Health insurance in Texas

How it works in Texas

• Texas uses HealthCare.gov. There's no separate state Marketplace, so Open Enrollment follows the federal dates: Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027, with a Dec 15 deadline for coverage starting January 1. Enroll Dec 16 to Jan 15 and coverage starts February 1.
• Plans and prices depend on where you live. Texas is a big state, and the plans offered in one area can be different from the next. Your ZIP code decides your real options.
• Income-based savings. Marketplace plans can come with a premium tax credit based on your household size and income. Here's how that works.
• Medicaid. Texas hasn't expanded Medicaid, so some adults with very low incomes don't qualify for Marketplace savings or Medicaid. Medicaid and CHIP applications go through YourTexasBenefits.com. If that might be you, call me and we'll look at your options together.

Who I help in Texas

I work with Texans by phone and text, so it doesn't matter whether you're in a big city or a small town. If you're self-employed, drive or deliver for an app, work contract jobs, are between jobs or retired before 65, and you don't get insurance through work, you're who I help every day.

Marketplace plans and private plans, side by side

Because I'm independent, I can show you more than one kind of coverage:

• ACA Marketplace plans follow ACA rules: they cover pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits, and they're the only plans that come with the premium tax credit.
• Private plans sold outside the Marketplace are not ACA plans. They're medically underwritten, so approval isn't guaranteed, and they may not cover pre-existing conditions. They don't come with tax credits. For some healthy people, or people who don't qualify for much savings, they can be worth comparing.

I'll explain the trade-offs in plain English so you can decide what fits. You pick; I never push.

State help for Texans

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) runs a consumer Help Line at 800-252-3439 and a free plan comparison tool, Texas Health Plan Compare. You can also compare every Marketplace option yourself at HealthCare.gov or 1-800-318-2596.

Licensed and independent

I'm Terry Metelus-Kleef, an independent health insurance agent (NPN 20058049) licensed in Texas and 30 other states. I'm not tied to one insurance company, and there's no fee for my help. See my license details.