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The cost of health insurance in Texas varies based on the tier you choose. The metal tier system allows you to lower your monthly premiums by taking on higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs or increase your monthly premiums in exchange for more medical coverage.

In Texas, metal tiers currently available are Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold. Plans named after more valuable metals have lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs but cost more per month. The average monthly premiums in Texas for each tier are:

• Catastrophic: $319 per month
• Bronze: $380 per month
• Expanded Bronze: $408 per month
• Silver: $495 per month
• Gold: $587 per month

If you’re a relatively healthy person, choosing a cheaper tier option — like Bronze or Expanded Bronze — can help you save on monthly premiums. If you expect to incur regular medical expenses, paying more per month could help you avoid high deductibles and uncovered expenses.

The table below shows plans with the lowest monthly premiums for each metal tier. In the Texas health insurance marketplace, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maxes may vary greatly within a given metal tier.

Low-income shoppers can benefit from seeing if they’re eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which apply to Silver plans. These can lower your premiums significantly and give you access to a plan with more coverage.

The premiums in the table above are for a 40-year-old male sample profile for all types of plans available in Texas. These rates are for HMO or EPO plan types, with HMO being the most common in the state.

Data from the Texas health insurance marketplace shows how important age is in determining health insurance premiums. For instance, a 26-year-old purchasing a Silver plan (across all HMO and EPO plans) pays an average monthly premium of $396, while someone aged 60 pays approximately $1,051 per month.

As you age, your monthly health insurance premium rises. While you can choose a low-deductible option — such as a Bronze plan — that costs less per month, you’ll pay more out-of-pocket expenses if your medical costs are high.

As you review the available data, keep in mind that sample ages don’t account for how your income can also affect premiums. For example, Older Texans may end up paying less for a health insurance marketplace plan due to tax premiums and other regulatory support services. That said, you won’t know your exact quote until you apply for a plan.

SOURCES

• themoneygeek.com. Ref: Link
• Medicare.gov. “What’s Medicare?.” Accessed June 2, 2021.
• Healthcare.gov. “How to Buy a Catastrophic Healthcare Plan.” Accessed June 3, 2021.

Health insurance costs in Texas can differ depending on where you live in the state. Texas Life Group will compare rates from top-rated carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna/CVS, United Healthcare, Humana, and more. Contact us today to discuss your options. Getting you started with coverage takes just a few minutes.