How to Find Health Insurance in Texas

Approximately 25 percent of Texas residents are without health insurance, according to a 2010 Gallup poll. Shopping for health plans involves a number of critical variables including benefits provided, eligibility and cost, but it is impossible to compare plans without first knowing what is available in your state. State government agencies, individual brokers and corporate resources can assist in your search for health insurance in Texas.

Instructions

• 1

  Check state government resources. TexasHealthOptions is a website the state created to help consumers shop for health plans. State officials also created the Texas Health Insurance Pool, a health plan for needy Texans. The Texas Department of Insurance offers a website that provides links, information and plan options to Texans in the market for health insurance. Links help consumers compare individual and family plans, HMO coverage and state programs like Medicaid.

• 2

  Talk to an insurance broker. Independent agents and brokers in communities across Texas can help you find health insurance. Because brokers feature products from multiple health insurance companies, they can help you compare different products. Some brokers also develop tools to help customers compare benefits among plans. Broker associations such as the National Association of Health Underwriters feature tools to help you find brokers and agents in Texas that sell health insurance.

• 3

  Contact health insurance companies directly. Health insurance companies that sell insurance products in Texas offer tools to assist you in finding health insurance for you or your family. Product websites review the various health insurance plans available from specific companies. Many companies also provide comparison charts to show you the differences between their products. Toll-free numbers let you talk to health insurance plan staff about their products, find brokers or purchase directly from the company.