Finding Texas’s best and most affordable health insurance options can be overwhelming. With so many providers, deciding the best health insurance in Texas is hard. But fear not! We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you find the perfect plan to meet your healthcare needs and budget.
This comprehensive guide dives deep into top-rated and most budget-friendly health insurance plans in Texas. So, dust off your cowboy hat, and let’s explore!
How much does health insurance cost in Texas?
In 2024, the average monthly cost of health insurance for a 40-year-old with a Silver health plan is $584. The choice of plan tier significantly influences your health insurance expenses.
Gold plans generally come with higher monthly premiums compared to Silver and Bronze plans. However, with a Gold plan, you’ll encounter lower costs when visiting the doctor or filling prescriptions. In contrast, Silver and Bronze plans require you to cover a larger portion of medical expenses.
Your age is another factor impacting your health insurance expenses. Costs gradually rise during your 20s and 30s before accelerating as you enter middle age.
In Texas, a 40-year-old will incur a 28% higher cost for health insurance compared to a 21-year-old across all plan tiers. Conversely, a 60-year-old will pay over twice as much as a 40-year-old for identical coverage, irrespective of the chosen plan tier.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Texas by Metal Tier
Finding affordable health insurance in Arizona doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Here’s a breakdown of the cheapest plans by metal tier, helping you prioritize cost without compromising essential coverage:
- Bronze: Ambetter from Magnolia Health (limited network) – Starting at $287/month. This plan caters to healthy individuals with a narrow network but boasts the lowest starting cost in Arizona.
- Expanded Bronze: Banner-University Medicine HMO & Ambetter from Magnolia Health (limited network) – Starting around $287/month. Both options offer broader coverage than traditional bronze plans while remaining budget-friendly.
- Silver: Blue AdvanceHealth Silver – PimaFocus Network from Blue Cross Blue Shield – Starting at $347/month. This silver plan offers a wider network and more comprehensive coverage than bronze plans at a competitive price.
- Gold: Standard Gold SELECT from Health Net of Arizona – Starting at $429/month. This gold plan provides significant financial protection with its lower deductible and broader network access, though at a higher cost.
- Platinum: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona PPO – Starting at $584/month. This platinum plan offers the most extensive network and the highest level of coverage, ideal for those needing frequent medical care or expecting major expenses.
- Catastrophic: Secure from Oscar – Starting at $208/month. This plan offers lower premiums but limited coverage, primarily serving as a safety net for unexpected emergencies.
Below, you’ll find Texas’s most cost-effective health insurance plans from each metal tier:
Cheapest Bronze Plans in Texas
Offering the lowest monthly premiums, these plans cover preventive care but have high deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Consider them if you’re generally healthy and rarely utilize healthcare services.
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health: Starting costs generally range between $180 and $220 per month.
- Community Health Choice: Start at around $220 per month.
- UnitedHealthcare: Start at around $260 per month.
Bronze plans are designed for individuals looking for protection against significant medical incidents rather than everyday healthcare costs. Featuring lower monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket expenses, they are ideal for those anticipating minimal medical requirements, while still providing coverage for essential health benefits and major emergencies.
Cheapest Silver Plan Options in Texas
Several providers offer budget-friendly Silver plans in Texas, but remember starting costs vary based on your age, location, and other factors. Here are some options to consider:
- Community Health Choice: Known for affordability, especially in Southeast Texas. Silver plans could start at around $320 per month.
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health: Typically offers cheaper options but with limited networks. Silver plans might start between $240 and $280 monthly.
- UnitedHealthcare: Provides a balance of affordability and decent network coverage. Expect Silver plans to begin at around $360 per month.
Cheapest Gold Plan Options in Texas
Gold health plans in Texas frequently come with the highest monthly expenses compared to other plan tiers. Nonetheless, Gold plans typically feature a modest deductible, resulting in lower upfront costs before your health insurance coverage begins. After your health insurance starts providing coverage, you’ll pay reduced amounts for medical visits or prescriptions with a Gold plan.
The three most affordable Gold plans in Texas are:
- Community Health Choice: Starting at $450/month
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health: Starting at $380/month
- UnitedHealthcare: Starting at $500/month
Cheapest Platinum Plans in Texas
Platinum plans tend to offer the most comprehensive coverage but naturally come with the highest premiums.
The three most affordable Gold plans in Texas are:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas: Cost begins at around $550 per month.
- UnitedHealthcare: Starting costs might be around $640 per month.
- Community Health Choice: Starting costs around $580 per month.
Cheapest Expanded Bronze Options in Texas
These plans offer broader coverage than traditional Bronze plans while remaining budget-friendly.
The three most affordable Expanded Bronze plans in Texas are:
- Banner-University Medicine HMO: (starting at $287/month)
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health (limited network): (starting at $287/month)
- Community Health Choice: (starting at $321/month)
Cheapest Catastrophic Plans in Texas
These plans offer the lowest monthly premiums but limited coverage with high deductibles. Here are some providers known for affordable Catastrophic options:
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health (limited network): Often considered the cheapest option but with a limited provider network. Expect starting costs of around $120 per month.
