MAP insurance in Austin: eligibility, application, renewal

Short answer

Central Health MAP and MAP Basic cover doctor visits, dental care, prescriptions, and specialty care for uninsured Travis County residents with low income. They are not health insurance and are not federally funded. Eligibility uses your income from the last 30 days: at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level qualifies (for FY 2026 that is $2,660 a month for one person, $5,500 for a household of four, and the levels update every March 1). Apply online, by phone at 512.978.8130 option 1 on weekdays 8 to 5, or by mail. All uninsured Travis County residents can apply regardless of residency status, and enrolling does not affect a path to a green card. If you do not qualify, CommUnityCare clinics still see patients on a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. Renew before the card expires: MAP cards renew every 6 months and MAP Basic every 12, and starting 30 to 45 days early keeps coverage from lapsing. For a medical emergency, call 911 or use an emergency department instead of waiting on this process.

Who this is for

Uninsured or underinsured Travis County residents looking for a primary-care, dental, pharmacy, specialty, walk-in, or coverage-screening route.

Next steps

1. Use emergency services for an emergency; otherwise separate coverage screening from the appointment or clinic service you need.
2. Check eligibility first: income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level over the last 30 days, plus Travis County residence.
3. Apply online in Chrome, Edge, or Safari, call 512.978.8130 option 1 on weekdays 8 to 5, or mail the printed application with documents to Medical Access Program, PO BOX 300489, Austin, TX 78703.
4. Gather one proof per category before applying: Travis County residence, a picture ID for adults, household income from the last 30 days, and household size.
5. Use the CommUnityCare location directory to find a clinic that lists the needed service, then call to confirm current hours, appointment rules, and availability.
6. Set the renewal early: MAP every 6 months and MAP Basic every 12, starting 30 to 45 days before the card's EXP date, through the same online, phone, or mail routes.
7. Keep the application and appointment confirmations, ask what to do while either is pending, and request another official route if the program or clinic does not fit.

Have this ready

• Travis County residence and current insurance status
• The type of service and urgency, described only as generally as needed here
• Identity, residency, and recent-income proof only inside the official application
• An application or appointment confirmation and a backup contact route

Common mistakes to avoid

• Treating MAP or MAP Basic as health insurance
• Assuming an application, directory listing, walk-in label, or phone call guarantees eligibility or a visit
• Choosing a clinic by distance without confirming the service and current hours
• Putting medical details, immigration records, income proof, IDs, or portal credentials into ATX Untangled

Key facts

• MAP and MAP Basic are Central Health coverage programs for uninsured Travis County residents with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, measured on the last 30 days; they are not health insurance.
• For FY 2026, 200% of FPL is $2,660 a month for one person and $5,500 for a household of four; the levels update every March 1.
• Apply online, at 512.978.8130 option 1 on weekdays 8 to 5, or by mail to Medical Access Program, PO BOX 300489, Austin, TX 78703.
• Applying is open regardless of residency status and does not affect a green card path; if you do not qualify, CommUnityCare clinics use a sliding fee scale.
• Central Health makes the eligibility decision; a directory listing or phone call does not guarantee eligibility or a visit.
• Renewal uses the same online, phone, and mail routes as a first application: MAP cards renew every 6 months and MAP Basic every 12, starting 30 to 45 days before the card expires.

Checked September 12, 2026 against the official source.

Common questions

Is MAP health insurance?

No. MAP and MAP Basic are Central Health coverage programs for uninsured Travis County residents with low income. They are not insurance, are not federally funded, and enrolling does not affect a green card path.

How do I renew a MAP card?

MAP cards renew every 6 months and MAP Basic every 12. Start 30 to 45 days before the EXP date on the card and renew online, by phone at 512.978.8130 option 1, or in person, the same routes as a first application.

Official sources

• Central Health MAP and MAP Basic
• Central Health MAP membership renewal
• CommUnityCare clinic locations
• CommUnityCare payment and sliding-fee help

Last reviewed September 12, 2026 against the official source.

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