In Texas, it is the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) that has authority and responsibility over all Medicaid programs. What most people generally refer to as “Medicaid” actually encompasses approximately 42 different medical assistance programs, including general medical assistance for recipients of Supplemental Security Income and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.
Long-term care assistance is yet another medical assistance program, yet it has it’s own criteria for eligibility. Since these programs all have the word “Medicaid” in the title it is easy to be confused about the requirements for the various medical assistance programs.
Everyone has the right to apply for these benefits. But, it is important to know the rules before an application is submitted. With the requirements for approval including a $2,000 limit on resources, caps on income, and penalties for transfers made during the 5 years prior to application, the rules differ. Since applications can be pending 45 to 90 days without any word at all on eligibility, it is important to know the rules before an application is submitted.