There are a number of ways to purchase comprehensive, affordable insurance in Texas. There are eight health insurance companies available in Texas on the state exchange.
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How to Buy Health Insurance in Texas
Some Texans may already receive health insurance through an employer, or through the federal government. For those who do not, there are several private insurance companies that offer comprehensive packages to suit a number of individual needs. Most private Texas insurers offer health insurance in five tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, and Gold. It’s important to understand your specific health insurance needs before selecting an insurance company and a health insurance tier.
How to Apply for Health Insurance in Texas
The open enrollment for 2023 health insurance plans in Texas begins on November 1, 2022. Health insurance plans in Texas are available to residents via both the federal exchange and through private insurance companies.
Through the federally run marketplace at www.healthcare.gov, Texas has the third-highest exchange enrollments in the country (Florida and California have higher exchange enrollment).
Health Insurance Carriers In Texas
There are sixteen health insurance carriers in Texas that are available on the state exchange which include:
- Aetna CVS Health
- Celtic/Ambetter (Ambetter from Superior Health Plan)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
- Bright Healthcare
- CHRISTUS
- Friday Health Plan
- Moda Health Plan
- Molina
- Oscar
- Sendero
- SHA/FirstCare
- Community Health Choice
- Scott & White Health Plan
- UnitedHealthcare of Texas
- Cigna
- Ascension Personalized Care
Texas Health Insurance Costs Overview
The cost of health insurance in Texas will depend on many factors, including the carrier you choose, the tier of package you need, and personal factors such as your age and general health status. The following premiums are calculated for the average 40-year-old.
As 2023 data is not yet available, we have used statistics from 2022 to reflect costs so you can have an idea of what to expect. Current data shows that 2023 premiums will rise by 4 percent for a 27-year-old for a silver benchmark marketplace plan sold through HealthCare.gov.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Texas?
For 2022, the average monthly health insurance premium for a 40-year-old in Texas is $424.
What is the Cheapest Health Insurance Plan in Texas?
Insurers in Texas adjust their premiums every year due to fluctuations in health costs and changes in life expectancy. Premiums for the forthcoming year are set by an insurer, and approved by the federal health insurance exchange.
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Cheapest Texas Health Insurance Coverage by Metal Tier
As 2023 data is not yet available, we have used statistics from 2022 to reflect costs so you can have an idea of what to expect. Current data shows that 2023 premiums will rise by 4 percent for a 27-year-old for a silver benchmark marketplace plan sold through HealthCare.gov.
Note that all costs are 2022 pricing from KFF. (source)
Gold Plans
The average lowest cost premium of a Gold Plan in Texas in 2022 was $403.
Silver Plans
The average lowest cost premium of a Silver Plan in Texas in 2022 was $415.
Bronze Plans
For a Bronze plan, the average lowest premium in 2022 was $306.
Other Types of Texas Health Insurance Coverage
Catastrophic Health Insurance in Texas
Catastrophic health insurance plans have low monthly premiums and high deductibles, and are often used to protect against worst-case scenarios, like getting extremely sick or seriously injured. Catastrophic health insurance is only available to individuals aged 30 or under or those of any age with a hardship exemption or affordability exemption. Those who enroll in catastrophic health insurance plans pay most of their own routine medical expenses.
Short Term Health Insurance in Texas
Short-term health insurance plans in Texas can last 12 months or less, but sometimes can be renewed up to three years. These plans offer fewers benefits and have lower coverage amounts than major medical insurance plans.
Low Income Health Insurance in Texas
To qualify for Medicaid in Texas, your household income must be under a particular amount, depending on the size of your family. You must also be at least one of the following: pregnant, responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, blind, have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.
Other programs in Texas provide insurance cost subsidies, such as the American Rescue Plan Act and the Texas Child Health Insurance Plan.
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Marketplace Average Benchmark Premiums, KFF, accessed 08/16/2022, https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/marketplace-average-benchmark-premiums/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Location%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D
Average Marketplace Premiums by Metal Tier, 2018-2022, KFF, accessed 08/16/2022, https://www.kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/average-marketplace-premiums-by-metal-tier/?currentTimeframe=0&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Average%20Lowest-Cost%20Bronze%20Premium__2022%22,%22sort%22:%22desc%22%7D