Does "Everything's Bigger in Texas" Apply to Medical Costs?

Texas is known for things "Big" - Big Hats, Big Oil, Big Ranches, and for many Big Medical Bills. But it doesn't have to be that way, according to the Texas Department of Insurance 1 out of every 4 Texans does not have medical coverage, and for most of them it is because they do not understand the risks they are taking by forgoing coverage, or they do not believe they can afford adequate insurance - not so according to the TDI. There are many options available for Texans when it comes to low-cost heath insurance, whether they are individuals, small businesses, college students, seniors, or unemployed.

If you have become recently unemployed in the State of Texas and you had coverage from your last job you may be able to keep you coverage through the federally mandated COBRA program. Under The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reclamation Act along with specific Texas State laws workers have the right to continue employer-sponsored health coverage for themselves and their families contingent upon certain conditions of termination of employment. Through COBRA the Primary plan member and their family can usually expect to continue health insurance benefits for between six months and two years and sometimes as long as three and half years under some circumstances. The downside of COBRA is that it can be expensive since you will now be required to pay for the entire policy for yourself and your family without any participating contribution from your former employer. So for many looking for Texas Health Insurance, an Individual Texas Health Insurance Policy or a Small Group Texas Health Insurance Policy is a better way to go.

An Individual Texas Health Insurance Policy can be obtained by purchasing a policy direct from a Texas licensed carrier. A list of such licensed carriers can be found on the State's Website. It is important that you verify that the carrier is indeed licensed to sell Texas Medical Insurance before you purchase any policy, this will not only protect you against fraud, but much like the FDIC does for banks, the state guarantor may pay some or all of the claims of a licensed carrier, should it collapse financially. Individual Texas Health Insurance Plans are typically either an indemnity plan which will allow you to see any heath practitioner for a covered treatment or ailment, or a managed care plan, which tends to be more affordable, but you must see only participating providers in the plan. You have to apply for an Individual Texas Health Insurance Plan, and can be turned down due to a health condition, but should this happen do not be discouraged, different companies have different standards on who they will accept and not accept for coverage.

If you cannot obtain Texas Medical Insurance through any other means Texas is one of the 30 some-odd States that does have an Assigned Risk Pool or Heath Pool Insurance Program. Risk Pool coverage is similar to employer sponsored Texas Health Benefits and private Texas Insurance Plans. Benefits in the Pool will cover hospital stays, physician services, and prescription drugs, and even provides coverage for certain serious mental illnesses. To qualify for Pool Insurance in Texas you must have been turned down by a licensed Texas carrier due to a health reason and able to document it, as well as meet several other qualifications. If you qualify for COBRA benefits, you cannot apply for the Risk Pool.

Texas Medical Insurance Coverage through the Risk Pool can be expensive, premiums can be as much as twice the rate charged in the standard market, but for many who could not otherwise get Texas Health Insurance at all, it remains a viable option.