Affordable Health Insurance in Texas: Compare 2026 Plans
Top-rated ACA Marketplace (Obamacare) plans in Texas ranked by official quality scores, plus the lowest-premium Bronze options and APTC subsidy estimates. Plans are displayed based on federal marketplace data, not broker recommendations or paid placements.
What is the best health insurance in Texas?
There is no single best ACA health insurance plan in Texas (TX); what a plan costs you depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and expected medical use, not just premium. 109 ACA plans are currently available. Policymage does not recommend plans. It compares plans on premium, deductible, and network type, plus official quality ratings where the marketplace publishes them, using marketplace plan data priced near Austin.
Last updated: October 7, 2026 · Source: Official Marketplace Data · How we calculate this
Rankings are based on official star ratings (clinical quality, member experience, plan efficiency) and premium data from the federal marketplace. Policymage is not a licensed insurance broker. We display data, not recommendations. Prices reflect a 30-year-old near Austin, TX before subsidies, at 2026 rates.
$474/mo
Avg Bronze Premium
15
Insurers Statewide
109
Plans Listed
HealthCare.gov
Exchange Type
Health Insurance Carriers in Texas
Lowest Available Premium
$384.24/mo
Bronze plan · 30-year-old near Austin · before subsidies
Avg Bronze Plan
$474/mo
27 plans in Texas
Avg Silver Plan
$699/mo
Benchmark (2nd-lowest Silver): $555.04/mo
Eligible for CSR cost reductions
Plans by Category
Each card shows the plan that comes first on the stated measure for a sample 30-year-old. These are sorts, not recommendations. From the 20 lowest-premium plans near Austin · 2026 premiums · 30-year-old, before subsidies
Highest Rated, Low Premium
Highest official quality rating among the lowest-premium plans
Lowest Premium with Child Dental
Lowest premium with children's dental coverage included
Lowest-Premium HSA Plan
Lowest monthly premium among HSA-eligible plans
Lowest Premium
Lowest monthly premium for a 30-year-old
Sendero Health Quality Care Bronze High Deductible / $50 PCP / $25 Generic Drugs / $100 Specialist
Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit
$384.24/mo
Ded: $7,500
OOP: $10,000
Lowest Premium + OOP Max
Lowest yearly worst case: 12 months of premium plus the out-of-pocket max
BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 006
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan
$388.28/mo
Ded: $8,000
OOP: $8,000
Top-Rated Plans in Texas
Sorted by official quality rating, then premium, among the 20 lowest-premium plans · Prices near Austin · 2026 premiums · 30-year-old, no subsidies
Sendero Health Quality Care Bronze High Deductible / $50 PCP / $25 Generic Drugs / $100 Specialist
Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit
$384.24/mo
Ded: $7,500
Sendero Health Preferred Bronze / $25 PCP / $75 Specialist / $22 Generic Drugs
Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit
$407.85/mo
Ded: $8,550
MyBlue Health Bronze℠ Standard
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
$438.28/mo
Ded: $7,500
MyBlue Health Bronze℠ 402
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
$455.16/mo
Ded: $5,000
Moda Select Texas Bronze 8700 ($0 Virtual Urgent Care through CirrusMD)
Moda Health Plan, Inc.
$491.45/mo
Ded: $8,700
Moda Select Texas Standard Bronze
Moda Health Plan, Inc.
$503.90/mo
Ded: $7,500
BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 006
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan
$388.28/mo
Ded: $8,000
BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 007 (CMS Standardized Plan with $0 Pediatric PCP copay)
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan
$394.50/mo
Ded: $7,500
BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 009 (One free PCP visit, $0 Pediatric PCP visits)
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan
$399.11/mo
Ded: $5,300
UHC Bronze Essential ($0 Virtual Urgent Care)
UnitedHealthcare
$399.82/mo
Ded: $10,600
Rankings based on official star ratings from federal marketplace data. Premiums are estimated for a 30-year-old near Austin without subsidies. Catastrophic plans are only for people under 30 or with a hardship exemption. Your actual options and prices vary by ZIP code, age, and household income. See results for your details →
APTC Subsidy Income Thresholds (2026)
Based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. Your subsidy eligibility depends on your exact household size and income.
