The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion in Texas is an option made available to all states. The ACA Medicaid expansion, commonly referred to as the Obamacare Medicaid expansion, made affordable health care possible for millions of Americans across the country in states that adopted the new guidelines. It introduced new possibilities for states to expand coverage. Adopting the Obamacare Medicaid expansion details was not mandatory for states. For potential beneficiaries, the answer to “What is the expansion of Medicaid?” could make it possible to find affordable health care. One key provision of the ACA Medicaid expansion includes extending coverage to more low-income adults. This new Affordable Care Act Medicaid eligibility standard makes the system more lenient towards specific individuals as long as they meet the income requirements of the program. For instance, under the ACA expansion, anyone making below the established income levels, based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), has the chance of receiving affordable health care regardless of age. However, such new guidelines from the expansion of Medicaid rely on whether or not the state government chose to opt into the program. For residents seeking the answer to “What is the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in TX?” or more details about the ACA Medicaid expansion, read through the information provided on this page.

Learn About the ACA Medicaid Expansion in Texas

The Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion is possible for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. However, the Medicaid expansion guidelines were adopted by only 31 states and the capital. Texas is one of 19 states that did not expand Medicaid coverage, and so residents do not benefit from any of the new rules. The ACA expansion of Medicaid made it possible for millions of Americans to get affordable health care. While millions found coverage, others are still left without any coverage at all. The lack of Medicaid expansion in Texas leaves the state as one facing a high number of residents without medical coverage. The ACA Medicaid expansion cost to states is initially minimal, as the federal government funds the program for several years.

Note: As with the Medicaid program, Medicaid expansion details are created federally and enforced on a state level. The ACA expansion of Medicaid further provides financial aid to states to control the costs of any new guidelines.

What does opting out of the ACA Medicaid expansion in Texas mean for applicants?

Choosing to not accept the Obamacare Medicaid expansion in Texas ultimately affected little in regards to the Affordable Care Act Medicaid application or the eligibility process, as residents can still use the same application and must meet the traditional eligibility standards for Medicaid.

The ACA Medicaid expansion aimed at alleviating some of the eligibility requirements for low-income, non-senior adults without disabilities or dependents. Those individuals are still excluded from Texas Medicaid eligibility, and the program only covers applicants who meet additional qualifications, including:

• Women who are pregnant.
• Children.
• Parents or caretaker relatives of minors.
• The elderly.
• Individuals with disabilities.

Potential beneficiaries of Medicaid will still need to meet all eligibility requirements demanded of the state and federal guidelines. Regardless of the lack of ACA Medicaid expansion in Texas, understanding the current eligibility requirements for Medicaid is vital for residents seeking medical assistance through the program. Failing to expand Medicaid in TX closed the door to more than 500,000 residents who would be eligible for the program if the ACA Medicaid expansion were put into effect.

Will Texas ever expand its Medicaid program?

As of now, Texas is not considering the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion due to cost concerns and other factors. While the Obamacare Medicaid expansion cost to states is free at first, states have to contribute funds after a certain amount of years. Additionally, due to shifting policies, the ACA Medicaid expansion in TX or across the nation may not be possible at all moving forward. In Texas, the ACA Medicaid application does not exist, and residents will need to follow the same process as always to get coverage. For this reason, residents considering applying to get Medicaid should focus on learning the current eligibility requirements and ignore the ACA Medicaid expansion guidelines or application process. To learn more about requirements for Medicaid, download our comprehensive guide today.

Note: Although Texas did not adopt the ACA Medicaid expansion, residents who do not qualify for Medicaid in TX may be eligible for other programs. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services manages such programs as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).