Texas Individual and Family Health Insurance
Individual health insurance plans in Texas are purchased by persons who may want or need an alternative to what is offered at work, or are self employed, their employer does not offer coverage or just want to control the benefits and cost for their personal and family needs.
Texas Group health insurance plans are offered by the employer and are available to most full time workers who work at least 30 hours per week at that particular business.
Advantages of Invidual & Family Health Insurance:
Simply put, you are in control. You get to choose the health insurance provider and type of policy that suits your needs. The policy options and carriers are decided by you instead of your employer, and you don't pay for additional benefits that may not be necessary for your situation.
Your coverage is "portable", so even if you are no longer working for that particular employer, you can keep your health insurance coverage in force. The premiums are based on your health history (also, your spouse and family if coverage is purchased for them), so you are not paying extra premiums based on the age and health of persons in an employer group. Premiums can sometimes be less than group health insurance for this reason, especially for spousal and/or children coverage.
Disadvantages of Invidual & Family Health Insurance:
With individual health insurance, you are responsible for the entire premium. There is no subsidy from your employer. Pre-existing health conditions are generally subject to a 12 month waiting period (unless waived by the provider at policy approval). If you have major health issues, premiums may be charged at a higher rate than normal.
Certain illnesses may be not be covered for a certain or indefinite period of time (known as a rider), or you may be declined coverage under an individual health insurance plan. (If you cannot obtain coverage, however, because of health issues, you may be eligible for a state funded health insurance plan, such as the TEXAS HIGH RISK POOL. If declined coverage, we will be able to get you coverage through that plan as well
