Health insurance & Medicare · Houston, TX (Harris County)
Individual & Family Health Insurance in Houston, Texas
28.9% of Houston adults aged 19 to 64 have no health insurance, well above the U.S. rate of 11.1% (the 2nd-highest uninsured rate for adults 19 to 64 of the 22 South U.S. communities on this site). Help choosing an ACA Marketplace health plan, including checking whether you qualify for premium tax credits that lower your monthly cost. Olive, a licensed agent with Manna Financial Services, helps Houston, TX households compare individual and family health insurance by phone or video, and the first conversation is free.
What matters for individual and family health insurance in Houston
Houston's uninsured rate for working-age adults (28.9%) is above the U.S. average. If you have been without coverage, Open Enrollment (November 1 to January 15) is the time to enroll; outside it you need a qualifying life event.
11.8% of Houston workers are self-employed. Self-employed people buy their own coverage, and Marketplace tax credits are based on your expected net self-employment income, so a careful estimate matters.
Houston by the numbers
- 28.9% of Houston adults aged 19 to 64 have no health insurance, well above the U.S. rate of 11.1% (the 2nd-highest uninsured rate for adults 19 to 64 of the 22 South U.S. communities on this site).
- 11.8% of Houston workers are self-employed, above the U.S. figure of 9.8%. Self-employed people have no employer plan for health, life or disability coverage.
- The median household income in Houston is $62,894, below the U.S. average of $78,538.
- About 249,000 Houston residents are between 55 and 64, the group that will reach Medicare age over the next ten years.
Houston and nearby communities
| Place | Uninsured adults 19–64 | Self-employed | Median household income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 28.9% | 11.8% | $62,894 |
| San Antonio | 23.6% | 8.8% | $62,322 |
| Dallas | 29.4% | 11.5% | $67,760 |
| Austin | 17.5% | 11.2% | $91,461 |
| U.S. | 11.1% | 9.8% | $78,538 |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates.
How we help with individual and family health insurance
- Compare the Marketplace plans offered in your county
- Check premium tax credit and cost-sharing eligibility
- Confirm your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions are in network
- Enroll during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period
Read our full guide to individual and family health insurance
Rules that apply in Texas
- Texas residents buy individual and family Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov or their state exchange. Plans and prices vary by county.
- Open Enrollment typically runs November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1.
- Outside Open Enrollment, a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby opens a Special Enrollment Period.
- Marketplace premiums are the same with or without an agent. Insurance companies pay the agent.
Questions from Houston
When can I enroll in a Marketplace plan?
Open Enrollment typically runs November 1 to January 15. Enroll by December 15 for coverage that starts January 1. Outside that window you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby, to use a Special Enrollment Period.
Do I need to visit an office in Houston?
No. Olive works with Houston and Harris County households by phone or video, so you can compare options from home. Most applications and signatures can be completed online.
Individual & Family Health Insurance near Houston
Talk with Olive about individual and family health insurance.
Free, no obligation, by phone or video. Or call or text (937) 388-5346.