When Does Medicaid End For A Child?

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In this guide, you will learn about the age that Medicaid coverage in Texas ends for a child.

Many parents who receive Medicaid for their children may be unsure when their coverage will end. It is important to understand the Medicaid age limit for children and how it affects them in order to ensure they always get the medical care they need.

In this article, we will discuss when Medicaid ends for a child as well as options for coverage if your son or daughter ages out of coverage.

What Is Children’s Medicaid?

Medicaid is when the state-run insurance program pays for your medical costs. This health insurance program is managed by the Texas Health and Human Services department. To qualify for this health insurance coverage your household income must fall under specific guidelines.

When Does Medicaid End For A Child In Texas?

Your child’s Medicaid coverage will end once they turn 18 years of age.

At this point, they will legally be an adult and will have to apply for regular Medicaid or some other type of health coverage.

The two exceptions to a child aging out of Medicaid at 18 are:

• They have a disability. If this is the case and they have coverage through the Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities program then they can continue coverage until they are 20 years old.
• They were in foster care. For young adults who had the STAR Health Medicaid program, you can potentially receive Medicaid until the age of 25 years old.

Your Income Will Also Determine When Your Child’s Medicaid Ends

Your child’s age is one factor that determines when their Medicaid coverage will end, but so is your household income. To qualify for Medicaid in Texas your income must fall under specific guidelines. If your household income were to increase due to a new job, then it’s possible that you could lose your child’s income.

Below is a table that shows the current income levels you would need to fall under to qualify for children’s Medicaid in Texas.

Household Size	Household Income
1	$1428
2	$1931
3	$2434
4	$2938
5	$3441
6	$3944

If you do exceed the income guidelines above all is not lost. You may still qualify for a state-managed insurance plan called CHIP. This coverage is reserved for households who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid.

How To Renew Your Children’s Medicaid Coverage

Here are 3 ways to renew your Texas Medicaid coverage for your child:

• Renew your benefits by visiting Your Texas Benefits.
• Call the Texas Medicaid telephone number at 877.541.7905.
• Visit the Medicaid office near you.

Health Coverage Options If Your Child Ages Out Of Medicaid

Assuming that your child does not qualify for Medicaid for People with Disabilities or Former Foster Care Youth Medicaid, here are options that you can consider.

• Federally Qualified Health Centers – Also known as FQHCs, these places offer medical treatment to the community at an affordable cost. Your 18-year-old does not need health insurance, income, or US citizenship to get care at these local clinics. You can find the FQHC clinics in your neighborhood by visiting the HRSA website.
• County Clinics – This option is called a County Indigent Health Care Program. Your county’s health department likely has health coverage for individuals who are uninsured or consider low-income that your 18-year-old can receive treatment from. To find county clinics near you, use the Texas Health and Human Services county clinic locator.

Conclusion

In Texas, Medicaid coverage for a child will end when they turn 18.

The two exceptions to this rule are:

• Individuals with disabilities can continue receiving Medicaid until 20 before they will need to reapply.
• Those who were in foster care that received STAR health may get Medicaid until age 25.

For more information about Medicaid coverage for children in Texas, you can call the Texas Health and Human Services department at 877.541.7905 or visit their website.

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