2026 Open Enrollment

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Texas has 3.9 million ACA marketplace enrollees. Compare Texas health insurance plans, estimate your subsidy, and understand your options. Free, unbiased, and takes 2 minutes.

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When Can You Enroll in Texas Health Insurance?

Texas residents enroll through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Missing key deadlines can mean waiting months for coverage.

November 1, 2026

Open Enrollment Begins

The ACA Marketplace opens for new enrollments and plan changes for the 2027 coverage year.

December 15, 2026

Deadline for Jan 1 Coverage

Enroll by December 15 to have your plan start on January 1, 2027. The most-used deadline.

January 15, 2027

Open Enrollment Ends

The final day of Open Enrollment. Plans start February 1, 2027. After this, a qualifying life event is required.

Year-Round

Special Enrollment Periods

Lost coverage? Changed jobs? Moved? Qualifying life events open a 60-day Special Enrollment Period any time of year.

Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

Outside of Open Enrollment? You may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you've experienced a qualifying life event. SEPs give you 60 days from the event to enroll.

Lost job-based coverage Got married or divorced Had a baby or adopted Moved to a new zip code Turned 26 Gained citizenship Income change Released from incarceration

Estimate Your Monthly Savings

Find out if you qualify for Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTC) that lower your monthly premium in Texas.

Before taxes, all household members combined
Enter your household size and income to see your estimated subsidy.
Estimates are based on 2026 federal poverty levels and are for informational purposes only. Actual subsidy amounts depend on the plan chosen, your exact income, and other factors. Consult a licensed agent for accurate figures.

Health Insurance Carriers in Texas

These are the primary insurance companies offering ACA Marketplace plans in Texas. Availability varies by county and zip code.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas

The state's largest carrier, offering HMO and PPO plans through a broad Texas provider network statewide.

Ambetter from Superior Health Plan

A Centene company offering competitive low-premium Marketplace plans with preventive care focus across most Texas counties.

Oscar Health

A tech-driven insurer offering virtual care and a modern app experience in major Texas metros including Dallas, Houston, and Austin.

Molina Healthcare

Affordable Marketplace plans designed for low-to-moderate income individuals and families in select Texas counties.

Community Health Choice

A Texas-based health plan serving the greater Houston area with a focus on ACA Marketplace and CHIP plans.

Aetna CVS Health

Nationwide carrier with Texas Marketplace offerings in select metro areas, combining insurance coverage with CVS MinuteClinic access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about ACA health insurance in Texas.

Does Texas have its own health insurance marketplace?

No. Texas uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Unlike some states, Texas has not established a state-run exchange. All ACA plan enrollment for Texans goes through HealthCare.gov.

Has Texas expanded Medicaid?

No. Texas is one of the largest non-expansion states. Most working-age adults without children do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income — they must use the ACA Marketplace. Adults earning less than 100% FPL may fall into a coverage gap.

What is the income limit for ACA subsidies in Texas?

For 2026, Premium Tax Credits are available to Texans earning at or above 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $15,960 for a single person). There is no upper income cap — anyone paying more than 8.5% of income on the benchmark Silver plan may qualify for some subsidy.

What are my options if I can't afford Texas health insurance?

If you earn 100–250% FPL, Enhanced Silver plans offer the most value. At very low incomes where Medicaid doesn't apply, $0 premium Bronze plans may be available. Community health centers also provide sliding-scale care for uninsured Texans.

What is a deductible vs. out-of-pocket maximum?

Your deductible is the amount you pay for covered services before insurance starts paying. Your out-of-pocket maximum is the most you pay in a year — once you hit it, insurance covers 100% of covered costs. For 2026, the ACA out-of-pocket maximum is $9,200 for an individual and $18,400 for a family.

What is a Special Enrollment Period?

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) lets you enroll in or change a Marketplace plan outside of Open Enrollment if you have a qualifying life event. Events include losing other health coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving to a new area, or turning 26. You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in Texas?

At the federal level, the individual mandate penalty was reduced to $0 in 2019. Texas does not have a state-level penalty either. However, going without insurance means paying 100% of all medical costs out of pocket — even a short hospital stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.

Browse by City or Topic

Texas has 254 counties. Explore city and county-specific plan guides, carrier listings, and subsidy estimates across the state.

ACA Open Enrollment Dates in Texas Income Limits & Subsidies for Texans Self-Employed Health Insurance (Texas) Special Enrollment Period Rules Low-Income Health Insurance Texas Essential Health Benefits Guide
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