Health Insurance Plans in El Paso County, Texas, 2024

Many stories exist through the county of El Paso that have made it famous, from Pat Garret, the lawman who supposedly gunned down Billy the Kid, to the songs that have been written about the town. There is even a salsa dedicated to the Texas tradition of spicing up food. Whether it’s injury or heartburn, health insurance is something to consider, and CoverMile is here to help you find the best health insurance in El Paso County at a price you can afford. Contact us today.

CoverMile helps individuals and families find the best health insurance coverage at the lowest prices in El Paso County, TX. Plans exist for as low as $0 per month with subsidies.  

2024 Health Insurance Facts in El Paso County, Texas

For 2023, Texas has seen 2.4 million enroll in the Affordable Care Act health insurance program. Only Florida had a higher enrollment rate. Texas also rose to top another list, the country’s uninsured rate at 22.1 percent. The Lone Star State has held that position since the exchange system’s implementation.
 
Here are additional facts about health insurance in Texas.

• According to a U.S. Census estimate, El Paso County has a population of 870 thousand residents. Of that total, 23.5 percent are uninsured.
• By gender, of those insured, 51.4 percent were female, and 48.6 percent were male.
• Eighty-seven percent of consumers have access to three or more insurers in 2023. Through the ACA, El Paso County has access to eight insurance providers.
• 78.7 percent of El Paso County has health insurance. Thirty-four percent obtain it with their employer, while 12.4 percent have it through non-group plans. 7.23 percent are on Medicare, 19.8 percent have insurance through Medicaid, and less than 5.24 percent have insurance through the V.A. or military.
• Fifty-nine percent of consumers have access to a plan from a national insurer; companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and UnitedHealthcare are available to more than just a local area.
• According to Niche, El  Paso County is voted number thirteenth of the healthiest counties in Texas.
• The average cost for a Silver health insurance plan in Texas is $475.
• If you miss the annual Open Enrollment period, check if you qualify for Short Term Health Insurance. Some insurers offer this benefit. UnitedHealthcare is one of them.

Here are a few fun facts about El Paso County itself:

• El Paso County was established in 1850. This is confused with the Mexican city of El Paso del Norte. That town would eventually change its name to its modern name of Ciudad Juarez in 1888.
• Fort Bliss is a military base that was established on March 8, 1854. It was formerly known as Fort Fillmore. It was named after Lt. Col. William Wallace Smith Bliss. He was General Zachary Taylor’s Chief of Staff during the Mexican War.
• El Paso County is the only county in the U.S. to have mined, milled, and smelted tin. 
• Pat Garrett, the lawman who supposedly gunned down Billy the Kid, was from El Paso.
• Country singer Marty Robins sang a song titled ‘El Paso.’ It was about a cowboy who was jealous of another man’s advances on his girl, so he killed him. Then he ran. But because of his love for her, he returned to the city only to be gunned down by lawmen, but he was able to die in her arms, receiving a kiss from her before he died.
• El Paso County shares a border with Mexico with four points of entry: Tornillo-Guadalupe International Bridge, Puente Zaragoza, Puente Internacional Cordova de las América’s, and Paso del Norte International Bridge.
• The border of Texas and New Mexico lies on the earth’s 32^nd parallel and is the westernmost county in Texas.

• El Paso County is one of two Texas counties that is not in the Central Time Zone but in the Mountain Time Zone; the other is Hudspeth.
• El Paso County has two ghost towns. These are La Tuna and White Spur. In 1932, La Tuna was associated with a Federal Prison. A minimum-security prison was added in the mid 70’s. It also functioned as the area’s post office.

Do I Need Health Insurance in El Paso County, TX?

In Texas, there are no longer health insurance mandates to see a doctor or visit a health care facility. In fact, only five states still have a health insurance mandate. However, when you don’t have health insurance, you will face issues you may not consider.

1. Healthcare costs. If you are a member of a retail store, you receive a discount when you present your membership card at the register. Health insurance is somewhat the same. Insurance companies contract with medical facilities to provide care at a negotiated rate. If you choose not to carry health insurance, you will pay full price.
2. Healthcare networks.Networks are an insurance company’s list of doctors, specialists, and medical facilities that provide medical care. They can help ease the concern of searching on your own. Especially since seeking advanced medical care may burden an already stressful situation.
3. Healthcare maintenance.Affordable Care Act health insurance mandates include free preventive care services such as immunizations and well checkups. Without health insurance, you must pay for these services out of pocket.

