People typically obtain their Texas health insurance by one of two methods: participating in their employer’s health insurance program or purchasing an individual health plan on their own. Steep unemployment rates, recent legislation leading to fewer employer-sponsored plans and the desire for greater personalization and control over health care costs has led more and more people to choose individual Texas health insurance plans over group plans.

Employer-sponsored health insurance plans operate under group rates and maintain a one-size-fits-all dynamic.  This blanket coverage results in certain individuals paying for coverage they don’t need in order to subsidize those employees who require more extensive health care.  Since these extra costs are absorbed by all employees, group plans are unnecessarily expensive for certain workers.  Such workers may benefit from an individual health insurance plan, which can be tailored to fit one’s particular needs and budget.

Another benefit of an individual Texas health insurance plan is that it’s portable.  When an employee loses his job, changes his job or branches out on his own, his benefits will lapse, leaving him and his family defenseless against a major medical emergency.  An individual health insurance plan, however, stays in place regardless of a change in employment status, ensuring coverage during tumultuous times.

Since money is tight, the job market jobs remains uncertain and increases in health care costs continue to outpace wages, there’s no better time to consider an individual Texas health insurance plan for personalized, affordable and portable health coverage.

While most Texas health insurance plans are issued by employers as part of an employee’s health benefits, many people choose to purchase insurance on their own.  Those who are self-employed, have jobs that don’t provide insurance or have lost their jobs often opt for individual Texas health insurance plans to guarantee they’re covered should medical needs arise.

When selecting an individual Texas health insurance plan, you can choose between indemnity, or fee-for-service plans, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), point-of-service (POS) plans, preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and even Texas health savings accounts (HSAs).  Run through the benefits, services and price structures for each type of health insurance plan to decide which plan best conforms to your health needs and budget.

One of the biggest advantages of purchasing individual Texas health insurance is that you have the freedom to pick and choose the benefits and services you want.  Whether it’s low monthly premiums paired with a high deductible, or higher monthly premiums matched with no deductibles or copays, you can customize individual plans to meet your needs and budget.  This is in contrast to group plans that offer broad coverage for a broad range of people, which can result in you paying for services you don’t want or need.

Another advantage to obtaining individual Texas health insurance is that it’s portable. Employer sponsored coverage ends when your job ends, but an individual plan goes with you, so regardless of job status, consumers can rest assured that they’re covered.

For personalized support in choosing the best individual Texas health insurance plan for you, try working with a Texas health insurance broker.  A broker can guide you through various plans and options as well as make suggestions that align with your medical background and health care needs.  And since health insurance rates are regulated, the rates obtained through a broker are the exact same as rates received directly from the insurance company.  Plus, because a broker’s fee is paid by the health insurance carrier, there’s no extra cost to you; and if you need some help along the way, you’ve got a local advocate to navigate the health insurance maze on your behalf.