Can An Undocumented Immigrants Qualify For A Harris Health Gold Card?

---

It goes without saying that health insurance is important here in the United States. It’s so important that it is offered (in some form) to everyone who comes here. 

It might surprise you to know that there are in fact healthcare options for undocumented immigrants in Houston, Texas. Whether it’s primary care, a referral to a specialist, or even hospitalization, there are options even if you were not born in the U.S. 

In this article, I will tell you about a Harris County Health network that provides care to undocumented citizens. 

What Is Harris Health Health System? 

This is a network of outpatient clinics and hospitals in Houston that provide healthcare to low-income residents in the area. 

Harris Health System offers a form of “health insurance” called the Gold Card which is the benefit you need to receive treatment at Harris Health facilities. 

Are Undocumented Immigrants Eligible For Harris Health Gold Card?

Undocumented immigrants are eligible for the Harris Health gold card if they live in Harris County and if they meet income requirements.

The gold card is available to anyone who lives in Harris County and is considered low-income.

Editor’s Note: Low Income is considered having a household income under 150% of the federal poverty guideline. You can use this federal poverty guideline calculator to enter your annual income and household size to see where you fall on the chart. 

What Documents Are Needed For An Undocumented Immigrant To Apply For Gold Card In Houston?

They would need essentially the same documentation as anyone else applying for the Harris Health Gold Card. This includes:

•  A gold card application
•  Picture ID
•  Proof of residency
•  Proof of income 
• Show proof of your relationship with children who are living with you. You can prove this with a birth certificate or a  social security award letter. 
• Immigration status. This would include current or expired documents from the US citizenship and Immigration Services Department.
• If you have a government health insurance plan like Medicaid, chip, Medicare, or some other health insurance you will need to show documentation of this. 

Types Of ID That Undocumented Individuals Will Need To Apply For The Gold Card 

To apply for Gold Card you will need to show some form of ID. Acceptable IDs are anything issued by the U.S. government, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Department, or possibly even government documents from your home country. 

Examples of IDs that you can use are: 

• Visas
• U.S. Passport
• Matricula Consular 

If you have questions about acceptable forms of ID you can contact the Harris Health eligibility line at 713.566.6509 for more information. 

Applying For The Houston Gold Card

There are two ways to apply for the Harris County Gold Card: 

1. Download your Gold Card application and mail it to Harris Health at:  Harris Health Financial Assistance Program, P.O. Box 300488, Houston, TX 77230. 
2. Visit a Harris Health eligibility center and complete an application. 

Conclusion

Despite what you may read in the news about healthcare not being available to everyone, this is not the case. If you know where to look and understand the eligibility process and requirements you can find healthcare in Houston even as an undocumented immigrant. 

For more information about Harris Health System services offered to undocumented immigrants in Houston, you can visit the Harris Health website or call them at 713.566.6509. 

Similar Articles That May Be Of Interest To You: 

• How To Apply For Harris Health Gold Card
• Harris Health Eligibility Centers: Clinics In Houston To Help You Apply For Gold Card
• 37 Harris Health Clinics That Treat The Uninsured
• Harris Health System: 33 Common Questions About The Harris Health Gold Card