resources: 1-866-505-0489
Texas Medicaid client hotline: 1-800-252-8263
Enrollment broker: 1-800-964-2777
Website:
https://www.uhccommunityplan.com/tx/medicaid
Best for: Medicaid members who want to compare UnitedHealthcare’s doctors, hospitals, care coordination, and extra services.
Wellpoint Texas Medicaid
Wellpoint, formerly connected to Amerigroup branding in Texas, offers Medicaid and CHIP plans in Texas. If Wellpoint is available in your area, you can call the Texas Enrollment Broker to choose it after approval.
Member services: 833-731-2160
STAR / CHIP enrollment broker: 800-964-2777
STAR Kids / STAR+PLUS enrollment line listed by Wellpoint: 877-782-6440
Website:
https://www.wellpoint.com/tx/medicaid
Eligibility and enrollment:
https://www.wellpoint.com/tx/medicaid/eligibility-and-enrollment
Best for: Medicaid members comparing Wellpoint with other Medicaid health plans in the Houston area.
How To Apply for SNAP Food Stamps in Houston
You can apply for SNAP online at:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
You can also call 2-1-1 and choose option 2.
For help applying in Houston, start with:
- Houston Food Bank
- HCPH Connect
- ECHOS
- MAM Houston
- United Way 2-1-1
- HHSC benefits office
If you need in-person help, Houston Food Bank, ECHOS, MAM, and HHSC offices are the strongest starting points.
How To Apply for the Gold Card in Houston
The Gold Card is now called the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program. You apply through Harris Health, but several community agencies can help you complete the paperwork.
Start here:
https://www.harrishealth.org/access-care-hh/eligibility/Pages/default.aspx
Call Harris Health Eligibility:
713-566-6509
You can also get help from:
- ECHOS
- HCPH Connect
- MAM Houston
- Magnolia Multi-Service Center
- Southwest Multi-Service Center
- Harris Health eligibility locations
Ask for:
“Harris Health Financial Assistance Program application help.”
You can also say:
“I need help applying for the Gold Card.”
How To Apply for Medicare Savings Program in Houston
The Medicare Savings Program can help some Medicare beneficiaries pay Medicare costs. Some people call this QMB, SLMB, QI, or MSP.
You can apply through:
https://www.yourtexasbenefits.com
You can also ask these agencies for help:
- HCPH Connect
- Houston Food Bank
- MAM Houston
- Houston Area Agency on Aging
- Houston ADRC
- United Way 2-1-1
- HHSC benefits office
Houston Area Agency on Aging / ADRC
The Houston Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center are helpful if you are an older adult, person with a disability, caregiver, or Medicare beneficiary trying to understand benefits.
They may help you understand programs like Medicare Savings Program, long-term care services, aging services, disability services, transportation, caregiver support, and local community resources.
Best for: Seniors, adults with disabilities, caregivers, veterans, and Medicare beneficiaries who need help understanding benefits.
ADRC address: 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77026
Toll-free: 1-855-937-2372
Local: 832-393-5500
Harris County AAA phone: 832-393-4301
Email: ADRC@houstontx.gov
Website:
https://www.houstonhealth.org/aging-disability-resource-center
Aging services:
https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/aging
What Documents Should You Bring?
The documents depend on the program, but you should gather as many of these as you can:
- Photo ID
- Social Security numbers
- Birth certificates
- Proof of address
- Utility bill
- Lease
- Mail with your name and address
- Pay stubs
- Unemployment proof
- Social Security, SSI, SSDI, pension, or retirement proof
- Child support information
- Bank statements if requested
- Immigration documents if applicable
- Medical bills
- Pregnancy proof
- Medicare card
- Medicaid card
- SNAP or TANF letters
- School records for children
- Harris Health documents if applying for Gold Card
Do not wait until you have every document to call. Call first and ask what documents the agency needs.
What To Say When You Call for Benefits Help
Use clear wording. Do not just say, “I need help.”
Say:
“I need help applying for SNAP food stamps, Medicaid, TANF, WIC, or the Gold Card.”
Or:
“I need help applying for benefits through Your Texas Benefits.”
Or:
“I have Medicare and need help applying for the Medicare Savings Program or QMB.”
Or:
“I need help applying for Harris Health Financial Assistance, also called the Gold Card.”
Or:
“I have children and need help applying for Children’s Medicaid or CHIP.”
If you want in-person help, ask:
“Can I come in person for application assistance, and what documents do I need to bring?”
Best Referral Order for Houston Residents
Use this order if you are helping yourself or a client:
- If you need SNAP: Contact Houston Food Bank first.
- If you need several benefits at once: Contact HCPH Connect.
- If you live in southwest Houston: Contact ECHOS.
- If you want in-person help in Spring Branch or the Heights: Contact MAM.
- If you need official state benefits help: Use YourTexasBenefits.com or go to an HHSC benefits office.
- If you need WIC: Call a WIC clinic or apply through Texas WIC.
- If you need the Gold Card: Start with Harris Health, ECHOS, HCPH Connect, or MAM.
- If you have Medicare and need QMB/MSP: Contact HCPH Connect, Houston Food Bank, MAM, or Houston ADRC.
- If you do not know where to go: Call 2-1-1.
Conclusion
If you need help applying for benefits in Houston, you do not have to figure it out alone. The best places to start are HCPH Connect, Houston Food Bank, ECHOS, United Way 2-1-1, MAM Houston, Texas Health and Human Services offices, WIC clinics, and Harris Health eligibility services.
For SNAP, Medicaid, CHIP, and TANF, use YourTexasBenefits.com or get help from Houston Food Bank, HCPH Connect, ECHOS, MAM, or an HHSC office. For WIC, contact a WIC clinic. For the Gold Card, apply through Harris Health or ask a benefits agency for Harris Health Financial Assistance application help. For Medicare Savings Program, contact HCPH Connect, Houston Food Bank, MAM, or the Houston Area Agency on Aging / ADRC.
The main thing is to call the right agency based on the benefit you need. If you are unsure, call 2-1-1 and ask for public benefits application assistance in your ZIP code.
Houston Case Managers is written by Nick Bryant, author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle, and a Houston community health professional with 15+ years of experience helping residents understand local resources, government benefits, healthcare access, housing support, food assistance, and crisis programs. These guides are designed to do more than list agencies; they help you understand which resource fits your situation and what to do next.