Texas Health Insurance Options

Access to health insurance is more available than ever, thanks in part to provisions in the Affordable Care Act -- a 2010 law that reformed health care in America. Not only can residents find health coverage through private health insurance and employer group plans, the state and federal government offer additional options to both minor and adult children, those with low income, individuals suffering from existing medical conditions and pregnant women.

Existing Medical Conditions

• If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions that prevent you from finding private health insurance coverage, Texas offers qualifying residents access to two health coverage options. Texas Medicaid is federally and state-funded, and extends free health coverage to those who are considered medically needy and unable to afford reasonable care for their health conditions. Those who do not qualify for Texas Medicaid may instead be eligible for the federal pre-existing condition insurance pool, which offers health insurance policies to individuals who have been denied insurance because of a pre-existing health condition. To qualify, you must be a legal U.S. resident and uninsured for at least six months prior to applying for insurance through the insurance pool.

Pregnancy

• Pregnant women in Texas have extended coverage options compared to women who are not pregnant. The state offers pregnancy Medicaid that covers comprehensive prenatal care, as well as all hospital care, complications and care related to the pregnancy within 60 days following delivery of the child or the end of the pregnancy. Unlike other Medicaid eligibility groups who must have incomes of between 13 and 133 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify, pregnant women and infants under one year old may qualify for Medicaid with household incomes of up to 185 percent.

Children

• Children under age 19 in Texas have a variety of health coverage options. To start, the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010 makes it illegal for private health insurers in all 50 states to deny health insurance coverage to a minor because of pre-existing health conditions. If, however, you cannot afford private health insurance for your children, you may qualify for Texas CHIP, or the Texas Children's Health Insurance Program. Parents of children enrolled in Texas CHIP only pay $50 or less every six months to insure all their children. Eligibility depends on household size and income and may vary year to year, but as of 2011, a family of four making less than $44,700 per year could qualify for CHIP. The same family making less than $22,350 could enroll their children in Medicaid and pay no premiums for coverage.

Considerations

• If you do not qualify for Texas Medicaid, CHIP or the federal pre-existing condition insurance pool, you may have to seek health coverage either through an employer's group insurance plan or purchase an individual private policy. Before doing so, make sure you don't qualify to add on to another person's health insurance policy. For example, if your spouse has insurance through work, you may be able to enroll in her health insurance plan during open enrollment. Additionally, if you are under age 26, you can enroll in your parents' health insurance plan as a dependent regardless of where you live, your marital or financial status.