Texas has one of the highest rates of people without health insurance in the entire United States. More than 5 million Texans have no health coverage, and the uninsured community represents a large part of that number. If you live in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, El Paso or McAllen, this guide is for you.
The good news: in 2026 there are real and affordable options — many people qualify for government subsidies that can significantly reduce their monthly payment. You just need to know where to look and how to apply.
💡 Did you know? Texas did not expand Medicaid under the ACA, which leaves many low-income families without coverage. However, ACA insurance with federal subsidies can be the ideal solution for many people in Texas. An advisor can check whether you qualify at no cost.
What insurance options are there in Texas?
In Texas there are several ways to get health coverage, depending on your situation:
1. ACA / Obamacare (Healthcare.gov)
The ACA (Affordable Care Act), known as Obamacare, is the federal program that allows residents to get health insurance with financial help from the government. It is the most popular and accessible option for self-employed workers, families and people without insurance through their job.
In Texas, ACA plans are purchased through Healthcare.gov. You can compare coverage, choose among multiple insurance carriers and apply subsidies that reduce the cost based on your income.
2. Medicaid in Texas (limited)
Unlike other states, Texas did not expand Medicaid under the ACA, which means the income requirements are very strict. In Texas, Medicaid mainly covers:
- Pregnant women with very low income
- Older adults and people with disabilities
- Families with young children living in extreme poverty
If you don't qualify for Medicaid, ACA insurance with subsidies is generally your best alternative.
3. CHIP — Insurance for children
The CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) offers low-cost coverage for children of families who earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. In Texas, the program is called Texas CHIP and covers doctor visits, medications, vaccines, dental and vision care for children under 19.
Who can apply for ACA insurance in Texas?
To qualify for ACA health insurance in 2026, you need to meet the following general requirements:
- Live in the United States legally
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Not have access to Medicare or health insurance through your job
- Have income within the range established for subsidies
- Be a resident of the state of Texas
How much can I pay with subsidies?
The federal government offers tax credits that can significantly reduce your monthly premium. The amounts depend on your income, your family size and the plan you choose.
💡 The only way to know exactly how much you would pay is to review your case with a licensed advisor or enter your information at Healthcare.gov. The review with our advisors is at no cost to you.
What does ACA insurance cover in Texas?
All ACA plans available in Texas must cover by law the 10 essential health benefits:
- Primary care doctor and specialist visits
- Emergency care and hospitalization
- Maternity, childbirth and newborn care
- Mental health and addiction treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Laboratory tests, clinical analysis and diagnostic imaging
- Preventive services at no additional cost (vaccines, checkups, mammograms)
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Pediatric services, including dental and vision
- Medical devices and equipment
Cities we serve in Texas
We serve families across the entire state of Texas, with a special presence in the communities of the major cities:
- Houston — the most populated city in Texas
- Dallas / Fort Worth — a constantly growing metropolitan area
- San Antonio — a city with more than 60% Latino population
- Austin — a growing Latino community in the capital
- El Paso — border city, bilingual communities and mixed families
- McAllen / Rio Grande Valley — one of the areas with the most uninsured residents in the country
No matter where you are in Texas — our advice is 100% by phone or WhatsApp, with no need to travel.
When can I enroll?
There are two main times to apply for ACA health insurance:
Open Enrollment Period
From November 1 to January 15 each year. This is the regular period to enroll or change your plan for the following year.
Special Enrollment Period
Outside the open period, you can apply if one of these life events happened to you:
- You lost your job or your health insurance through work
- You got married, divorced or had a baby
- You moved to Texas from another state or country
- You had a significant change in your income
- You turned 26 and left your parents' plan
Live in Texas and need insurance?
We help you for free — we compare all the plans available for your family in Texas and explain everything to you in English, no matter which city you live in.
Why choose HG Insurance Group in Texas?
We are an independent bilingual agency, licensed and active in Texas. We have spent years helping families navigate the insurance system in the United States — and we do it completely in English and Spanish.
- ✅ Licensed in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico
- ✅ 100% free advice with no obligation
- ✅ We speak English and Spanish — service entirely in your language
- ✅ We compare all the insurance carriers available in your area
- ✅ We support you throughout the entire process: enrollment, using the plan and renewal
- ✅ We serve you by phone, WhatsApp or video call — from any city in Texas
We do not charge for our advice. The insurance carriers pay us a commission, which means our service is at no cost to you.
How to get started today?
The process is simple. Call us or message us on WhatsApp, and one of our advisors will contact you to do a free consultation. We analyze your situation, compare the plans available in your area of Texas and help you enroll — all at no cost to you.
📞 (352) 890-3703 · 💬 wa.me/13528903703
📋 Important notice: HG Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. We do not represent all companies or all plans available in your area. To see all the Health Insurance Marketplace options available in your area, visit Healthcare.gov. Plan availability, prices and eligibility vary depending on your specific situation.