Health Insurance Plans in Tarrant County, Texas, 2024

Tarrant County, one of the busiest counties in Texas, sees many faces drive through its borders. Flights, football, and fancy, from all walks of life join together and then part in their everyday lives. This constant mixing and mingling breeds a huge need for health insurance. We at CoverMile are here to help you find the best health insurance in Tarrant County at a price you can afford. Contact us today, and like the Palace Theater, we’ll keep the light on for you.

CoverMile helps individuals and families find the best health insurance coverage at the lowest prices in Tarrant County, TX. Plans exist for as low as $0 per month with subsidies. Let us show you how.

2023 Health Insurance Facts in Tarrant County, Texas

2.4 million Texans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act health insurance program in 2023. Only Florida had a higher enrollment rate in the U.S.. Texas also topped 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, Harris County has a population of 2.1 million residents. Of that total, 19.9 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, Tarrant County has access to eight insurance providers.
• 83.2 percent of Tarrant County has health insurance. 50.1 percent obtain it with their employer, while 10.5 percent have it through non-group plans. 8.36 percent are on Medicare, 12.6 percent have insurance through Medicaid, and less than 1.68 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, Tarrant County is voted number six of the most culture-diverse counties in Texas, and number 27 in the country.
• 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 Tarrant County itself:

• Tarrant County was named after Edward Tarrant, a lawyer and farmer who led military activity against the Indians. His most famous battle was the Battle of Village Creek. They sent scouts in; one died, and one was injured. Learning of the Indians numbers, chose to retreat. When they tried to come back, the villages were deserted.    

• “The Lightbulb Methuselah” is the world’s second-largest continuous burning light bulb. It is the Palace Theater Light Bulb, which was lit on September 21, 1908.  
• Tarrant County is the third most populated county in Texas and the fifteenth most populated in the country.
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFWIA) is the second busiest international gateway in Texas (the busiest is Houston’s IAH), the third busiest airport in the world by aircraft movements, and the second largest airport by land area, second to Denver International Airport.
• DFWIA lies in two counties, Tarrant and Dallas Counties. You can actually book a flight in one county and take off in another, or land in one county and get off your plane in another.
• Tarrant County has several lakes. Among them are Benbrook, Eagle Mountain, and Lake Worth. Parts of Grapevine Lake and Joe Pardi Lake also reside in the county.
• Tarrant County has many nicknames. Of those are Funkytown, Cowtown, and Where the West Begins, an imaginary line drawn through the future town where Native Americans would remain west; that treaty was made between General Tarrant and George Terrell with tribal chiefs.
• About 60 percent of the U.S. paper money is printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Ft. Worth.

• Tarrant County is home to Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, and the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, all playing in Arlington.  
• Even a major area like Tarrant County has five ghost towns. Among these are Smithfield Jellico, and Birdville, the first settlement in Tarrant County that once served as the county seat. It was named after Captain Jon Bird.

Do I Need Health Insurance in Tarrant County, TX?

For the 2024 enrollment period, only five states still have a health insurance mandate. In Texas, you aren’t required to have health insurance to see a doctor or visit a health care facility. However, when you don’t have health insurance, you will face issues you may not consider.

1. Healthcare costs.Members receive a discount at a big box store when they present a 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 a list of doctors, specialists, and medical facilities that provide medical care. These 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.Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance mandates include free preventive care services such as immunizations and well checkups. When you don’t have health insurance, you need to pay for these services on your own.

What are My Health Insurance Options in Tarrant County, Texas?

When shopping for affordable health insurance in Tarrant County, individuals and families can buy 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 Marketplace is the most common way individuals find health insurance. When signing up online, you are given the plan options available for 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 making a Direct Purchase, it is important to understand you will not have access to ACA subsidies. If you think you may qualify, apply on the Marketplace website before you take the next step toward a direct purchase. Also, know that insurance rates and plans available may vary when you make a direct purchase from an insurance company.

Short-term Health Insurance – Short-term insurance is a great option when you need temporary health insurance. You can 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 Seven Health Insurance Companies in Tarrant 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 Tarrant County based on their 2024 rates compared to their 2023 rates.

• Aetna – 14.94 % rate increase – last year, Aetna had a significant decrease. This year, we see they top the list of insurance companies that 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.  – While Ambetter doesn’t offer a Bronze Metal tier, they offer an Adult Dental and Vision option 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 decrease is a welcome sight. They have more plans available than most insurers, giving shoppers options. They are 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 with an increase for 2024, but 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 performance with a 13.46 percent rate increase. While UnitedHealthcare had the second largest premium increase of those surveyed, they offer benefits other companies on our list 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 Tarrant County, TX*

Below, we’ve selected each company’s best health insurance plans for Tarrant 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
Ambetter	Focused VALUE Silver HMO	50%	$5100/ $10200	$6700/ $13400	$35/$85	Yes	Dental is reimbursement
Aetna	Aetna Silver S HMO	40%	$5700/ $11400	$7200/ $14400	$40/ $80	Yes	Dental/ Vision as separate policy
Aetna	Aetna Silver 1 HMO	40%	$4250/ $8500	$7325/ $14650	$20/$40	Yes	Dental/ Vision as separate policy
Oscar	Silver Classic Standard EPO	40%	$5700/ $11400	$7200/ $14400	$40/$80	Yes	No
United Healthcare	Silver-E Virtual First HMO	35%	$3200/ $6400	$7250/ $14500	$0/$100	Yes	Dental/ Vision as separate policies
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
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	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.

** No charge for the first two sick visits, $25 copayment per visit for subsequent visits in that plan year; deductible does not apply.

How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Tarrant 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 – Each year, Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins on November 1^st  and continues through December 31^st. Your health insurance starts on January 1^st. If you miss this opportunity, you have a second chance. You have until January 15^th to enroll late, but your start date will be February 1^st.

The ACA also allows a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) where one can enroll anytime during the year. You qualify for a SEP when:

• There is a change in your household. – This can include a change in marital status, having a birth or adoption, or there is a death in the family.
• You have a change in your residence. – If you move and change zip codes, this may require an insurance rate adjustment.
• You have a change 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 Marketplace. When you apply, the site guides you through entering your personal information. It is quick and easy, and you will know your status as soon as 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 Tarrant 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 Tarrant County, TX?

One primary concern is whether a doctor is on your insurance network. 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 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.