According to Investopedia, the average annual health insurance premium for a family of four was $21,342, with employers covering approximately 73% of that cost, in 2020. This is a heavy burden for any family if they don’t enjoy the luxury of employers covering the bulk of the cost!
If you live in Texas, you know that health insurance can be pricey. Is it possible to get affordable health insurance in Texas?
Well, it’s a no-brainer to have coverage to protect yourself and your family in case of unexpected medical bills. The trick is to be shrewd about how you find insurance that fits within your budget.
Here are three tips to help you find affordable health insurance in Texas and stay on budget:
1. Always Shop Around
One of the best ways to find affordable health insurance is to shop around and compare prices from different insurers. This can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it in the long run.
You can start by looking at insurance comparison websites to get an idea of the general costs of different insurance options. You can also check with local insurance agents or brokers, or visit the websites of individual insurance companies to see what they offer.
Make sure to compare plans with similar coverage, and don’t forget to factor in out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays. We also recommend this affordable health insurance agency.
2. Consider High-Deductible Plans
If you’re healthy and don’t expect to use your health insurance very often, you might want to consider a plan with a high deductible. These plans have lower monthly premiums, but they require you to pay more out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
This can be a good option if you’re after more affordable health insurance, but make sure you have some savings set aside in case you do need to use your insurance. High-deductible plans can also be paired with a health savings account (HSA), which is a special account that you can use to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. You can use the money in your HSA tax-free, and it rolls over from year to year, so you can use it when you need it.
3. Check Out Government Programs
If you’re having trouble finding affordable health insurance, you might be eligible for a government program like Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs provide low-cost or free health coverage to people with low incomes or certain other qualifications.
You can apply for these programs online or through your local Department of Health and Human Services office. You should note that eligibility and benefits can vary based on where you live, so it’s worth checking with your state’s Medicaid agency to see what options are available to you.
How to Find Affordable Health Insurance in Texas
Finding affordable health insurance in Texas can seem challenging, but to protect yourself and your family, you need to get serious about getting coverage. By shopping around, considering a high deductible plan, and looking into government programs, you could find a plan that fits your budget and meets your needs.
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