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Medicaid min) | 138% FPL (Medicaid max) | 250% FPL (CSR eligible) | 400% FPL (APTC range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $22,025 | $39,900 | $63,840 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $29,863 | $54,100 | $86,560 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,702 | $68,300 | $109,280 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $45,540 | $82,500 | $132,000 |
Thresholds are for the 48 contiguous states. Alaska and Hawaii have higher FPL amounts. The enhanced subsidies that removed the income cap expired after 2025, so households above 400% FPL no longer qualify for premium tax credits.
Lowest-Cost Plans Available in Texas
Bronze and Catastrophic plans near Austin, TX · 30-year-old · 2026 premiums · Before subsidies · Catastrophic is for under-30s or a hardship exemption
Sendero Health Quality Care Bronze High Deductible / $50 PCP / $25 Generic Drugs / $100 Specialist
Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit
$384.24/mo
Ded: $7,500
BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 006
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan
$388.28/mo
Ded: $8,000
BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 007 (CMS Standardized Plan with $0 Pediatric PCP copay)
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan
$394.50/mo
Ded: $7,500
BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 009 (One free PCP visit, $0 Pediatric PCP visits)
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan
$399.11/mo
Ded: $5,300
UHC Bronze Essential ($0 Virtual Urgent Care)
UnitedHealthcare
$399.82/mo
Ded: $10,600
Sendero Health Preferred Bronze / $25 PCP / $75 Specialist / $22 Generic Drugs
Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit
$407.85/mo
Ded: $8,550
Imperial Preferred Bronze
Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc.
$414.19/mo
Ded: $9,200
UHC Bronze Standard
UnitedHealthcare
$417.75/mo
Ded: $7,500
These are list prices before subsidies for a 30-year-old near Austin. With APTC, your actual monthly cost can be much lower. See your subsidized price →
Bronze vs Silver: How Total Costs Compare
- Lowest monthly premium
- Highest deductibles & copays
- Lower premium; you pay more when you use care
- HSA-eligible plans often available
- Not eligible for CSR cost reductions
- Mid-range premium
- Benchmark for APTC subsidy calculation
- Eligible for CSR cost reductions (100–250% FPL)
- With CSR: deductibles can drop to $300–$700
- With CSR, total yearly cost can be lower than Bronze, depending on care used
How CSR changes the math: At 100%–250% FPL, cost-sharing reductions lower the deductible and copays on Silver plans only, so a Silver plan's listed deductible can overstate what you would pay. To compare tiers, add up the total annual cost of each: the premium × 12 plus the cost-sharing you expect to pay.
How much does health insurance cost in Texas? (2026)
The average Silver plan in Texas costs $699/month before subsidies, with Bronze averaging $474 and the cheapest plan in the state starting at $312.74/month. Most enrollees pay less than the listed price once APTC subsidies are applied.
Price depends on where you live in Texas: the cheapest plan runs $312.74/month in Rolling Plains (Paducah & Knox City) and $515.55/month in West Central Texas (Snyder), a 65% difference across 112 Texas areas.
| Metal tier | Plans | Lowest | Average | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 27 | $384 | $474 | $602 |
| Silver | 43 | $540 | $699 | $961 |
| Gold | 39 | $507 | $619 | $822 |
Figures are 2026 full monthly premiums for a single 30-year-old, before any Advance Premium Tax Credit. Estimate your subsidy to see what you would actually pay, or compare average costs across all states.
