Understanding Your Health Coverage Options in Texas
Whether you’re shopping for health insurance through your employer or the government Marketplace, understanding how it works can help you make an informed decision.
The main components of health insurance are premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance. They all work together to provide coverage for health care services you receive.
Medicaid
Whether you’re on Medicare or Medicaid, it’s important to understand your health coverage options in Texas so that you can make the best decisions for your family. The best way to do this is to learn more about each type of coverage and the services it offers.
The federal government provides funding to help states cover a wide range of people with low incomes or disabilities, and many also offer children’s health insurance programs (CHIP). Some Medicaid beneficiaries receive supplemental benefits for prescription drugs or specialized care for chronic conditions.
Medicaid covers a broad set of healthcare services, including hospital and physician care, laboratory and X-ray services, home health services and nursing facility care for adults. It also offers a range of optional benefits for people with a wide variety of needs, such as dental care, vision services and hearing aids. These optional benefits are not mandatory for Medicaid but are critical to meeting the medical needs of Texans and saving taxpayers money.
Medicare
Medicare is the largest federal healthcare program in the United States, but it can be a daunting and confusing experience to navigate. Thankfully, there are many resources to help you understand your health coverage options in Texas, from free benefits counseling to support groups and nonprofits.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but you can find a plan that works best for you by understanding the perks of each type of coverage and choosing a provider network. It is also important to read the fine print and know what is and is not covered by your plan.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rates Medicare plans, giving each one a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5. While there isn’t a single “best” or “one-size-fits-all” plan, you can use the CMS ratings to gauge customer services, preventive care, management of chronic conditions, and more.
CHIP
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) helps ensure that families can afford health coverage for their children. It covers many types of services, including routine doctor and dental visits.
CHIP also provides access to care for kids with certain special needs, such as autism or mental health issues. Check with your state’s CHIP office for more information on eligibility and rules.
Medicaid and CHIP both offer benefits that include prescription drugs, hospitalization, checkups and office visits, vaccines and more. Choosing the right plan is essential for getting the most bang for your buck.
Federal funds are used to pay for coverage, allowing states broad flexibility to set income eligibility levels. CHIPRA also allows states to use CHIP money to provide a “premium assistance” that helps with the cost of private health insurance for eligible kids. This is important because families who have private coverage might be able to save money by paying their own premiums rather than relying on CHIP.
Private Health Insurance
If you’re looking for individual health insurance in Texas, it can be difficult to understand your coverage options. That’s because private insurers aren’t required to offer standardized policies, and they don’t have to accept all applicants or charge less than other plans.
The good news is that you can find affordable individual plans in Texas by shopping around for a plan that fits your needs and budget. The state has a health insurance marketplace, and if you have a low or moderate income, you can qualify for a premium tax credit that reduces the cost of your plan.
Health insurance rates vary based on your age, tobacco use, whether you enroll as an individual or family, and which metal tier you choose. Those who have low to moderate incomes can get free or low-cost plans through Medicaid and CHIP.