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No Insurance? Your Guide to County Health Safety Nets in North Texas

 Your Guide to County Health Programs in North Texas (2026)

Losing health insurance is a frightening experience, especially when you have ongoing medical needs or face an unexpected emergency. Many people don't realize that in Texas, every county is legally required to offer a safety net for its uninsured residents: the County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP).

These programs are not insurance, but they can provide crucial access to basic medical care, doctor visits, and even some prescriptions for those who truly have no other options. If you've recently lost coverage, have a high-deductible plan that feels useless, or don't qualify for other state programs, these county initiatives might be your lifeline.

This guide outlines the basics of these programs for residents in Parker, Tarrant, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Hunt, Erath, and Wise Counties for 2026.

Who Do These Programs Help?

CIHCPs are designed for the most vulnerable. Generally, they assist individuals who:

  • Are not eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP.

  • Are residents of the specific county they are applying in.

  • Meet very strict income and asset requirements. These are typically based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and are often much lower than other assistance programs.

What Does it Take to Qualify? The "Four Pillars"

While specific income and asset limits vary by county, all programs will assess these four areas:

  1. Residency: You must provide proof that you live in the county (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, driver's license).

  2. Household Composition: They will ask for details about everyone living in your home and their relationship to you.

  3. Income: You'll need to provide documentation for all household income (e.g., pay stubs for the last 30 days, Social Security award letters, unemployment benefits).

  4. Assets: Most programs have a strict limit on "countable resources" (e.g., bank accounts, cash). Typically, this limit is around $2,000 for an individual, though your primary home and one vehicle are usually exempt.

County-Specific Program Details (2026)

Here's a breakdown of what to expect in our local counties. Remember to always contact the county's Indigent Health Care office directly for the most current information and application forms.

Parker County: Medical Assistance Program (MAP)

  • What it is: Provides primary and specialty care, hospital services, and limited prescriptions for eligible residents.

  • Key Eligibility Detail: Typically assists individuals and families with household incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

  • How to Apply: Contact the Parker County Indigent Health Care office, usually located within the county's Human Services or Health Department.

Palo Pinto County: County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)

  • What it is: Provides basic medically necessary services, often administered through Palo Pinto General Hospital or local clinics for eligible residents.

  • Key Eligibility Detail: Requires residents to have very low income and minimal assets, adhering to the state CIHCP guidelines.

  • How to Apply: Inquire at Palo Pinto General Hospital's patient financial services or the Palo Pinto County Judge's office for application information.

Tarrant County: JPS Connection

  • What it is: This is one of the more comprehensive programs, providing a "medical home" at JPS Health Network facilities. It offers a wide range of services including primary care, specialist referrals, hospital care, and behavioral health.

  • Key Eligibility Detail: Designed for Tarrant County residents with household incomes up to 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

  • How to Apply: Visit the JPS Health Network website or a JPS patient services location to begin the application for JPS Connection.

Johnson County: County Indigent Health Care Program (CIHCP)

  • What it is: Focuses on essential medical services for very low-income residents, including doctor visits, limited hospital stays, and a small number of prescriptions per month.

  • Key Eligibility Detail: Johnson County follows the state's very strict minimums, often requiring household income to be at or below 21% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is a program of last resort.

  • How to Apply: Contact the Johnson County Indigent Health Care office, typically managed by the county's Auditor or Judge's office.

Hunt County: Indigent Health Care Program

  • What it is: Offers assistance with doctor visits, hospital services, and some prescription medications for eligible, uninsured residents.

  • Key Eligibility Detail: Follows state guidelines, requiring very low income (typically at or below 21% of the FPL) and minimal assets.

  • How to Apply: Contact the Hunt County Auditor's office or their designated Indigent Health Care Administrator for application details.

Erath County: Indigent Health Care Program

  • What it is: Provides a safety net for medically necessary care for residents with no other insurance options and who meet strict financial criteria.

  • Key Eligibility Detail: Requires household income to be at or below 21% of the FPL and adherence to state asset limits.

  • How to Apply: Inquire with the Erath County Judge's office or the County Auditor's department for information on the CIHCP.

Wise County: Indigent Health Care Program

  • What it is: Helps eligible residents access basic medical care, hospital services, and limited prescriptions.

  • Key Eligibility Detail: Applicants must meet the state's low-income and asset limits, typically at or below 21% of the FPL.

  • How to Apply: Contact the Wise County Auditor's office or the County Judge's office for details and application forms.

Facing a Medical Bill? Don't Wait – Reach Out!

Navigating these county programs can be daunting, and the specific requirements change frequently. If you’ve lost your health insurance and are worried about affording care, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I want to be your trusted Medicare and health insurance resource. To me, this work is about more than just selling a policy; it’s about making sure our community members are never forced to choose between their health and their financial security.

If you don't see your specific county listed in this guide, please reach out anyway. I am happy to research the local programs in your area for you. I’m here to help you understand your options, point you to the right contacts, and assist you with the research needed for your application. You don't have to do this alone.

Janice Grice
phone: 940-213-1919
email: janice@janicobenefits.com

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