Texas health insurance cost by age and family size
The cheapest Bronze plan in Austin costs $384/month at age 30 and $919/month at age 60, and $1,383/month for a family of four, before subsidies. With the premium tax credit, a 60-year-old earning $63,840 (400% of the poverty level) pays no more than $530/month for the benchmark Silver plan.
| Who is covered | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| One adult, age 21 | $339 | $476 | $447 |
| One adult, age 30 | $384 | $540 | $507 |
| One adult, age 40 | $433 | $608 | $571 |
| One adult, age 50 | $605 | $850 | $798 |
| One adult, age 60 | $919 | $1,291 | $1,212 |
| One adult, age 64 | $1,016 | $1,427 | $1,340 |
| Couple, both 40 | $865 | $1,216 | $1,142 |
| Family of 4 (two adults 40, two children under 15) | $1,383 | $1,944 | $1,825 |
What you pay after the premium tax credit (2026)
| Household | Yearly income | Benchmark Silver costs you at most | Cheapest Bronze after the credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| One adult, age 30150% of the poverty level | $23,940 | $84 | $0 |
| One adult, age 30250% of the poverty level | $39,900 | $281 | $110 |
| One adult, age 30400% of the poverty level | $63,840 | $530 | $359 |
| One adult, age 60150% of the poverty level | $23,940 | $84 | $0 |
| One adult, age 60250% of the poverty level | $39,900 | $281 | $0 |
| One adult, age 60400% of the poverty level | $63,840 | $530 | $121 |
| Couple, both 40150% of the poverty level | $32,460 | $113 | $0 |
| Couple, both 40250% of the poverty level | $54,100 | $381 | $0 |
| Couple, both 40400% of the poverty level | $86,560 | $718 | $334 |
- Premiums are the cheapest 2026 plans in Austin, scaled from a 30-year-old's premium by the age rating curve CMS sets for Texas. Prices elsewhere in Texas differ; the county pages below show each area.
- The credit uses the 2026 IRS percentages and the 2026 poverty guidelines. Above 400% of the poverty level there is no credit.
- Federal credit only: some states add their own help on top, and children in lower-income families usually qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. Calculate your own credit.
Health insurance companies in Texas compared by price
9 companies sell Marketplace plans in Austin. Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit has the cheapest Bronze plan for a 40-year-old, at $433/month before subsidies, and Oscar Insurance Company offers the most plans (23). HSA-eligible plans come from Oscar Insurance Company, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Baylor Scott and White Health Plan, Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit, Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc., Moda Health Plan, Inc..
| Company | Plans | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Networks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Insurance Company | 23 | $533 | $732 | $643 | EPO, HMO, HSA |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas | 21 | $493 | $778 | $675 | HMO, POS, HSA |
| Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan | 18 | None | $706 | $645 | EPO, HMO |
| UnitedHealthcare | 14 | $450 | $692 | $598 | HMO, HSA |
| Baylor Scott and White Health Plan | 10 | $437 | $699 | $584 | HMO, HSA |
| Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit | 7 | $433 | $608 | $577 | HMO, HSA |
| Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. | 7 | $466 | $735 | $670 | HMO, HSA |
| Moda Health Plan, Inc. | 5 | $553 | $920 | $791 | EPO, HSA |
| Harbor Health | 4 | None | $652 | $571 | HMO |
Each company's cheapest plan in each tier, from every Marketplace plan sold in Austin. Prices and companies elsewhere in Texas can differ. Networks and doctors vary by plan, so check the provider directory before you enroll.
How Metal Tiers and Plans Differ in Texas
1Check subsidy eligibility first
If your household income is between 100%–400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you likely qualify for APTC to reduce your premium. Some Texas residents qualify for $0/month Bronze plans. Enter your income in the compare tool to see your options.
2Healthcare usage and metal tiers
Bronze plans have lower premiums and higher cost-sharing when you use care. Silver and Gold plans have higher premiums and lower cost-sharing, so which tier costs less in total depends on how much care you use.
3Check if your doctors are in-network
HMO plans require you to use in-network providers and get referrals for specialists. PPO plans offer more flexibility. Verify your preferred doctors and hospitals accept your plan before enrolling.
4Estimate your total annual cost
Look beyond the monthly premium. Add up the premium × 12, plus your expected deductible and copay costs. A lower-premium Bronze plan can cost more total if you need regular care.
More Texas Health Insurance Guides
HSA-Eligible Plans in Texas
High-deductible health plans in Texas that qualify you to open a pre-tax Health Savings Account. Includes the 2026 IRS contribution limits.