- Oscar: Known for transparent pricing and offering a Catastrophic plan. Check their website for starting costs specific to your area.
- UnitedHealthcare: Provides a nationwide network and potentially affordable Catastrophic plans. Consult their website for updated cost information.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Texas for Those With Low-Income
If you have a limited income, you might qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce your monthly premium. Additionally, consider:
Medicaid: This government program provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families.
Cheapest health insurance plan by Texas county
The availability of health insurance plans differs depending on the county in which you reside. Your geographical location will dictate both the quantity of plans and the most affordable option accessible to you.
Cheapest health insurance plan by Texas county
| County | Cheapest Silver plan | Monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Anderson | Christus Silver | $512 |
| Andrews | Ambetter Standard Silver | $438 |
| Angelina | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| Aransas | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| Archer | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Armstrong | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Atascosa | UHC Silver Value | $494 |
| Austin | UHC Silver Value | $534 |
| Bailey | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $603 |
| Bandera | UHC Silver Value | $494 |
| Bastrop | Sendero Health Capital Silver | $537 |
| Baylor | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Bee | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| Bell | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $508 |
| Bexar | BCBS Silver 405 | $471 |
| Blanco | Oscar Silver Classic | $616 |
| Borden | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| Bosque | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $504 |
| Bowie | Christus Silver | $595 |
| Brazoria | Aetna CVS Health Silver | $482 |
| Brazos | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $512 |
| Brewster | UHC Silver Value | $516 |
| Briscoe | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Brooks | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $443 |
| Brown | Ambetter Standard Silver | $633 |
| Burleson | UHC Silver Value | $524 |
| Burnet | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $492 |
| Caldwell | Christus Silver | $507 |
| Calhoun | Ambetter Standard Silver | $594 |
| Callahan | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Cameron | BCBS Silver 405 | $388 |
| Camp | Ambetter Standard Silver | $558 |
| Carson | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Cass | Christus Silver | $595 |
| Castro | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Chambers | UHC Silver Value | $534 |
| Cherokee | Christus Silver | $512 |
| Childress | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Clay | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Cochran | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $603 |
| Coke | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $527 |
| Coleman | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Collin | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $438 |
| Collingsworth | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Colorado | UHC Silver Value | $534 |
| Comal | Christus Silver | $468 |
| Comanche | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Concho | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Cooke | Ambetter Standard Silver | $614 |
| Coryell | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $508 |
| Cottle | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $552 |
| Crane | Aetna CVS Health Silver 5 | $463 |
| Crockett | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $651 |
| Crosby | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Culberson | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $568 |
| Dallam | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Dallas | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $438 |
| Dawson | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| De Witt | Ambetter Standard Silver | $594 |
| Deaf Smith | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Delta | Ambetter Standard Silver | $558 |
| Denton | Ambetter Standard Silver VALUE | $492 |
| Dickens | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Dimmit | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Donley | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Duval | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $618 |
| Eastland | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Ector | Ambetter Standard Silver | $438 |
| Edwards | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| El Paso | BCBS Silver 405 | $460 |
| Ellis | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $438 |
| Erath | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $621 |
| Falls | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $504 |
| Fannin | Ambetter Standard Silver | $614 |
| Fayette | Sendero Health Capital Silver | $537 |
| Fisher | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Floyd | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Foard | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Fort Bend | Ambetter Standard Silver VALUE | $461 |
| Franklin | Christus Silver | $595 |
| Freestone | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $504 |
| Frio | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Gaines | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| Galveston | Aetna CVS Health Silver | $482 |
| Garza | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Gillespie | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Glasscock | Aetna CVS Health Silver 5 | $463 |
| Goliad | Ambetter Standard Silver | $594 |
| Gonzales | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Gray | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Grayson | Ambetter Standard Silver | $614 |
| Gregg | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $472 |
| Grimes | UHC Silver Value | $524 |
| Guadalupe | Christus Silver | $468 |
| Hale | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Hall | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Hamilton | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $508 |
| Hansford | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Hardeman | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Hardin | Christus Silver | $489 |
| Harris | BCBS Silver 405 | $431 |
| Harrison | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $472 |
| Hartley | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Haskell | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Hays | Christus Silver | $507 |
| Hemphill | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Henderson | Ambetter Standard Silver | $535 |
| Hidalgo | BCBS Silver 405 | $404 |
| Hill | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $504 |
| Hockley | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Hood | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $621 |
| Hopkins | Christus Silver | $595 |
| Houston | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| Howard | Aetna CVS Health Silver 5 | $463 |
| Hudspeth | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $568 |
| Hunt | Aetna CVS Health Silver | $498 |
| Hutchinson | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Irion | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Jack | Ambetter Standard Silver | $628 |
| Jackson | Ambetter Stand1ard Silver | $594 |
| Jasper | Christus Silver | $489 |
| Jeff Davis | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $568 |
| Jefferson | Christus Silver | $489 |
| Jim Hogg | UHC Silver Value | $596 |
| Jim Wells | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| Johnson | Cigna Connect Silver 4000 | $497 |
| Jones | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Karnes | Christus Silver | $564 |
| Kaufman | Aetna CVS Health Silver | $498 |
| Kendall | UHC Silver Value | $494 |
| Kenedy | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $454 |
