Your Texas Benefits Medicaid Card Frequently-Asked Questions

Your Texas Benefits Medicaid Card
Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you changing my Medicaid ID?

The new Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card is easier to keep track of and use than the old paper form. Carry the plastic card with you—just like your driver’s license or a credit card.
The plastic card has all you need to get Medicaid services.
The Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card takes the place of the paper form that was mailed every month.

When will I get my Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card?

Texans who have Medicaid will get the card in the mail in August. Some will get the card earlier in the month and some in the later part of the month.

Will I still get a Medicaid ID letter in the mail each month?

No. The Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card you get in August 2011 will be your everyday Medicaid ID card. You can use it to get your Medicaid services as long as you have Medicaid.

What am I supposed to do with this card?

Take it with you every time you go to the Medicaid doctor or dentist, or when you pick up medicine from the drug store. They will use the facts on your card to make sure you’re covered by Medicaid.

Do I have to have the card when I go to the doctor or the drug store for my medicine?

It will be easier and quicker if you have your card with you. However, if you don’t have your card when you go for Medicaid services, the person who checks you in will be able to make a call or go to a secure online network to see if you have Medicaid coverage.

What do I do if my Medicaid provider doesn’t accept this card?

As long as you have Medicaid, your doctor, dentist, or drug store can make a call or go online to see if you have Medicaid coverage. They also can use a secure online network designed for use with the new Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card.

Who do I call if I’m having problems with the card?

What if I lose the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card?

How often will I get a new card?

The card has a Medicaid ID number on it? What’s that?

The Medicaid ID is yours alone. No one else has that number. Medicaid providers use it to see if you have Medicaid coverage. They also use it to bill Medicaid for the services they provide for you.
When you call a local HHSC benefits office, you can use your Medicaid ID number to talk with someone about your Medicaid case.

How do I find my doctor’s name and phone number? It’s not on the card.

If you get your services through a Medicaid health plan, you can get the name and phone number of your primary care provider by calling your health plan. The health plan name and phone number are printed on the front of your card.
If you get services through traditional Medicaid and need to find a Medicaid doctor, call the number on the back of the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card: 1-800-252-8263.

I’m not sure if I have Medicaid or not. How can I find out?

You can find out if you have Medicaid benefits by calling 1-800-252-8263. You also can call 2-1-1 (pick a language and then pick option 2). Both numbers are free to call.

How do I know if my child is due for a Texas Health Steps checkup?

Texas Health Steps will send you a letter when your child is due for a medical or dental checkup.

Do I have to give this card back once my Medicaid coverage ends?

No. You should keep the Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card even if your Medicaid benefits end. You can reuse it if you are approved for Medicaid benefits in the future.

What do I do if someone is using my Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card illegally?

If you find someone else is using your card for services, call 1-800-436-6184 right away. You are the only person who should use a Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card with your name and Medicaid ID number.

What happens to my card if I change health plans?

We will send you a new Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card with the name of your new health plan and its phone number.

I’m a foster parent. Will the kids I care for get one of these new cards?

Children in DFPS conservatorship will get a Your Texas Benefits Medicaid card to use for visits to the doctor, dentist, or drug store. Their health information will still be found in the Health Passport, just like it is now. The new card and the system it works with are designed to make sure each child’s private information is protected.