View guide Cost GuideAverage Cost of Health Insurance by State
See how Texas's premiums compare to the national average, by metal tier.
View guideHealth insurance in Texas's largest cities and metro areas
Health Insurance by County in Texas
Plan availability, premiums and participating insurers vary by county within Texas. Pick your county to see what is actually sold there.
- Anderson
- Austin Metro (Travis & Williamson)
- Bastrop
- Beaumont
- Big Country (Abilene)
- Big Thicket (Kountze)
- Blanco
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brazos Bottom (Bellville & Hempstead)
- Brewster
- Brooks
- Brown
- Brownsville
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Central Texas (Hillsboro)
- Central Texas (Killeen & Temple)
- Chambers
- Coastal Bend (Alice & Kingsville)
- Colorado
- Comal
- Concho Valley (San Angelo)
- Conroe
- Cooke
- Corpus Christi
- Coryell
- Crockett
- Dallas
- Deep East Texas (Jasper & Newton)
- Deep East Texas (Lufkin)
- Denton
- East Texas (Carthage & Henderson)
- East Texas (Madisonville & Navasota)
- East Texas (Marshall)
- East Texas (Nacogdoches)
- East Texas (Tyler)
- El Paso
- Ellis
- Erath
- Fayette
- Fort Worth
- Fort Worth Exurbs (Weatherford & Decatur)
- Galveston
- Golden Crescent (Victoria)
- Gregg
- Guadalupe
- Hays
- Heart of Texas (Brady)
- Henderson
- Hood
- Houston
- Hudspeth
- Hunt
- Jack
- Johnson
- Karnes
- Kaufman
- Kendall
- Kenedy
- Lamar
- LaSalle
- Lee
- Liberty
- Llano
- Matagorda
- McAllen
- McMullen
- Medina
- Milam
- Montague
- Navarro
- North Texas (Sherman & Denison)
- Northeast Texas (Pittsburg)
- Northeast Texas (Texarkana)
- Orange
- Palo Pinto
- Permian Basin (Midland & Odessa)
- Plano
- Polk
- Reagan
- Rockwall
- Rolling Plains (Paducah & Knox City)
- San Antonio
- San Jacinto
- Somervell
- South of San Antonio (Pleasanton & Bandera)
- South Plains (Brownfield)
- South Plains (Lubbock)
- South Plains (Plainview)
- South Texas Brush Country (San Diego)
- Southwest Texas (Uvalde)
- Starr
- Sugar Land
- Terrell
- Texas Border (Laredo)
- Texas Coastal Bend (Rockport)
- Texas Hill Country (Kerrville & Fredericksburg)
- Texas Panhandle (Amarillo)
- Texas Panhandle (Dumas & the North Plains)
- Texas South Plains (Muleshoe)
- Trans-Pecos (Big Bend Country)
- Waco
- Walker
- Washington
- West Central Texas (Snyder)
- West Texas (Big Spring & the Permian Basin)
- Wharton
- Wichita Falls & the Rolling Plains
- Willacy
- Wilson
- Young
Affordable, budget, and low-cost ACA plans in Texas
Whether you're searching for cheap, affordable, budget-friendly, low-cost, inexpensive, economical, or discount health insurance in Texas, every ACA Marketplace plan available through the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov must cover the same 10 Essential Health Benefits set by federal law: preventive care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, mental health, and more. No Marketplace plan can deny you for a pre-existing condition or charge you more for being sick.
The only real differences between a "cheap" plan and an expensive one are the monthly premium, the metal tier, the provider network, and how much you pay out of pocket when you actually use care.
Below we break down every way to find lower-cost coverage in Texas so you can match a plan to both your budget and your expected medical needs. For the strategies that apply in every state (subsidy eligibility, metal-tier choice, HSA savings, and Medicaid). See our national guide to affordable health insurance.
You might know Texas as TX. The plans and pricing below are the same no matter which name you use.
