Texas · ACA Marketplace plans
ACA Marketplace plans in Texas
Looking for ACA marketplace health insurance in Texas? Here is how this coverage lane works specifically for Texas residents, what it costs, and how to get it.
Facts on this page checked Jan 15, 2026. Sources are listed at the end.
How it works here
ACA Marketplace plans, explained for Texas.
Texas residents buy ACA Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov. These are comprehensive plans that cover the ten essential health benefits, cannot deny you for a pre-existing condition, and are the only plans eligible for income-based premium tax credits.
Because Texas runs a federal marketplace, you enroll at HealthCare.gov. Plans and prices are set at the county level across Texas's 254 counties, so two neighbors in different counties can see different options.
Texas has not expanded Medicaid, so Marketplace subsidies are the main affordability lever for lower-income residents here.
Texas uses HealthCare.gov and has one of the largest Marketplace enrollments in the U.S., with plan choice that varies sharply across its 254 counties.
Because Texas has not expanded Medicaid, premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are the primary affordability tools for lower-income adults who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid categories.
Major metros such as Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio often have more issuer competition than many rural West Texas counties, which can affect both premium and network breadth.
Texas facts
- Marketplace
- HealthCare.gov
- Medicaid expansion
- Not adopted
- Uninsured rate
- ~16.4%
Open enrollment 2027
When Texas can enroll.
- Opens
- Nov 1, 2026
- Sun
- Enroll by, for Jan 1 coverage
- Dec 15, 2026
- Tue
- Last day to enroll
- Jan 15, 2027
- Fri
Texas residents enroll at HealthCare.gov. Enroll after Dec 15 and coverage usually starts February 1. Outside this window, a qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) can open a Special Enrollment Period.
Medicare is different.Medicare’s annual enrollment runs Oct 15 to Dec 7, 2026. For Medicare help, visit our sister site OLYRON Medicare or Medicare.gov.
Dates checked Oct 15, 2026. Sources: HealthCare.gov: dates and deadlines; CMS statement, Jul 27, 2026.
More in this state
Other coverage in Texas.
- Health sharingMember-funded medical cost sharing — not insurance.
- Short-term plansTemporary coverage to bridge a gap — limited benefits.
- MedicareOriginal Medicare, Advantage, and Medigap for 65+ and eligible.
- MedicaidFree or low-cost coverage based on income and household.
- DentalStandalone and bundled dental coverage options.
- VisionEye exams, glasses, and contacts coverage.
- TelehealthVirtual primary and urgent care memberships.
Questions
Good questions, short answers.
When is Open Enrollment in Texas?
Texas uses HealthCare.gov. Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs Nov 1, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027. Enroll by Dec 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1. A qualifying life event (a move, a new baby, losing other coverage) opens a Special Enrollment Period at other times of year.
Are Texas Marketplace plans subsidized?
Yes — premium tax credits are available based on your income and household size, and many enrollees pay under $100/month.
Do I use HealthCare.gov or a state site in Texas?
Texas residents primarily enroll through HealthCare.gov. Start there for plan shopping and subsidy estimates.
Sources
- HealthCare.gov — the official ACA Health Insurance Marketplace · reviewed 2026-01-15
- CMS Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight (marketplace types) · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
Before the rush
Ready to see plans in Texas?
A licensed advisor can walk through the options where you live. Free, no obligation.
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