| Kent | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Kerr | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Kimble | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| King | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Kinney | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Kleberg | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| Knox | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $552 |
| La Salle | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Lamar | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $610 |
| Lamb | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Lampasas | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $508 |
| Lavaca | Ambetter Standard Silver | $594 |
| Lee | Sendero Health Capital Silver | $537 |
| Leon | UHC Silver Value | $524 |
| Liberty | UHC Silver Value | $534 |
| Limestone | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $504 |
| Lipscomb | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Live Oak | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| Llano | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $492 |
| Loving | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| Lubbock | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Lynn | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Madison | UHC Silver Value | $524 |
| Marion | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $472 |
| Martin | Aetna CVS Health Silver 5 | $463 |
| Mason | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Matagorda | UHC Silver Value | $534 |
| Maverick | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| McCulloch | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $527 |
| McLennan | BCBS Silver 807 | $485 |
| McMullen | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $618 |
| Medina | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Menard | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Midland | Aetna CVS Health Silver 5 | $463 |
| Milam | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $512 |
| Mills | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $508 |
| Mitchell | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Montague | Ambetter Standard Silver | $628 |
| Montgomery | Ambetter Standard Silver VALUE | $473 |
| Moore | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Morris | Christus Silver | $595 |
| Motley | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Nacogdoches | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| Navarro | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $438 |
| Newton | Christus Silver | $489 |
| Nolan | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Nueces | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| Ochiltree | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Oldham | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Orange | Christus Silver | $489 |
| Palo Pinto | UHC Silver Value | $544 |
| Panola | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $472 |
| Parker | Aetna CVS Health Silver | $501 |
| Parmer | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Pecos | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| Polk | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| Potter | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Presidio | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $568 |
| Rains | Christus Silver | $512 |
| Randall | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Reagan | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $527 |
| Real | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Red River | Christus Silver | $595 |
| Reeves | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| Refugio | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| Roberts | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Robertson | UHC Silver Value | $524 |
| Rockwall | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $438 |
| Runnels | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Rusk | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $472 |
| Sabine | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| San Augustine | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| San Jacinto | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| San Patricio | BCBS HMO 603 | $522 |
| San Saba | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $508 |
| Schleicher | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Scurry | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Shackelford | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Shelby | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| Sherman | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Smith | Christus Silver | $512 |
| Somervell | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $522 |
| Starr | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $443 |
| Stephens | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Sterling | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Stonewall | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Sutton | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Swisher | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $557 |
| Tarrant | Ambetter Standard Silver VALUE | $492 |
| Taylor | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Terrell | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $496 |
| Terry | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Throckmorton | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $606 |
| Titus | Christus Silver | $595 |
| Tom Green | Ambetter Standard Silver | $647 |
| Travis | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $492 |
| Trinity | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $493 |
| Tyler | Christus Silver | $489 |
| Upshur | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $472 |
| Upton | Aetna CVS Health Silver 5 | $463 |
| Uvalde | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Val Verde | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Van Zandt | Christus Silver | $512 |
| Victoria | Ambetter Standard Silver | $594 |
| Walker | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $576 |
| Waller | UHC Silver Value | $534 |
| Ward | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| Washington | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $512 |
| Webb | Ambetter Standard Silver | $499 |
| Wharton | UHC Silver Value | $534 |
| Wheeler | Ambetter Standard Silver | $527 |
| Wichita | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Wilbarger | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Willacy | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $454 |
| Williamson | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $492 |
| Wilson | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
| Winkler | BCBS Silver HMO 801 | $494 |
| Wise | Aetna CVS Health Silver | $501 |
| Wood | Christus Silver | $512 |
| Yoakum | Baylor Scott & White Prime Silver HMO 008 | $566 |
| Young | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $684 |
| Zapata | Ambetter Standard Silver | $499 |
| Zavala | BCBS Silver HMO 205 | $561 |
FAQ About Health Insurance in Texas
What are the cheapest Silver and Gold plans in Texas in 2024?
The most affordable Silver plan in Texas for 40-year-olds is the Community Select Silver 019 by Community Health Choice, priced at $470 per month. Meanwhile, the least expensive Gold plan is the MyBlue Health Gold℠ 403 offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, at $394 per month. Both plans provide competitive rates and cater to a variety of healthcare requirements.
Which health insurance is most widely accepted in Texas?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is the widely used and best health insurance company in Texas.
Does Texas have free health insurance?
No, but Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible needy persons.
Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in Texas?
At the federal level and in states without an individual mandate, there are no longer tax penalties imposed on citizens for not having health insurance.
Is Obamacare available in Texas?
Yes, Residents of Texas have the opportunity to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance plans, commonly referred to as Obamacare plans, during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