What are My Health Insurance Options in El Paso County, Texas?

Individuals and families in El Paso County can find health coverage through the ACA Marketplace. You can also purchase directly from a health insurance company like Oscar Insurance. Each option has its benefits.

Affordable Care Act/Marketplace – The most common way individuals find health insurance is through the Marketplace. When signing online, you’re given plan options available to you and your family. The Affordable Care Act website also informs you if you qualify for premium tax credits and subsidies like cost-sharing reductions.

Direct Purchase – When purchasing directly from a website, it’s important to understand you won’t have access to ACA subsidies. If you believe you may qualify, apply on the Marketplace website before making a direct purchase. Also, know insurance rates and plans available may vary when making a direct purchase from an insurance company.

Short-term Health Insurance – When you need temporary health insurance, short-term insurance can be a great option. You will have insurance from your hire date until the employer’s benefits package begins, if it’s too long until Open Enrollment and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment period, or if you are nearing Medicare. Short-term insurance covers an initial period of 364 days and can be renewed for an additional 24 months. Understand Short-term health insurance has limitations. It doesn’t cover preexisting conditions, maternity care, or prescription medication.

Types of Insurance – Health insurance has three primary network types: HMOs, EPOs, and PPOs. The difference is the network structure. EPOs are the strictest. PPOs are the most lenient on which doctors you can see and when. BCBS of Texas, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare are all HMOs. Ambetter and Oscar are EPOs. When shopping for a plan, watch for out-of-network fees and restrictions. The doctors or specialists you use may not be within all plan networks.

Top Six Health Insurance Companies in El Paso County, TX*

What a customer is willing to pay for their policy over time is one of the main details top insurance ratings evaluate. Health insurance shoppers then use reviews to consider which insurance companies are best and purchase based on this research.

To address this concern, we’ve rated the top companies available in El Paso County based on their 2024 rates compared to their 2023 rates.

• Aetna – 14.94 % rate increase – Aetna had a significant rate decrease in 2023. For 2024, we see they top the list of insurance companies that will have an increase. Aetna is known for their $0 preventive care, 24/7 $0 Virtual Care, and in-network $0 walk-in clinics available seven days a week.
• Ambetter – 4.39% rate increase. – Ambetter doesn’t offer a Bronze Metal tier, but they offer an Adult Dental and Vision option that is included with some EPO network plans. Other insurance companies only provide the ACA 10 Essential Benefits mandated Children’s Dental and Vision.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas – 0.24% rate decrease – Last year, BCBS of Texas had a three percent increase. For 2024, a rate decrease is a welcome sight. They offer more plans than most insurers, giving shoppers options. Blue Cross Blue Shield is also one of the few companies that is available nationwide.
• Cigna – 12.4% rate increase. – This is our first year reviewing Cigna. While we don’t have a number for last year, they do offer benefits like $3 generic prescriptions on some of their plans.
• Oscar – 3.39% rate increase. – In 2023, Oscar had a double-digit increase, still having an increase in 2024, it is not as bad. Oscar Insurance offers benefits few companies match. First is a $3 copay for prescriptions on some plans. Second, they offer $0 Virtual Specialist Visits. Most companies only include Virtual Visits for a Primary Care Physician.

• UnitedHealthcare – 13.46 % rate increase. – This year, UnitedHealthcare repeats last year’s 13.46 percent rate increase. While UnitedHealthcare had the second largest premium increase of those surveyed, they offer benefits other companies don’t. One is Short Term Insurance. If you are without insurance, it’s between Open Enrollment, and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, UnitedHealthcare may be your only option.

Top Ten Health Insurance Plans for El Paso County, TX*

Below, we’ve selected each company’s best health insurance plans for El Paso County, TX. They are in order as they reflect the cost of a standard Silver policy without Cost Saving reductions.

