Texas Health Insurance Options for 2021: A Brief Guide 

You have a lot of options when it comes to finding health insurance broker in Texas. There are two paths for acquiring health insurance in Texas: private and government funded. Choosing which one works best for you depends on several factors like your age, income, health condition, and whether you own a business. In this article we’ll give you an overview of health insurance options in Texas so you can make an informed decision when it’s time to choose a plan. 

Buying Health Insurance in Texas 

In Texas, you can choose between private and public health insurance plans. Several variables will determine which one is the best fit. In general, government-funded health plans are for the elderly, poor, and those with disabilities. The private market health insurance market is divided into two tiers – ACA and non-ACA plans. 

• Private Health Insurance Plans: These plans include comprehensive health insurance plans regulated by the Affordable Care Act, short-term health plans, catastrophic health plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Supplement plans. 
• Private Non-ACA Health Insurance: A great option if you don’t have any pre-existing conditions that require ongoing medical treatment. Often ideal for the self-employed and can be more affordable than ACA plans.  
• Government-funded Health Insurance: These include Original Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP coverage, TRICARE military insurance, and VA Health Insurance. 

When Can I Enroll for Health Insurance in Texas? 

The Texas Open Enrollment Period for Obamacare (ACA) insurance usually begins November 1st and ends December 15th. If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you may need to wait until the following year to enroll if you want an ACA plan. However, that doesn’t mean your health insurance options end. Private, non-ACA health insurance providers like Freedom Life Insurance Company of America offer year-round enrollment and can often be more affordable if you don’t have pre-existing conditions. 

What is the Cheapest Texas Health Insurance Plan? 

The cheapest Texas health insurance you can buy is an Obamacare bronze plan. Obamacare subsidies can help qualified individuals access plans at a low monthly cost. ACA plans come in bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Bronze is the cheapest. The lowest-cost bronze plan could cost nothing after subsidies. In 2018, more than 1 million uninsured Texans qualified for a bronze plan with no monthly premium. 

Other Cheap Health Insurance Plans in Texas 

• Short-Term Health Insurance: These short-term health plans don’t count as qualified insurance under the ACA. However, they usually cost half of major medical coverage. 

• Catastrophic Health Plans: Catastrophic health insurance premiums are usually much lower than other ACA-regulated plans, while their deductibles are very high. Catastrophic plans are designed to protect you from high out-of-pocket costs in case of a major accident or illness. 

• Medicare Advantage Zero-Premium Plans: You can find Medicare Advantage plans for as low as $0 per month through several Texas insurance companies. You may qualify to enroll in a zero-premium plan if you’re 65 or under 65 and have a disability.

When Does Non-ACA Health Insurance Make Sense? 

If you don't have any pre-existing conditions that require ongoing medical treatment, choosing a non-ACA private health insurance plan can be a great option for the self-employed. The costs are much more affordable than the ACA plans, the rates are very stable, PPO coverage is nationwide, and you can enroll at any time during the year, unlike the ACA options.  In addition, 100% of your premiums are tax-deductible. 

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