Health Insurance Plans in Houston, Texas (2026)
119 ACA marketplace (Obamacare) plans are available in Houston, TX, from 7 insurers. The cheapest plan starts at $332.60/month before subsidies.
That ranks 3rd lowest of the 112 county areas we track in Texas, 17% below the statewide median of $399.96.
Last updated: October 5, 2026 · Source: Official Marketplace Data · How we calculate this
Covers Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, Deer Park, Bellaire and nearby communities.
119
Plans Available
$332.60
Cheapest Plan/mo
7
Insurers
HealthCare.gov
Exchange
Health insurance in Houston, TX
Houston residents can choose from 119 Marketplace plans from 7 insurance companies, sold through HealthCare.gov. The cheapest a 30-year-old can buy is Community Select Bronze 016 (No deductible for PCP, Urgent Care & Generics, $0 PCP 24/7 Virtual Care Options) from Community Health Choice at $333/month before subsidies.
| Metal level | Cheapest plan | Per month | Plans offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Community Select Bronze 016 (No deductible for PCP, Urgent Care & Generics, $0 PCP 24/7 Virtual Care Options) (Community Health Choice) | $333 | 32 |
| Silver | Lowest of 46 Silver plans | $521 | 46 |
| Gold | Lowest of 41 Gold plans | $445 | 41 |
Open enrollment for 2026 runs November 1 to January 15. Free help choosing a plan in Houston: call 1-800-318-2596 or find a certified local navigator at localhelp.healthcare.gov. $0 and low-cost options in Houston · All Texas plans
Insurers With the Cheapest Plans in Houston
Plans Available in Houston
Sorted by monthly premium · 30-year-old · Before subsidies
Community Select Bronze 016 (No deductible for PCP, Urgent Care & Generics, $0 PCP 24/7 Virtual Care Options)
Community Health Choice
$332.60/mo
Ded: $9,800
Imperial Preferred Bronze
Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc.
$342.17/mo
Ded: $9,200
Community Ultra Select Bronze 016 (No deductible for PCP, Urgent Care & Generics, $0 PCP 24/7 Virtual Care Options)
Community Health Choice
$352.36/mo
Ded: $9,800
MyBlue Health Bronze℠ Standard
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
$358.14/mo
Ded: $7,500
Community Ultra Select Bronze 018 (No deductible for PCP, Specialist, Urgent Care & Generics, $0 PCP 24/7 Virtual Care Options)
Community Health Choice
$364.68/mo
Ded: $7,500
Imperial Standard Bronze
Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc.
$365.95/mo
Ded: $7,500
MyBlue Health Bronze℠ 402
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
$371.93/mo
Ded: $5,000
Bronze Simple Breathe Easy with Enhanced COPD Benefits
Oscar Insurance Company
$413.73/mo
Ded: $9,000
Average Premiums in Houston
Avg Bronze Plan
$445/mo
32 plans
Avg Silver Plan
$676/mo
Benchmark (2nd-lowest Silver): $525.80/mo
Eligible for CSR cost reductions
Deductibles & Out-of-Pocket Limits in Houston
The premium is what you pay monthly; the deductible is what you pay before the plan starts sharing costs, and the out-of-pocket maximum is the most you can pay in a year. A cheaper premium usually means a higher deductible.
| Metal tier | Plans | Typical deductible | Deductible range | Typical out-of-pocket max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 32 | $7,500 | $0–$10,600 | $10,150 |
| Silver | 46 | $6,000 | $0–$7,500 | $8,950 |
| Gold | 41 | $2,000 | $0–$3,300 | $8,200 |
Typical is the middle plan in each tier, not an average, since one $0-deductible variant would otherwise drag the figure below anything on offer. Silver plans can carry much lower deductibles than shown if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions. Check what you qualify for.
$0 and low-cost health insurance in Houston
At $23,940 a year (150% of the poverty level), a 40-year-old in Houston can get at least 8 Bronze plans for $0 a month after the premium tax credit.
| Age | Income $23,940 (150% of poverty level) | Income $31,920 (200% of poverty level) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | $0 (8+ plans) | $0 (2+ plans) |
| 40 | $0 (8+ plans) | $0 (6+ plans) |
| 60 | $0 (8+ plans) | $0 (8+ plans) |
Medicaid: Texas has not expanded Medicaid. Adults usually need at least 100% of the poverty level ($15,960 a year for one person) to get the premium tax credit, and many adults below that qualify for neither. Children, pregnant women and some parents can still get Medicaid or CHIP.
2026 premiums in Houston, scaled by age with the CMS age curve; the credit uses the 2026 IRS percentages. "+" is because only the cheapest plans here are counted, so the real number can only be higher. Federal credit only, non-smokers. Income limits · Calculate your own credit
Health insurance companies in Houston compared by price
7 companies sell Marketplace plans in Houston. Community Health Choice has the cheapest Bronze plan for a 40-year-old, at $375/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, WellPoint, Community Health Choice, UnitedHealthcare, Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc..
| Company | Plans | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Networks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar Insurance Company | 23 | $466 | $694 | $609 | EPO, HMO, HSA |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas | 21 | $403 | $636 | $551 | HMO, POS, HSA |
| WellPoint | 20 | $473 | $769 | $642 | HMO, POS, HSA |
| Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan | 18 | None | $592 | $541 | EPO, HMO |
| Community Health Choice | 15 | $375 | $586 | $502 | HMO, HSA |
| UnitedHealthcare | 15 | $476 | $681 | $649 | HMO, HSA |
| Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc. | 7 | $385 | $607 | $554 | HMO, HSA |
Each company's cheapest plan in each tier, from every Marketplace plan sold in Houston. Networks and doctors vary by plan, so check the provider directory before you enroll.
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Health Insurance in Texas
Compare Texas's top-rated plans, ranked by official quality scores. See how Houston's $332.60/mo starting premium compares to the statewide picture.
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Compare plansFrequently asked questions about ACA insurance in Texas
How much does health insurance cost in Houston?
Before subsidies, the cheapest plans in Houston for a 30-year-old cost $333 a month for Bronze, $521 a month for Silver, and $445 a month for Gold (2026 rates). The premium tax credit lowers that for households earning 100% to 400% of the poverty level, and older adults pay more: premiums rise with age.
What is the cheapest health insurance in Houston?
The cheapest Marketplace plan a 30-year-old can buy in Houston is Community Select Bronze 016 (No deductible for PCP, Urgent Care & Generics, $0 PCP 24/7 Virtual Care Options) from Community Health Choice, a Bronze HMO plan at $333 a month before subsidies (2026 rates).
How many health insurance companies sell plans in Houston?
7 insurance companies sell 119 Marketplace plans in Houston through HealthCare.gov, including Community Health Choice, Imperial Insurance Companies, Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Oscar Insurance Company.
When can I sign up for health insurance in Houston?
Open enrollment for 2026 coverage in Texas runs from November 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026, through HealthCare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Outside that window you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage or moving, to enroll.
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 119 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 $332.6/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 $332.6/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 $332.6/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 119 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 $332.6 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 $332.6/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.
Compare Plans in Houston
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