Texas Marketplace Health Insurance: How to Choose a 2027 Plan

Which metal level fits how you use care?

Metal levels set how you and the plan share costs. The network, not the metal level, decides which doctors you can see.

Texas Marketplace questions

1. When can I sign up for a 2027 Texas Marketplace plan?

   Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1; the last day to sign up is January 15. Outside open enrollment you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, marrying or having a baby.

2. Will I pay the full price shown?

   Not necessarily. The prices on this page are before tax credits. Tax credits depend on your household size and income, and they can lower the monthly premium a lot. The plan finder estimates your price after tax credits.

3. Can I keep my doctor?

   582 of Texas's 834 plans for 2026 are HMOs or EPOs, which only pay for in-network care except emergencies. Check that your doctors and hospital are in the plan's network before you enroll.

4. My plan is renewing. Do I need to do anything?

   Compare before you let it renew. Texas insurers filed 2027 increases of about 5% to 34% before tax credits, and your plan or its network may change. Your new tax credit can change too.

5. Has Texas expanded Medicaid?

   Texas hasn't expanded Medicaid. Adults without dependent children generally can't get Medicaid unless pregnant, disabled or 65+. Parents qualify only at very low income, about 15% of the poverty level. Apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or call 2-1-1.

6. Where do I enroll?

   On HealthCare.gov, through an approved insurer or broker website, or with a licensed agent. The plans and prices are the same everywhere you enroll.

7. Why might a gold plan cost less than silver?

   Texas requires a uniform cost-sharing reduction load on silver plans, which raises silver premiums and tax credits. After credits, gold can look cheaper. If your income is under 250% of poverty, silver still unlocks cost-sharing reductions.

8. I have Cigna or Baylor Scott & White. What do I do?

   Those medical Marketplace plans end Dec 31, 2026. Shop on HealthCare.gov starting Nov 1 and enroll by Dec 15 for Jan 1 coverage so you don't have a January gap.

9. What if my income changes during the year?

   Update HealthCare.gov. Starting with 2026 tax returns there's no cap on paying back extra tax credit, so an income increase you don't report can mean a large bill at tax time.