Presumptive Eligibility Policies and Procedures Handbook

Citizenship or Immigration Status

U.S. citizens and certain non-citizen residents are eligible for Short-term Medicaid. A person born in the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, America Samoa, Swain's Island, or Northern Mariana Islands is considered a U.S. citizen.

If not a citizen, an individual must have eligible immigration status. Use the Immigration Status Job Aid to help an individual determine if they have a satisfactory immigration status.

Applicants must attest to being a US citizen or to having eligible immigration status.

Note: Applicants who do not meet the immigration status requirement may be eligible for Emergency Medicaid if they meet all other eligibility criteria. Refer them to www.YourTexasBenefits.com or the local HHSC eligibility office if they want to apply for Emergency Medicaid.