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March 30, 2020
- COVID Updates
- By Cesar Ornelas
Medicare & SNAP Renewal Requirements Temporarily Waived during COVID-19 Pandemic
This COVID-19 crisis is a public health threat. The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is mobilized to help Texans in a big way during this pandemic, both for clients and providers, through Medicaid as well as SNAP services.
Automatic Renewals Activated
Texas Health and Human Services announced March 28, 2020, currently due to SNAP and Medicaid benefit renewals automatically will be processed. Thus, existing clients can maintain continued coverage during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
“During this difficult time, we’re making sure Texans in need continue to receive their food and medical benefits without the added worry of having to renew their coverage in the midst of a crisis,” said Wayne Salter, HHS Deputy Executive Commissioner for Access and Eligibility Services.
Vital Medicaid and SNAP Benefits
Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage to 4.6 million Texas children, parents of eligible children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and older Texans who need nursing home care.
Distributing monthly benefits worth nearly $400 million, the federal program SNAP provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible low-income families and individuals in Texas.
Renewal Benefits Extended until Further Notice
Texas recipients who were up for renewal of Medicare and SNAP benefits have received federal approval to automatically extend their benefits. Renewing the SNAP and Medicaid applications automatically means that those who were due a renewal do not need to call or complete renewals to receive continuous coverage. In fact, SNAP and Medicaid benefits have been extended until further notice.
SNAP Interview Requirement before Approval Waived upon Verifications
Additionally, as authorized by section 2302 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, Texas is also waiving interview requirements for applying for SNAP. Therefore, households are not required to complete an interview before approval – if identity has been verified and mandatory verification steps are completed.
Waiving interview requirements means people are not required to come into an office or call the agency about their application or renewal. Consequently, HHS can process applications as they are received and determine eligibility quicker.
How to Apply for Benefits Online
Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.
Helpful Update Links
This is a rapidly evolving situation. Use the appropriate links below to obtain updated information as it becomes available. Check back often for the latest details and what you need to know about COVID‑19 at HHS.Texas.gov. See also the DSHS website (dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus) for the latest reports on COVID‑19 both during and after this public health crisis.
Find out about the Department of Motor Vehicle Fees and Changes during COVID-19
Featured photo by CDC on Unsplash
Originally from Kyle, Texas, Mr. Ornelas is a first-generation college graduate and a first-generation attorney.
Licensed in Texas, Cesar Ornelas’s nationwide practice is entirely contingency fee-based and consists of a wide variety of catastrophic personal injury and death cases. He has represented countless victims of catastrophic accidents across the United States.
