Recently, the Texas city of Ferris received international attention for its groundbreaking decision to use surplus COVID funds to offer all city residents free healthcare coverage. While this coverage is pretty basic, it has enabled people to obtain the mental and physical care they need.
Of course, Ferris is a small city and COVID relief funding won't last forever, so if you are like most Texas residents who feel they cannot afford health insurance, you are probably looking for options. If so, you may qualify for any of a number of programs offered by the state such as:
- Medicaid: This can provide free or low-cost coverage to people with very low incomes who are also over 65, disabled, blind, pregnant, or caring for a child under 18.
- Texas Children's Health Insurance Plan (TCHIP): This is offered to families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but who are struggling to afford health insurance for their children.
- STAR Managed Care Option: This is a Medicaid-based plan that enables you to choose a healthcare plan that is appropriate to your needs and location. It is available to low-income families, children, and pregnant women.
- Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP): This is designed for families in which at least one member receives Medicaid and the family has access to employer-sponsored health insurance. Instead of providing Medicaid assistance, it will cover the cost of insuring the individual(s) with the healthcare offered by the employer.
- Texas Marketplace Health Insurance: This offers affordable coverage to people who are not eligible for an employer-sponsored health insurance plan.
To learn more about your health insurance options, you can arrange a consultation with an independent insurance agent near you.