A lot of Texans are waking up to some tough news. Since the end of the pandemic-era protections, nearly 1.8 million people in Texas have been dropped from Medicaid. If you or someone you love depends on Medicaid for health coverage, this is something you cannot ignore. Let us break down what happened, why it matters, and what you should be watching for.
Why did Texas remove people from Medicaid?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government told states to keep most people enrolled in Medicaid, even if their eligibility changed. This was part of the emergency response to make sure Americans stayed covered during a crisis.
But in March 2023, that requirement ended. That meant states—including Texas—had to start reviewing everyone’s eligibility again.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission said it had to reevaluate over 6 million people. According to them, this process followed federal guidelines and was coordinated with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). A spokesperson explained:
“Redetermining eligibility within federal requirements was a massive undertaking… We will continue to collaborate with CMS to provide eligible Texans with benefits.”
How many people have lost coverage so far?
Between March 2023 and March 2025, Texas Medicaid enrollment dropped from nearly 6 million to just over 4.1 million people. That is a loss of about 1.8 million.
Here is why that matters:
- Texas had one of the largest drops in the country.
- The number of Texans on Medicaid is now even lower than it was before the pandemic began.
This decline is faster than what was seen in big states like Florida, California, and New York.
Who is most affected by the Medicaid cuts?
This drop affects all kinds of people—adults, children, seniors. But the biggest concern is for people who were cut off due to procedural reasons, not because they were truly ineligible. Some never got the renewal notice. Some struggled to navigate the paperwork, and Many were confused or unaware they needed to reapply.
Health experts are especially worried about low-income families who may now be uninsured and do not even realize it yet.
Why are the uninsured numbers rising?
According to Timothy McBride, a professor of public health at Washington University, part of the issue is the kind of jobs people have in Texas.
He explained:
“Texas has higher poverty rates, fewer good jobs that offer health insurance, and a higher percentage of nonwhite persons… If they do not have private coverage, they seek Medicaid.”
So, if Medicaid is taken away and there is no employer coverage, many people simply go without any insurance at all.
What does losing Medicaid mean for your health?
If you do not have health coverage, you are more likely to skip doctor visits, miss early warning signs of serious illness, or put off getting prescriptions.
Experts say this could lead to:
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Delays in getting urgent care
- More medical debt and financial stress
- Greater mental health issues
- Higher emergency room visits (which cost more)
And it does not just affect individuals. A rise in uninsured people puts more pressure on hospitals and local health systems.
What are people saying about the situation?
Laura Dague, a health policy professor at Texas A&M University, pointed out that the impact may vary.
She said:
“How impactful the decreases in enrollment will be… depends on how aware people were of their coverage and how often they used it.”
Still, many experts agree that a large portion of people now face real risks—especially those who rely on Medicaid for their children or chronic care needs.
What should you do if you lost Medicaid?
If you lost your Medicaid coverage or are not sure if you still have it, here are a few steps to follow:
- Check your status immediately. Go to the official Texas Medicaid website or call customer service.
- Look into the Health Insurance Marketplace. You might qualify for low-cost or free plans.
- Ask for help. Local nonprofits, clinics, and social workers can walk you through your options.
Related article:
Will I still get Medicaid and Medicare coverage or are affected Trump’s federal funding freeze?
