Can’t get insurance? You have options. Let’s talk about some of them.

Under 65? There are several options for health insurance.

You can apply for an insurance subsidy through the Health Insurance Marketplace and even get help paying for your private insurance.

The Marketplace application takes about 20 minutes and you can immediately find out how much subsidy you can get. This subsidy can offset the monthly cost of your insurance.

Subsidies are awarded based on income and household size. Household size includes the number of individuals on your tax return.

You are eligible to apply for subsidies throughout the year if you have a Special Circumstance.” Special Circumstances include losing your health insurance, moving out of the service area of your current plan, change in household size through birth of a child, adoption or divorce and other circumstances.

If you don’t qualify for a Special Circumstance, Open Enrollment begins November 1, 2024, with your new insurance effective January 1, 2025.

Just turning 65? You have a window of opportunity to choose your Medicare plan type. Original Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Advantage Plans are some of your options.

This window of opportunity begins 3 months before your birth month and ends 3 months after your birth month.

Over 65? There are a couple of ways to get or change your health insurance.

You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. These are available to those who have moved out of your plan’s service area, had a change in Medicaid or Extra Help status and for a number of other reasons. This Special Enrollment Period will allow you to make a new plan choice.

Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15, 2024. You have an opportunity to make plan changes between October 15th and December 7th. These changes will go into effect January 1, 2025.

Talk to a Licensed, Certified Insurance Agent/Broker to evaluate your options.

This article is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation. Talk with a licensed Health Insurance Professional about your specific circumstances. For more information you can go to The Texas Department of Insurance.