CheapestHealth InsuranceTexasCheapest Health Insurance in Texas (2024 Plans)
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Health insurance costs vary by metal tier. For the cheapest plans in Texas, consider Sendero Health for Bronze, Community Health Choice for Expanded Bronze and Silver, Blue Cross Blue Shield for Gold and Christus Health for Catastrophic.
If you're looking to balance affordability with high quality and ample coverage options, MoneyGeek also analyzed the best health insurance in Texas.
CheapestHealth InsuranceTexasMost Affordable Health Insurance in Texas
Cheapest Silver Plan - Community Health Choice
Cheapest Gold Plan - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cheapest Bronze Plan - Sendero IdealCare
Cheapest Expanded Bronze Plan - Community Health Choice
Cheapest Catastrophic Plan - CHRISTUS Health Plan
Cheapest Health Insurance in Texas by Metal Tier
Health insurance costs fluctuate across metal tiers, reflecting a trade-off between monthly premiums and the financial risk associated with deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
The Community Select Silver 019 plan from Community Health Choice is the most affordable option in the popular Silver tier for Texans, with a monthly cost of $470 and cost-sharing plan eligibility. For those willing to risk higher out-of-pocket costs, Bronze plans offer a way to reduce monthly expenses.
Discover the most affordable health insurance plans in Texas across different metal tiers:
- Catastrophic: CHRISTUS Catastrophic from Christus Health ($249 per month for a 26-year-old)
- Bronze: Sendero Health Reliable Bronze High Deductible from Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit ($348 per month)
- Expanded Bronze: Community Select Bronze 016 from Community Health Choice ($321 per month)
- Gold: MyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($394 per month)
- Silver: Community Select Silver 019 from Community Health Choice ($470 per month)
Catastrophic plans are available only to individuals under 30 or with a qualifying medical exemption.
For more information on affordable options, explore cheap health insurance plans that cater to a variety of needs and budgets.
WHAT ARE METAL TIERS?
In the Texas health insurance marketplace, consumers can choose from several metal tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each tier differently balances monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses when accessing care. Generally, plans with more valuable metals, like Gold, have higher monthly premiums but lower costs when you receive medical care. Bronze plans tend to have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.
For individuals earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are available on Silver plans. CSRs lower the amount you must pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, making health care more accessible and affordable.
Cheapest Silver Plans in Texas
The most affordable Silver plan in Texas is the Community Select Silver 019 offered by Community Health Choice, with a monthly cost of $470. The three most affordable Silver health insurance plans in Texas are:
- Community Select Silver 019 from Community Health Choice ($470 per month)
- MyBlue Health Silver℠ 405 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($475 per month)
- UHC Kelsey-Seybold Silver Copay Focus from UnitedHealthcare ($480 per month)
Silver plans are ideal for individuals who expect moderate medical expenses and want a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) can further lower the amount you'll pay out of pocket and are available to those who qualify based on income.
Cheapest Gold Plans in Texas
The most affordable Gold-tier plan in Texas is the MyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a monthly cost of $394. The three most affordable Gold health insurance plans in Texas are:
- MyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($394 per month)
- Community Select Gold 022 from Community Health Choice ($406 per month)
- UHC Kelsey-Seybold Gold Copay Focus from UnitedHealthcare ($422 per month)
Gold plans are best if you anticipate regular medical expenses and want comprehensive coverage. These plans offer lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for higher monthly premiums.
Cheapest Bronze Plans in Texas
The cheapest Bronze plan in Texas is the Sendero Health Reliable Bronze High Deductible offered by Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit, at $348 per month. The three most affordable Bronze health insurance plans in Texas are:
- Sendero Health Reliable Bronze High Deductible from Sendero Health Plans, Local Nonprofit ($348 per month)
- Connect Bronze 9450 Indiv Med Deductible from Cigna ($362 per month)
- Blue Advantage Bronze HMO℠ 301 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($398 per month)
Bronze plans offer lower monthly premiums but come with higher out-of-pocket costs, meaning they're best if you're in good health and don't expect to incur high medical expenses. When you do need medical services, be prepared to pay more than with plans in higher metal tiers.
Cheapest Expanded Bronze Plans in Texas
The most affordable Expanded Bronze plan in Texas is the Community Select Bronze 016 offered by Community Health Choice, with a monthly premium of $321. The three cheapest Expanded Bronze health insurance plans in Texas are:
- Community Select Bronze 016 from Community Health Choice ($321 per month)
- MyBlue Health Bronze℠ 402 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($325 per month)
- MyBlue Health Bronze℠ 806 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($341 per month)
Expanded Bronze plans offer moderate premiums for those who expect average medical expenses. They're a middle-ground option for those who find standard Bronze plans too limiting.
Cheapest Catastrophic Plans in Texas
The cheapest Catastrophic plan in Texas for qualifying individuals is the CHRISTUS Catastrophic offered by Christus Health at $249 per month. The two most affordable Catastrophic health insurance plans in Texas are:
- CHRISTUS Catastrophic from Christus Health ($249 per month)
- Blue Advantage Security HMO℠ 200 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($289 per month)
Catastrophic plans are designed for adults under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. These plans have low premiums but high out-of-pocket costs, making them suitable for those who want to minimize monthly expenses while still having a safety net for major medical events. They are not recommended for those who expect regular medical visits or need frequent prescriptions.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Texas for Those With Low Income
Texans earning up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) have access to cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans, significantly reducing deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
The most affordable Silver plan for individuals earning between $14,580 and $21,870 per year is the Community Select Silver 019 from Community Health Choice, with a maximum out-of-pocket cost (MOOP) of $1,600.
