The program is available to Harris County residents who meet the income limits. The application is free and can be submitted online, by mail, or at participating centers.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County residents with a household income up to 150% of the federal poverty level can apply for the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program to reduce the cost of medical services received within the public health system.
The program, formerly known as “Gold Card”, is not health insurance and no longer issues a physical card. Harris Health determines eligibility based on county residency, household size, income, and other information provided in the application.
Applying for assistance is free. Approved individuals typically remain enrolled for one year, after which eligibility must be renewed.
Harris Health Financial Assistance
- Residency: Harris County.
- Income: up to 150% of the federal poverty level, depending on household size.
- Application cost: $0.
- Application: online, by mail, or by submitting documents at participating centers.
- Typical processing: within 14 days.
- Typical validity: one year for approved individuals.
- Eligibility Center: 713-566-6509.
Household income must be within 150% of the federal poverty level
Harris Health compares gross household income to the number of people in the household.
With the current federal guidelines for 2026, the equivalent of 150% of the federal poverty level is:
| Household Size | Annual Income | Approximate Monthly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,940 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $32,460 | $2,705 |
| 3 | $40,980 | $3,415 |
| 4 | $49,500 | $4,125 |
| 5 | $58,020 | $4,835 |
| 6 | $66,540 | $5,545 |
| 7 | $75,060 | $6,255 |
| 8 | $83,580 | $6,965 |
Harris Health uses gross income, i.e., money earned before deductions. The final determination depends on the complete household information and the eligibility assessment.
Living in Harris County is a program requirement
Financial assistance is limited to Harris County residents.
A person who moves out of the county no longer meets that requirement, although they may re-apply if they later return to living in Harris County.
The mailing address must be supported with documentation. Harris Health accepts different proofs, so there is no single required document to prove residency.
The application requires identification, income, and proof of address
Harris Health asks for documents that allow verification of the information provided in the application.
Depending on the household circumstances, the following may be requested:
- Identification: driver’s license, state ID, passport, student or work ID, consular ID, INE credential, or other accepted documents.
- Income in the last 30 days: pay stubs, cash income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support, self-employment income, or other applicable sources.
- Residency in Harris County: utility bill, paycheck, statement, Medicaid or Medicare letter, SNAP document, school enrollment, or other accepted proof.
- Household members: documents to verify relationships with children or dependents when applicable.
- Medical coverage: current proof of Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, Medicare, or other insurance.
- Immigration information: the application includes immigration status documentation when applicable.
If a person does not have one of the usual proofs, Harris Health provides alternatives for several categories. For example, certain forms of identification can be substituted with a combination of other documents.
Recent proofs of address have priority
Among the accepted proofs of residence are documents bearing the applicant’s name or their spouse issued within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill, paycheck, credit card statement, benefits correspondence, or a minor’s school record.
When none of these recent documents exist, Harris Health also accepts certain proofs up to one year old, such as a lease agreement, vehicle registration, auto insurance, Harris County voter card, or property tax information.
A person with no income can document who supports them
Not having pay stubs does not by itself prevent submitting the application.
Harris Health has forms for people who receive financial support from someone else, workers paid in cash, and people who are self-employed but do not file a traditional tax return.
The required documentation depends on how each household member earns income.
People with Medicare need additional asset information
Applicants who have Medicare and qualify for the Financial Assistance Program must also complete a Medicare Asset Form.
This process requires information about assets and current obligations, including bank statements, accounts, debts, and other applicable documents.
Some applicants should first try other available programs
Harris Health uses its financial assistance as a last resort when the applicant may be eligible for other coverage or benefits programs.
People who potentially qualify may need to apply for programs such as Medicaid, CHIP, CHIP Perinatal, Marketplace, TANF, SSI, Title V, or Healthy Texas Women.
The Harris Health application collects information that helps determine whether any of these programs may also apply to the household.
The application can be completed online
Harris Health allows the application to be completed electronically and supporting documents uploaded.
There is no need to have a Harris Health medical record number prior to submitting the online application.
The online process must be completed and submitted through the online application system; the relevant documents can be uploaded during the process.
The application can also be mailed
Those who prefer to use the printed form can complete the application and send copies of the proofs to:
Harris Health Financial Assistance Program
P.O. Box 300488
Houston, TX 77230
Forms are available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
Harris Health accepts applications at centers across different areas of the county
Printed applications and their proofs can also be left at eligibility drop boxes available at various Harris Health centers.
Among the participating locations are centers in Acres Home, Aldine, Baytown, Northside, Cypress, Katy, and other areas of Harris County.
Hours vary by center, and some have partial closures on certain days of the month, so the location should be confirmed before visiting.
Applications are usually processed within 14 days
Harris Health sets a typical processing period of up to 14 days after receiving the application and required documents.
If there is no response after 21 days, the applicant may call 713-566-6509 to check status.
When an application is pending and the requested documents are subsequently submitted, Harris Health states that the determination can be completed within seven days after receiving them.
The eligibility decision is communicated by mail.
Assistance typically lasts for one year
Approved individuals are usually enrolled for one year and then must renew the benefit.
Harris Health sends reminders via text messages and mail to the contact information on file.
In a renewal with no changes to name, address, marital status, household members, or medical coverage, the applicant typically submits a new application and proof of household income for the last 30 days. People with Medicare have additional requirements.
Approved patients may have reduced copays
Financial assistance does not make all services free.
Harris Health charges nominal copays to enrolled patients. Currently, some of the published amounts are:
| Service | Copay Sought |
|---|---|
| Clinic medical visit | $3 |
| Laboratory or X-ray without a medical visit that day | $3 |
| Dental visit | $8 |
| Medication for 1 to 30 days | $8 |
| Emergency room | $25 |
| Ambulatory surgery | $25 |
| Hospital stay | $50 |
Copays are amounts requested under the program. Harris Health states that an approved person who cannot cover the requested copay will still receive the services.
The program operates within Harris Health and does not replace health insurance
The assistance can be used at participating facilities within the Harris Health System. It does not function as a health insurance policy to receive care at any hospital or clinic.
People who already have health insurance may also qualify in certain circumstances for Harris Health services not covered by their plan, subject to program rules and the insurer’s agreements.
Related: Residents seeking other options can consult the map of free or low-cost clinics in Houston and Harris County, which includes Harris Health centers, public health, and other local networks.
The Eligibility Center handles applications and renewals by phone
People who need to review requirements, renew the benefit, or check the status of an application can call 713-566-6509 from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the fourth Friday of each month, phone service operates from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Harris Health maintains official eligibility information, applications, forms, and locations in Spanish for the Financial Assistance Program.
Once assistance is approved, medical appointments can be scheduled through the Patient Appointment Center at 713-526-4243.
