Health Care
Health Care
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law March 23, 2010. Under this health care legislation, people are allowed to select different health care plans from the Health Care Marketplace to fit their needs. To enroll in health care through the marketplace during the next open enrollment period or if you qualify for a special enrollment period, you may apply online through Healthcare.gov or over the phone through the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2696. To see if you qualify for hardships/exemptions, click here.
If you have questions after enrolling in a Marketplace plan, please contact your insurance provider directly. Their phone number can be found by looking at your insurance card or plan materials. You may also contact the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2696 to obtain the phone number of your insurance company.
Healthcare Resources Available in Texas
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is composed of five agencies: Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Programs administered by HHSC include Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Texas Women’s Health Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and SNAP Food Benefits and Nutritional Programs (Food Stamps).
If you would like information regarding qualification or enrollment in any of these programs, please contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission at 2-1-1 or visit their website.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) in Texas
FQHCs provide important primary and preventative health care to uninsured or medically underserved populations. These health centers provide a range of comprehensive services that include primary health care, oral and mental health care, as well as substance abuse services to all persons, regardless of their ability to pay. Texas currently has 72 FQHCs across the state. For more information about FQHCs, please contact the Texas Primary Care Office by telephone at 512-776-7518 or by email to TexasPCO@dshs.state.tx.us.
To locate a FQHC near you, click here.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA)
For assistance in paying for prescriptions, contact the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA). The PPA assists people in applying and determining eligibility for patient assistance programs that provide prescription medication free of charge or at a reduced cost. You can access PPA by telephone at 1-888-4PPA-NOW or via their website.
Additional organizations that assist with prescription needs include Rx Hope at www.rxhope.com or 1-877-267-0517, and Good Days at https://www.mygooddays.org/ or 1-877-968-7233.
If you need additional assistance with a health care issue, please complete the form below. Once you submit the form, you will be prompted to print, sign, and return a privacy release form to our office.