New data from the state show the backlog of Medicaid and SNAP applications in Texas is now even worse than we recently reported.
We’re deeply concerned that Texans who are eligible for Medicaid health insurance are stuck waiting for prenatal care, immunizations, medications, and other care as Medicaid applications pile up in state offices. We’re also concerned about the long wait for the state to review SNAP applications as families and seniors face rising costs for groceries and other essentials.
The data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) show more and more Texans have Medicaid applications stuck in the agency’s queue before an eligibility worker even starts processing them. A total of 238,000 applications were delayed in this backlog as of September.
Data provided by HHSC. Data not available for April 2026.
HHSC’s performance on federal timeliness standards has also declined this year. Federal rules require Medicaid eligibility determinations to be completed within 45 days for most applicants. Unfortunately, by September the state was completing only 62% of applications within federal standards.
Data provided by HHSC. Data not available for April 2026.
Additionally, the new data show that half of Medicaid applicants are waiting over 68 days for the state to even begin processing their submissions.
Texans seeking food assistance are also stuck facing long waits, with the latest data showing that 175,000 SNAP applications are in the backlog in state offices.
Data provided by HHSC. Data not available for April 2026.
We encourage the Legislature and HHSC officials to examine the causes for these delays and move quickly to ensure the enrollment system is working in an efficient, orderly way for Texas families who are eligible for these programs. One step the Legislature can take is supporting HHSC’s recent budget request to convert temporary eligibility workers into full-time staff.
Texans Care for Children gratefully acknowledges Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., for their financial support of this publication. The opinions expressed in this document are those of Texans Care for Children and do not necessarily reflect the views of Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