Budget Marketplace coverage in Texas
Bronze-tier plans have the lowest monthly premium of any metal level in Texas, making them the budget choice for healthy adults who rarely visit the doctor. Expect a high deductible (often $7,500+) in exchange for the low monthly cost. If you qualify for the Premium Tax Credit (APTC), your effective premium can drop significantly; many Texas residents pay $0–$50/month for Bronze coverage after subsidies are applied.
Low-cost Silver plans & Cost-Sharing Reductions
Silver-tier plans are the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR), which lower your deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket maximum if your household income is between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. For Texas residents in that income range, an enhanced Silver plan carries lower cost-sharing than a standard Silver plan at the same premium. Whether that outweighs a lower Bronze premium depends on how much care you use; compare total annual cost for both.
Discount HSA-eligible HDHP options
HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) in Texas let you contribute pre-tax dollars to a Health Savings Account. For 2026 IRS limits, individuals can contribute up to $4,400 and families up to $8,750. Unused funds roll over year to year, and after age 65, you can withdraw for any expense without penalty. An HDHP pairs a low, economical premium with a tax-advantaged savings vehicle.
Cheap catastrophic plans (under 30 only)
Texas residents under 30 (or those with a hardship/affordability exemption) may qualify for catastrophic coverage. Premiums are the lowest of any tier, but the deductible equals the federal out-of-pocket maximum (~$9,200 in 2025) so it's true emergency-only coverage. Catastrophic plans don't qualify for APTC subsidies.
Inexpensive HMO vs. PPO networks in Texas (TX)
Network type is one of the biggest levers on price in Texas. HMO and EPO plans restrict you to an in-network provider list but carry noticeably lower premiums. PPO plans cost more but let you see out-of-network providers, usually at higher cost-sharing. Each plan has its own provider directory, so check whether your doctors are in-network before comparing prices.
Comparing total annual cost in Texas
The monthly premium is only part of what a plan costs. Total annual cost is the premium × 12, plus the deductible and copays you expect to pay for the care you use. Plans with higher premiums usually have lower deductibles and copays, and the reverse, so the totals shift with how often you see doctors or fill prescriptions. Enter your ZIP, age, and income in our compare tool to sort plans by estimated total cost after subsidies, not just headline premium.
Health insurance companies in Texas
These are the major health insurers that have offered ACA Marketplace plans to Texas residents in recent plan years. Carrier participation and the counties each insurer serves change every year, so always confirm current availability for your ZIP code on HealthCare.gov before enrolling. Every plan from every carrier below covers the same federally-required Essential Health Benefits; they differ on premium, provider network, and which doctors and hospitals are in-network.
When comparing insurers in Texas, look up each plan's provider directory on HealthCare.gov and confirm whether your doctors, preferred hospitals, and prescription drugs are covered in-network. Out-of-network care can cost far more than a small premium difference.
Texas health insurance marketplace: how to enroll for 2027
Texas residents shop for ACA-compliant Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov. Open Enrollment for plan year 2027 runs from November 1 through January 15. Outside that window, you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, birth, move) to enroll mid-year via a Special Enrollment Period.
Need help choosing? Call the HealthCare.gov Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325), open 24 hours a day, or find a free, certified navigator in Texas at localhelp.healthcare.gov.
- 1
Gather your household details
Estimate your 2027 household income (gross, before taxes), everyone you'll claim as a tax dependent, current health insurance status, and your Texas ZIP code.
- 2
Compare plans across metal tiers
Use a free comparison tool to see Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans side by side. Pay attention to monthly premium, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and whether your doctors are in-network.
- 3
Check subsidy eligibility (APTC + CSR)
Enter your projected household income and HealthCare.gov will calculate your Advance Premium Tax Credit and tell you if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions on Silver plans.
- 4
Enroll directly through HealthCare.gov
Submit your application at www.healthcare.gov. Coverage starts January 1 if you enroll by December 15; later enrollments start the following month.
- 5
Pay your first premium to activate
Coverage is not active until your insurer receives your first premium payment. You'll receive payment instructions directly from the carrier within a few business days of enrollment.
Medicaid eligibility in Texas
Texas has not expanded Medicaid. This creates what's called the "Medicaid coverage gap" for adults earning less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $15,960/year for an individual). Adults in this income range typically don't qualify for either Medicaid OR Marketplace premium tax credits in Texas.
