Cheapest (and Best) Health Insurance in Houston, TX (2023)

Your age, chosen plan type, specific needs and location impact your health insurance costs. To find the most affordable health insurance in Houston, MoneyGeek conducted a comprehensive analysis of market data, evaluating plan options, monthly premiums, maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) expenses and the frequency of claim denials by insurers.

Doing your own research is necessary to find the optimal policy, as not all insurance companies provide all metal tiers or plan alternatives. When only one provider extends coverage to your locality, evaluate the plans and tier options available to identify the most suitable one for your needs.

Our assessment evaluated companies based on their plans, service quality and affordability. Ambetter from Superior Health Plan offers the best health insurance in Houston, with a monthly cost of $448 and a MOOP of $4,550. Ambetter came in second place, at an average of $510 per month and a MOOP cost of $4,314.

MoneyGeek recommends considering other factors, like plan options and customer service when searching for the best health insurance in Texas, even if you don't live in Houston.

If affordability is a priority, Ambetter from Superior Health Plan is the best cheap health insurance option in Houston, with a low average monthly premium of $448 and a MOOP cost of $4,550.

The location of your residence and the division of medical expenses between you and your insurer can impact your monthly premiums. Generally, lower out-of-pocket expenses are linked to higher health insurance costs.

Choosing the most affordable health insurance provider may not always be the best. To find the most cost-effective option, it is important to consider the relationships between metal tiers, plan prices, MOOP costs, copays, co-insurance and deductibles.

Ambetter from Superior Health Plan provides the most affordable Silver health insurance plan in Houston, with an average monthly rate of $448. It is essential to note that the cheapest health insurance plan may not always suit your needs. Silver plans offer mid-tier coverage and cost-saving opportunities, making them a good choice for those prioritizing affordability.

Health insurance plans are categorized into metal tiers according to their coverage and cost, spanning from Bronze (with the lowest premiums) to Platinum (with the highest rates). Catastrophic plans, less expensive than Bronze plans, have specific age requirements and provide limited coverage for services. Plans with lower premiums generally entail higher MOOP costs, making them more suitable for emergencies than routine health care needs.

The average monthly premiums for Houston's cheapest health insurance providers are listed below by metal tier. Please note that Catastrophic plans are not included in this review as they may not be available to everyone.

Ambetter from Superior Health Plan's CMS Standard Silver VALUE plan is Houston's most affordable Silver plan, costing an average of $415 per month.

The following table displays the average costs of the cheapest plans for each metal tier. We excluded Catastrophic plans because they are only available to individuals under 30 seeking lower-cost insurance options.

Insurance rates are often based on age, with premiums increasing as you get older. Apart from Catastrophic plans, the most affordable options are typically Bronze or Expanded Bronze. Specific eligibility requirements must be met to qualify for a Catastrophic plan.

It's crucial to be familiar with your insurance company's network before choosing a lower-tiered plan to avoid paying for out-of-network services. The following are some of Houston's most affordable Silver plan providers.

The cost of health insurance is influenced by two main factors: age and metal tier. Similar to how higher metal tiers are linked to higher premiums, your insurance rates increase as you age. The graph below breaks down health insurance costs by age group and metal tier.

Health insurance expenses can be high, but you may be eligible for subsidies depending on your income. Generally, eligibility ranges from 100% to 400% of the FPL. With the repeal of the ban on individuals earning more than 400% of the FPL under the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, more people will be able to receive subsidies until 2025.

Affordable health coverage options are available through Medicaid and Medicare for those who qualify. Even if your age disqualifies you for Medicare, you may still be eligible for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if your income falls between 100% and 150% of the FPL. The minimum income requirements vary by state.

To simplify the process of choosing the ideal health insurance policy, we have compiled answers to some of the frequently asked questions about health insurance in Houston.