Health Access
You have more options than you think.
Last updated April 2026 | Sources: harrishealth.org, hrsa.gov, 211texas.org
Harris Health runs Ben Taub Hospital, LBJ Hospital, and 18 community health centers across Harris County. If you earn below 150% of the federal poverty level -- about $22,590 a year for one person in 2026 -- you qualify for a Gold Card. That card covers doctor visits, lab work, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and hospital stays at Harris Health facilities.
You apply online or in person at any Harris Health location. Bring a photo ID, proof of Harris County residency (utility bill, lease), and proof of income (pay stubs, tax return). Processing takes about 2 weeks.
If you earn more than the Gold Card cutoff but still cannot afford insurance, Harris Health offers a sliding fee scale. You pay a percentage of the cost based on your income. Nobody is turned away.
Brand-name medications can cost hundreds per month. These programs cut that cost.
Harris Health pharmacies fill prescriptions for Gold Card holders at reduced or zero cost. If you are not in the Harris Health system, NeedyMeds (needymeds.org) maintains a database of over 5,000 patient assistance programs from drug manufacturers. Most major pharmaceutical companies offer free medication to patients below certain income thresholds.
Walmart, H-E-B, and Costco pharmacies offer $4 generic prescription programs -- no insurance needed. GoodRx (goodrx.com) provides free discount coupons that work at most pharmacies and can cut prices 40-80%.
The Harris County Hospital District also partners with 340B drug pricing, which means community health centers can offer medications at deeply discounted prices.
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is the public mental health authority for Harris County. They serve anyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Crisis line: 713-970-7000 (24 hours, 7 days) 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
The Harris Center operates a Psychiatric Emergency Services unit at Ben Taub Hospital and the Crisis Residential Unit for short-term stabilization. Outpatient counseling is available at multiple locations on a sliding fee scale.
For children and teens, the Harris Center provides school-based mental health services in over 100 HISD campuses.