Texas Medicaid still covers eligible low-income parents of dependent children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and seniors needing long-term care, but eligibility income limits vary. If you're in the coverage gap, check your eligibility directly with Texas's Medicaid agency before enrolling in a Marketplace plan.
APTC subsidy examples for Texas households
The Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) caps what Texas residents pay for the benchmark Silver plan as a percentage of household income. For 2027 the cap runs from 2.15% of income below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 10.22% between 300% and 400% FPL (IRS Rev. Proc. 2026-26). Above 400% FPL there is no credit: the enhanced rules that removed that limit expired after 2025.
| Household size | Annual income | % of FPL | Capped premium share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,940 | 150% | 4.30% of income |
| 1 person | $39,900 | 250% | 8.66% of income |
| 2 persons | $43,280 | 200% | 6.78% of income |
| 4 persons | $82,500 | 250% | 8.66% of income |
| 4 persons | $132,000 | 400% | 10.22% of income |
Federal Poverty Level figures use the 2026 HHS guidelines for the 48 contiguous states & DC. Alaska and Hawaii use higher FPL thresholds. Actual subsidy depends on your county's benchmark Silver premium, household composition, and tax filing status. Always verify with official Marketplace before enrolling. Full chart for households of 1 to 8: ACA income limits.
Top counties in Texas for ACA plans
Plan availability, premiums, and participating insurers vary by county within Texas. These are the five most populous counties. Open one to see the plans, premiums and insurers available there.
More Texas health insurance guides
Frequently asked questions about ACA insurance in Texas
What is the health insurance marketplace in Texas?
The Texas (TX) health insurance marketplace is the federal ACA Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, operated by the federal government. Policymage lists 109 Texas plans with live marketplace premium data. Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15.
How do I compare health insurance plans in Texas?
Use policymage.com/get-quotes: enter your ZIP code, household ages, and income. Policymage fetches ACA Marketplace plans for your county, calculates APTC subsidies, and lets you compare up to 4 plans side-by-side on premium, deductible, network, and benefits. Free, no account, no broker bias. Plans in Texas start from $384.24/month before subsidies.
Which Medicaid plan is best in Texas?
Texas has not expanded Medicaid, creating a coverage gap for adults below 100% FPL. Texas Medicaid still covers eligible children, pregnant women, parents, and people with disabilities. For ACA Marketplace plans with subsidies, shop at HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment.
Is short-term health insurance available in Texas?
Short-term health insurance is sold outside the ACA Marketplace in Texas by private insurers. These plans are not ACA-compliant: they can exclude pre-existing conditions, skip Essential Health Benefits, and lack guaranteed renewal. For comprehensive coverage with subsidies, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan at HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 15). See policymage.com/faq for more on short-term vs ACA plans.
How much is health insurance in TX?
Health insurance in TX starts as low as $384.24/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. Most Texas residents who qualify for APTC pay significantly less, some as low as $0/month for a Bronze plan.
What is the cheapest health insurance option in TX for 2027?
The cheapest ACA option in TX for 2027 is typically a Bronze-tier plan or, for residents under 30, a catastrophic plan. Both carry the lowest monthly premium in exchange for a higher deductible. Compare exact Texas plans and prices at policymage.com/get-quotes.
How do I get health insurance in Texas?
To get health insurance in Texas, enroll in an ACA Marketplace plan through HealthCare.gov during Open Enrollment, which runs November 1 through January 15. Plans start at $384.24/month before subsidies. You need your ZIP code, household size, and estimated annual income to apply. Outside Open Enrollment you need a Qualifying Life Event (job loss, marriage, birth, or a move) to enrol through a Special Enrollment Period.
What is the best health insurance in Texas?
There is no single best health insurance plan in Texas; total annual cost depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and how much care you use. Policymage does not recommend plans. It lets you compare 109 Texas plans on premium, deductible, network, and quality rating. Total annual cost is the premium × 12 plus your expected deductible and copays. Cost-Sharing Reductions lower deductibles and copays for incomes between 100% and 250% FPL, and apply only to Silver plans.