Insurance company	Insurance Plan	Co-insurance	Deductible	Out-of-Pocket Max	Copay PCP/ Specialist	$0 Virtual Care PCP	Adult Dental/ Vision
BCBS of Texas	MyBlue Health Silver 807 HMO	40%	$5700/ $11400	$7200/ $14400	$40/$80	Fee Applies	Dental/ Vision as separate policies
Cigna	Connect Silver-2 3000 HMO	50%	$3300/ $6600	$7300/ $14600	$25/ $45	Fee applies	Dental/ Vision as separate policies
Aetna	Aetna Silver S HMO	40%	$5700/ $11400	$7200/ $14400	$40/ $80	Yes	Dental/ Vision as separate policy
Oscar	Silver Classic Standard EPO	40%	$5700/ $11400	$7200/ $14400	$40/$80	Yes	No
Aetna	Aetna Silver 1 HMO	40%	$4250/ $8500	$7325/ $14650	$20/$40	Yes	Dental/ Vision as separate policy
Oscar	Silver Simple Specialist Saver	50%	$4500/ $9000	$7200/ $14400	$40/$40	Yes	No
United Healthcare	Silver-E Virtual First HMO	35%	$3200/ $6400	$7250/ $14500	$0/$100	Yes	Dental/ Vision as separate policies
United Healthcare	UHC Silver-E Advantage+ HMO	30%	$2500 $5000	$7100/ $14300	$0/$100	Yes	Dental/ Vision as separate policies
BCBS Of Texas	Blue Advantage Silver 801 HMO	40%	$2500/ $5000	$7550/ $15100	$45/$80	Fee Applies	Dental/ Vision as separate policies
Ambetter	Focused   Silver HMO	50%	$5100/ $10200	$6700/ $13400	$35/$85	Yes	Dental is reimbursement
Ambetter	Complete EPO Silver+ Vison+ Adult Dental	40%	$5000/ $10000	$7500/ $10000	$20/$50	Cost sharing applies	Yes

*In our review, we have listed seven health insurance companies. Other insurance providers may be available.

How to Enroll in Health Insurance in El Paso County, TX?

The enrollment process does not change much whether you live in Tarrant, El Paso, Corpus Christi, or Harris Counties. Each county must follow Affordable Care Act standards.

When – Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins on November 1^st  and continues through January 15^th. If you enroll by December 15^th, your health insurance begins on January 1^st. If you enroll between December 16^th and January 15^th, your coverage will begin on February 1^st.

You can enroll anytime outside of Open Enrollment if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You’re eligible for a SEP when there is a change:

• In your household. – This can include a marital status change, having a birth or adoption, or there is a death in the family.
• In your residence. – If you move and change zip codes, this can trigger an insurance rate adjustment.
• To your health coverage. – When you or your spouse lose employer-sponsored health coverage or a plan from an alternative source, you can apply for health insurance.

How – The easiest way to apply is through the ACA Marketplace. When applying, the site will guide you through entering your personal information. It is quick and easy, and you’ll know your status when you complete your application. You will also know if you qualify for tax subsidies and how they will apply toward your policy’s cost.

If you have any questions about health insurance in El Paso County, TX, contact CoverMile. We can help you find the best coverage that fits your current situation and guide you through the application process.

How to Find Doctors Near Me in El Paso County, TX?

One primary concern is if you will be able to continue seeing your current doctor. You can find out by visiting the insurance company’s website and searching for your doctor or the facility’s name to see if they are in-network or out-of-network.

The links below will take you to each provider’s website and directory. You can search by location, doctor’s name, and facility type. Each website is different, and some offer more information than others.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX

After entering your location, you can search Medical Care, Urgent Care, Behavior Health, and Cost Estimates. You can also search for pharmacy information, as well as for Dental and Vision care.

Oscar

Once you select your plan, you can find Primary Care Providers (PCPs), hospitals, pharmacies, and urgent care centers in your area.

Ambetter

Enter your plan information and location, and you can find doctors and facilities in your area. You are also given the option to connect with Telehealth or to talk with a nurse directly.

UnitedHealthcare

Begin by selecting the type of provider you are searching for, then your plan type, and finally, the plan you are on. Then, you can search by doctor, facility, specialty, or condition. You can also view a cost estimate.

Aetna

After providing your zip code and the search parameters, select your health plan. Then, you can search for doctors, facilities, and pharmacies in your selected area.

Cigna

Search the doctor’s type, name, or facility through an address, city, or zip code. Then, you can find your doctor’s name or facility through the drop-down menu.