Comparing Health Insurance Options in the Texas Marketplace
Did you know that 13% of American adults between 18 and 65 did not have health insurance?
Shopping for health insurance can be a daunting task, especially in Texas where there are a lot of possibilities to choose from.
With so many plans and providers available, it’s hard to know which one is right for you and your family. You want the best coverage at an affordable price, but how do you make sure you’re getting the best deal?
Don’t worry! We’ve done all the research for you. Keep reading because in this guide we’ll compare the Texas health insurance marketplace and help you find the plan that fits your needs and budget.
Health Maintenance Organizations
An HMO is an ideal health insurance in texas for those who don’t mind their options being limited in exchange for more affordable coverage. With an HMO, you can choose between multiple healthcare centers and doctors that are a part of the plan and receive discounted services.
However, you may not be able to pick and choose your physician; rather, the doctor assigned to you must give a referral to see a specialist. When deciding whether or not an HMO is a right choice for you, it’s essential to consider your needs and lifestyle before jumping into any agreement.
Preferred Provider Organizations
Healthcare plans offered by Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) provide you with more freedom and variety than Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Rather than be solely tied to one healthcare facility or provider, as is the case with most HMOs, you can take advantage of PPOs’ multiple providers and services.
With a PPO, you can choose from any provider within their network and receive services at cheaper out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, there is no need for a referral to see a specialist if the specialist’s practice is in-network. However, it should be noted that premiums may be higher for PPO plans than HMO plans so it’s important to evaluate your needs when choosing a healthcare plan.
Exclusive Provider Organizations
EPOs provide a great way to obtain quality healthcare services at an affordable cost, especially for startup companies. While you may need to switch providers from time to time, the ability to stay within a defined network of doctors, hospitals, and other medical professionals allows you to have the assurance that your care will be covered.
Also, restricted access to out-of-network care can help prevent costs from spiraling out of control by ensuring that non-covered expenses won’t arise unexpectedly. Ultimately, EPOs may be a good option for those who are looking for comprehensive coverage with minimal administrative overhead.
Top 5 Best Texas Health Insurance Plans
So if you’re looking for the best health insurance plan in Texas, here are our top five picks. They include:
1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas PPO
Now that you know more about the different types of plans, let’s break down our top five picks. First up is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas PPO. This plan offers a wide range of coverage options, from basic to comprehensive, and you have access to its network of providers.
2. UnitedHealthcare EPO
UnitedHealthcare EPO is an appealing option for those seeking quality healthcare at an affordable price. With this plan, you’re able to access a wide range of providers while maintaining low out-of-pocket costs.
Plus, since you’re only responsible for expenses from within their network of providers, you can rest assured that you’ll be receiving the quality care service necessary. With UnitedHealthcare EPO, you get the confidence of knowing your financial and medical health are both secure.
3. Aetna HMO
Aetna HMO has a focus on providing quality healthcare without breaking the bank. This is made possible by its vast network of providers throughout Texas.
Additionally, with Aetna HMO, you don’t need to visit your doctor first to get a referral to see a specialist — you can go directly to them and start receiving care right away. It’s this commitment to convenience and cost-effectiveness that has helped make Aetna one of the leading providers in Texas today.
4. Cigna PPO
PPOs offer more flexibility than other plans, and Cigna PPO is no exception. Their vast network of providers allows you to easily find a doctor and also drastically lower your out-of-pocket costs for care.
Although this plan does not cover out-of-network care completely, what it does cover can be a big help when you need to go somewhere outside your normal coverage zone. Plus, Cigna’s customer service ensures that the entire process runs smoothly, so you can start enjoying the benefits right away.
5. Humana HMO
For those looking for a comprehensive marketplace health insurance plan, Humana HMO should be near the top of the list. With competitive pricing and access to an extensive network of healthcare providers, Humana makes it easy to seek medical attention when needed without having to jump through hoops.
You don’t need someone to refer you to see a specialist. This means that you have more control over your health outcomes.
Get Help Navigating the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace
Finding the right health insurance can seem overwhelming if you need help knowing where to begin. That’s why we gathered our top five best affordable health insurance plans to guide you in the right direction. If you’re handling your health insurance yourself, spend time researching all your options before committing to anything.
Otherwise, consider enlisting the services of an insurance agency or a health insurance broker to help you navigate the Texas health insurance marketplace. They can source health insurance plans that are most suitable for you.
If you want the assistance of qualified health insurance agents, contact us today so we can help. We represent several health insurance companies and can help you find out if you prequalify.