How much is health insurance in Texas per month?
Health insurance in Texas starts at $384.24 per month for a Bronze plan for a 30-year-old, before subsidies. Most residents who qualify for APTC tax credits pay considerably less, and some pay $0/month for a Bronze plan. Your exact monthly cost depends on age, county, household size, and tobacco use.
How do I get free health insurance in Texas?
Texas has not expanded Medicaid, so adults earning under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level fall into a coverage gap where they qualify for neither Medicaid nor Marketplace subsidies. Texas Medicaid still covers eligible children, pregnant women, parents, and people with disabilities. Above 100% FPL (about $15,960/year for an individual), APTC subsidies bring some Marketplace plans to $0/month.
When does Open Enrollment end in Texas for ACA plans?
Open Enrollment for Texas residents runs from November 1 through January 15. Texas uses the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov, which has a January 15 deadline. Outside Open Enrollment, you need a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in a Special Enrollment Period.
How much does health insurance cost in Texas?
Health insurance in Texas starts as low as $384.24/month for a 30-year-old on a Bronze plan before subsidies. With APTC tax credits, many Texas residents pay $0–$50/month for Bronze coverage. Costs vary by age, county, tobacco use, and household size.
Does Texas use HealthCare.gov or its own state exchange?
Texas uses the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. The federal government (CMS) operates the exchange, processes applications, and calculates subsidies for Texas residents.
Has Texas expanded Medicaid under the ACA?
No. Texas has not expanded Medicaid, which creates a "coverage gap" for adults earning less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level; they typically don't qualify for Medicaid OR Marketplace tax credits. Texas Medicaid still covers low-income children, pregnant women, parents, people with disabilities, and seniors needing long-term care.
What are the income limits for ACA subsidies in Texas?
Premium tax credits cover household income from 100% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level: about $15,960 to $63,840 a year for an individual, or $33,000 to $132,000 for a family of 4. Above 400% FPL there is no credit in 2027: the enhanced rules that removed that limit expired after 2025. Use the HealthCare.gov subsidy calculator for your exact estimate.
What are the metal tiers in Texas (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)?
Texas ACA plans come in four metal tiers based on actuarial value (the percentage of medical costs the plan covers on average): Bronze (~60%), Silver (~70%), Gold (~80%), and Platinum (~90%). Bronze has the lowest premium and highest deductible; Platinum has the highest premium and lowest deductible. Silver is the "benchmark" tier used to calculate APTC subsidies, and it's the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions if you qualify by income.
Are HSA-eligible plans available in Texas?
Yes. HSA-eligible High-Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs) are available in Texas through HealthCare.gov. For 2026, HDHPs must have a deductible of at least $1,700 (individual) or $3,400 (family), and you can contribute up to $4,400 (individual) or $8,750 (family) to your HSA pre-tax. HSA contributions roll over year-to-year and can be invested.
Do Texas ACA plans cover dental and vision?
Texas ACA Marketplace plans for adults include preventive care, mental health, prescriptions, hospitalization, and the 10 Essential Health Benefits, but adult dental and vision are not federally required. Most Texas plans cover pediatric dental and vision automatically. For adult dental/vision, you typically buy a separate standalone plan through HealthCare.gov or directly from an insurer.
What is a Qualifying Life Event for Special Enrollment in Texas?
Outside Open Enrollment, Texas residents can enroll in or change ACA plans within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event: loss of other health coverage, marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, moving to a new county or state, a change in income that affects subsidy eligibility, becoming a US citizen, or release from incarceration. Have documentation ready when applying through HealthCare.gov.
How do I find in-network doctors and hospitals in Texas?
Each Texas ACA plan has its own provider network. Before enrolling, look up the plan on HealthCare.gov, click the carrier name to access their provider directory, and search for your specific doctors and preferred hospitals by name. Out-of-network care typically isn't covered (HMO plans) or costs significantly more (PPO plans). Out-of-network costs can exceed the premium difference between plans.
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