Health Insurance

If your employer offers a group health plan, this is often the most affordable option because your employer pays a portion of the premium. You can typically enroll when you’re first hired or during your employer’s annual open enrollment period.

If your health coverage is ending because you lost your job or your hours were reduced, you may be able to continue your employer's group plan for up to 18 months under the federal COBRA law. Texas law may allow an additional six months of state continuation after COBRA ends. You will be responsible for paying the full premium — up to 102% of the plan cost. Ask your former employer about your options.

You can purchase individual or family coverage through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, directly from an insurance company, or through a licensed health insurance agent. Marketplace plans may come with tax credits to lower your monthly premium if your household income qualifies.

Colleges and universities often offer student health plans. Some membership associations and churches also offer group plans to their members. Don't confuse access to a student health clinic with health insurance. While you may be able to get a limited set of services as a student, without a health insurance policy, you're not protected from health costs associated with an emergency room visit.

You can join a spouse's employer-sponsored plan. If you're under 26, you can stay on or be added to a parent's health plan — you don't have to live with your parent, be claimed as a dependent, be a student, or be unmarried.

If you have limited income, you may qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare. You may also be able to get health care from a community health center. See our information on affordable options to learn more about these programs.

Provides health coverage for children in low-income families. Covered services include doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, immunizations, dental and vision care, mental health services, and more. There is no cost for children who qualify.

CHIP provides low-cost health coverage for children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Services covered by CHIP include regular checkups, hospital care, prescriptions, vaccines, vision and hearing care, mental health services, and treatment for pre-existing conditions.

Medicare provides health coverage for most adults age 65 and older, as well as people with certain disabilities. Medicare Savings Programs can help pay for some or all of your Medicare costs if you have limited income. Eligibility depends on your income and resources.

Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible low-income Texans, including children, pregnant women, parents and caretakers, seniors, and people with disabilities.

All Marketplace plans are required to cover 10 essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity care, and mental health care. Plans vary by monthly premium, deductible, copay amounts, and provider networks. You can use the Plan Finder tool to browse and compare plans available in your area.

The Marketplace is available to U.S. citizens and lawfully present residents who are not incarcerated and are not currently enrolled in Medicare. Most people who do not have health insurance through an employer, spouse, or parent use the Marketplace to find coverage.

You can sign up for a Marketplace plan during the annual Open Enrollment period, which runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. 
 • Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.
 • Enroll by January 15 for coverage starting February 1. 
Outside of Open Enrollment, you can only enroll if you experience a qualifying life event — such as losing other health coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new coverage area.

If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for premium tax credits that lower your monthly premium. You may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions that lower your deductible and copays. These savings are only available when you purchase a plan through the Marketplace — not when buying directly from an insurance company.

Plans with lower monthly premiums usually have higher deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Plans with higher premiums typically cover a larger share of your costs. Consider how often you visit the doctor and what medications you take.

Make sure your preferred doctors, hospitals, and specialists are included in the plan's network. If they're not, you may need to switch providers or pay significantly more for out-of-network care.