- Community Select Silver 019 from Community Health Choice ($470 per month; $1,600 MOOP)
- MyBlue Health Silver℠ 405 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($475 per month; $1,000 MOOP)
CSRs in Texas are available exclusively with Silver plans. The qualifying income range mentioned above is for single individuals and may vary based on household size.
WHAT IS A COST-SHARING REDUCTION?
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copays and co-insurance on Silver health insurance plans. Individuals earning up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level qualify.
For example, the Community Select Silver 019 plan for a 40-year-old has a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $1,600 with a 94% actuarial value (AV) level Silver plan, compared with $7,250 for the same plan at a 73% AV level — demonstrating significant savings with CSRs.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Texas by Plan Type
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are Texas's most popular health insurance plan type. Those seeking alternatives can access various plans, including Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and Point of Service (POS) options.
The most affordable options by plan type in Texas are:
- HMO: Community Select Silver 019 from Community Health Choice ($470 per month)
- EPO: Silver Classic Standard from Oscar ($540 per month)
- POS: Blue Advantage Plus Silver℠ 705 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($633 per month)
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAN TYPES?
Although HMO is the most common health insurance plan type in Texas, it's not the only one. Here's a breakdown of the differences between each plan type:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMO plans require patients to select a primary care physician and get referrals to see specialists. The main advantage is lower out-of-pocket costs and comprehensive coverage within its network. However, there's limited flexibility in choosing providers, and going outside the network usually results in spending more for care.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): EPO plans allow patients to see any doctor within the network without a referral. Although EPOs have more choices than HMOs and often have lower premiums than POS plans, out-of-network care is typically only covered in emergencies.
Point of Service (POS): POS plans combine elements of HMO and PPO plans. They offer more flexibility than HMOs — because patients can see both in-network and out-of-network providers — but out-of-network care comes with higher out-of-pocket costs. Specialist visits usually require referrals, which can be a drawback for those seeking direct access to care.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Texas by County
Health insurance plan options and costs can differ significantly depending on your county. Compare the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest Texas counties, for example:
- Harris: MyBlue Health Silver℠ 807 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($429 per month)
- Loving: Standard Ambetter Virtual Access Silver from Ambetter ($447 per month)
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of plans available across all Texas counties, ensuring you can find the right coverage where you live.
Health Insurance Costs in Texas by Age and Metal Tier
Age significantly influences health insurance rates within metal tiers. For instance, a Silver plan costs $422 monthly for an 18-year-old in Texas, but a 60-year-old pays $1,254 per month — a stark difference of $832.
Metal tiers also affect pricing. A 40-year-old would pay $414 for a Bronze plan, $99 less than the $513 monthly cost of a Gold plan, highlighting the premium for more comprehensive coverage.
Going by rates from 2023, the chart below shows how health insurance premiums within the same metal tier are typically more expensive for older adults.
What to Know About Health Insurance in Texas
Texas has numerous health insurance options available in Texas to meet your specific health care needs. This includes private insurance plans in the marketplace categorized by metal tiers — Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic — as well as government programs like Medicaid and Medicare.
Private Health Insurance in the Texas Marketplace
The open enrollment period in Texas typically occurs from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this time, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the marketplace, change existing plans or enroll in a new one. Coverage for plans selected during this period starts on January 1 of the following year. If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period unless life events like marriage or childbirth qualify you for special enrollment.
Medicaid in Texas
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed to provide health care coverage to individuals and families with low income. In Texas, Medicaid eligibility is determined based on income, family size and other factors. The program primarily serves children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Income limits vary by group — for example, pregnant women can qualify with an income up to 198% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). By offering essential health care services at reduced or no cost, Medicaid aims to improve access to quality health care for vulnerable populations.
Medicare in Texas
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily designed for individuals 65 and older, although certain younger people with disabilities may also qualify. In Texas, as in other states, Medicare is divided into parts to cover various health care needs. Part A covers hospital stays and inpatient care, Part B covers outpatient and preventive care, Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) offers an alternative to traditional Medicare with additional benefits, and Part D covers prescription drugs.
For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage plans in Texas and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Texas.
Expert Tips on Finding the Cheapest Texas Health Insurance
- When can I shop for health insurance on the Texas health insurance exchange?
- How do I take advantage of cost-sharing reductions and tax credits for health insurance in Texas?
- Outside of plans on the health insurance exchange, where else can I get health insurance in Texas?
Anastasia Miller
Program Director, Healthcare Leadership B.S., University of Louisville
Texas Health Insurance FAQ
When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Texas to help you learn more.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- HealthCare.gov. "Federal Poverty Level (FPL)." Accessed November 29, 2023.
- HealthCare.gov. "How to Pick a Health Insurance Plan." Accessed November 29, 2023.
- HealthCare.gov. "Special Enrollment Period (SEP)." Accessed November 29, 2023.