All Texans are worth affordable, comprehensive health coverage, yet our state continues to lead the nation with the highest uninsured rate for both adults and children due to our state leaders’ faulty decision making. Health insurance is life-changing — helping Texans detect cancer sooner and address chronic health challenges before pregnancy. This open enrollment period is an opportunity for Texans to find and afford critical medications and services while avoiding crushing medical debt.
The HealthCare.Gov Enrollment Period Is Now Open
It’s time to check out your options for health coverage through HealthCare.Gov! If you or your family need health insurance for 2025, sign up on HealthCare.Gov from Nov. 1, 2024 through Jan. 15, 2025. Enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 to have coverage begin on Jan. 1, 2025.
A record 3.4 million Texans enrolled in a plan through HealthCare.Gov last open enrollment period. The number of Texans with health insurance through the Marketplace nearly doubled in the last two years. Perks like increased affordability and new financial help were main drivers behind the increase and will continue through 2025. 96% of Texas consumers got federal financial help to pay for coverage in plan year 2024, and we anticipate many Texans will pay $10 a month or less for coverage in 2025.
DACA ACA Eligibility Became Federal Law!
Earlier this year, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a new rule that expands health coverage for Americans with “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) status by adding that immigration status to the “lawfully present” category. This means that, for the first time this year, DACA recipients will be able to use the ACA Marketplace and qualify for financial assistance to pay premiums to get coverage through the HealthCare.Gov Marketplace.
This new policy goes live in November 2024, and Every Texan and enrollment assistance partners across the state are excited to support this new avenue for accessible health coverage. DACA recipients who would like to purchase a plan on the Marketplace will have a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows coverage to begin the month after enrollment. This SEP will last through January 2025 to ensure overlap with the national ACA Open Enrollment period.
Who Can Get Covered Through HealthCare.Gov for 2025?
Even if you’ve checked options for you or your family before, it’s worth checking again! New rules and increased affordability may mean there are more appealing coverage options for your household.
Coverage continues to be more affordable through 2025 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Many Texans can get comprehensive coverage with a $0 monthly premium and low or no deductibles, including:
- Citizens earning between 100-150% of the federal poverty level (between $15,060 and $22,590 for an individual or between $31,200 and $46,800 for a family of four).
- Lawfully present immigrants, including many Legal Permanent Residents who are ineligible for Medicaid, are also eligible for these enhanced subsidies when earning below 150% of the federal poverty level ($22,590 for an individual or $46,800 for a family of four).
People earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level ($60,240 for individuals and $124,800 for families of four) can continue to get help paying for coverage, with premiums capped by a different federal policy at 8.5% of their income.
A new rule from 2023, the “Family Glitch Fix,” bases the “affordability” of a job-based insurance offer on the entire family, not just the employee. This opens up a new window of opportunity for family members to buy HealthCare.Gov insurance that is actually affordable. Families of low-paid workers, small business employees, workers in the service industry, and children under 18 are expected to benefit the most.
People who have recently experienced a life change, including losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage, may still be able to buy a Marketplace plan.
Free Enrollment Assistance Help Is Available.
There are a few ways to look at options and fill out an application for coverage outlined on HealthCare.Gov. Many Texans, including citizens and lawfully present immigrants, will have options to consider when shopping for health coverage. The process can be confusing and even overwhelming, but trustworthy help is available.
Community organizations across Texas are standing by to offer free, expert help with the sign-up process. These organizations do not get paid by health plans for referrals; they exist to connect Texas families to health coverage.
The Get Covered Connector lets you search for Texas enrollment assistance providers’ locations by zip code. Across Texas, community members can make an appointment to get help filling out applications, enrolling, and getting connected to a year-round health coverage support system.
North Texas:
- Tarrant and Surrounding Counties: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (214.978.0042)
- Tarrant and Surrounding Counties (specializing in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and communities speaking Asian languages): Light and Salt Association (713.988.4724)
- Panhandle and Plains Counties: South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA) (833.314.2373)
West and South Texas:
- 67 Counties along the US/Mexico Border: MHP Salud (833.337.2583)
East Texas:
- Harris and Surrounding Counties: Civic Heart (713.374.1282)
- Harris and Surrounding Counties: Houston Food Bank (832.369.9390)
- Harris and Surrounding Counties (specializing in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and communities speaking Asian languages): Light and Salt Association (713.988.4724)
Central Texas:
- Bexar County Community Health Collaborative (210.761.3420)
- Bexar and Surrounding Counties: CentroMed (210.977.7997)
- Travis and Surrounding Counties (including Waco and Temple): Foundation Communities (512.381.4520)
- Travis and Surrounding Counties (specializing in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and communities speaking Asian languages): Light and Salt Association (512.769.3139)
When searching for enrollment support or looking for information, keep in mind:
- People should not have to pay for help enrolling in Medicaid, CHIP, or Marketplace health coverage.
- The Marketplace, assister organizations, and your state will never threaten you or ask for credit card information or payment to qualify you for health coverage.
- No assister, health insurance agent, or health insurance broker should enroll you in a plan or change your plan without your consent.
To find enrollment help near you, call the Navigator program numbers listed above in your area. If you run into any hurdles or have any feedback or questions, reach out to Every Texan’s Health and Food Justice Programs Manager Lynn Cowles at 512.522.3220 or cowles@everytexan.org.