Texas Providers Permitted to Use Mother’s Medicaid ID for Newborn Claims Under New State Guidance

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has introduced a significant update to Medicaid providers stating that the Medicaid identification (ID) number of the mother can be applied where a mother has her newborn and has yet to receive a distinct Medicaid ID. The reminder is issued after the adoption of House Bill 3940, enacted during the 89th Legislature, Regular Session, 2025.

With this provision, providers can proceed to provide newborn care and charge it immediately so that babies can have the opportunity to access covered services promptly as enrollment processing is being conducted. HHSC has recommended providers to educate mothers and expectant mothers about this allowance because it would enable them to get services for their newborns immediately after birth.

Parents and caregivers will also be given a new written notice that confirms that newborns are automatically eligible as beneficiaries under Medicaid and that providers are permitted to temporarily use the Medicaid ID of the mother until the child is assigned a unique ID.

The annual notice focuses on providers of Texas Medicaid who deal with the regular care of pregnant women and newborns. HHSC suggests distributing the update to all of the relevant staff in order to implement it efficiently.

The Information for Parents of Newborns booklet and A Parent’s Guide to Raising Healthy, Happy Children are available on HHSC’s Maternal and Child Health Publications web page.

Providers may call the TMHP Contact Center, 800-925-9126 to get more information.