Terrell is more than a sleepy border county. It has a history steeped in being a transportation hub across the country via train and highway until the interstate was constructed and everything shifted north to Interstate 10. Then the railways changed their practices and no longer needed to make their overnight stays in towns located in the county; this, in essence, left them as ghost towns. Whether traveling through a major city like Austin or a tiny town like Sanderson, you and your family need the protection of health insurance, and CoverMile is here to help you find it, and that isn’t a ghost story.
CoverMile helps individuals and families find the best health insurance at the lowest prices. With subsidies, you can find coverage in Terrell County for as low as $0 per month. Read on, and we can show you how.
Health Insurance Facts for 2023 in Terrell County, Texas
Texas Health insurance is unique; it has the highest uninsured rate, with 22.1 percent of residents without insurance. This is the highest in the nation, and the state has been in this position since the program’s implementation. Texas also has the second largest exchange enrollment in the country, with 2.4 million for 2023. Only Florida has more.
Here are additional facts about health insurance in Texas.
- According to a U.S. Census estimate, Terrell County’s population is 693. Of that total, 19.5 percent are uninsured.
- By gender, of those insured, 56.3 percent were men, and 43.7 percent were female.
- Currently, through the ACA, Eighty-seven percent of Texas insurance shoppers, on average, have access to three or more companies in 2023. Terrell County currently has access to one insurance provider.
- 90.7 percent of Terrell County has health coverage. 5.32 percent have insurance through Medicaid. 38.5 percent obtain it with their employer, and 35 percent have Medicare insurance. 11.4 percent are through non-group plans, none are through the V.A. or military.
- Overall, Fifty-nine percent of the country has access to coverage through a national insurer; these include companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, which is available in every state.
- The average cost of a Silver health insurance plan, without subsidies, in Texas is $454
Here are a few fun facts about the tiny county itself:
- Terrell County, namely Sanderson, is known as the “Cactus Capital of Texas.”
- Terrell County is a border county with La Chulita and Manga del Oso, Mexico.
- The county was named after a state senator, and the town of Sanderson after the engineer in charge of the construction of one of the town’s facilities.
- The Baxter’s Curve Train Robbery occurred just outside of Sanderson – David A. Trousdale, a Wells Fargo Express manager, foiled a train robbery, taking down both bandits.
- With Highway 90 running through Terrell County and Sanderson, it was the main point heading West, but after Interstate 10 was completed, the county saw its decline.
- On June 11, 1965, a flood destroyed the town of Sanderson, claiming 26 lives.
- Terrell County is featured in several novels as well as in the film No Country for Old Men.
- Terrell County has a couple of ghost towns: Dryden and Cedar Station.
Do I Need Health Insurance in Terrell County, TX?
There is no longer a federal mandate to carry health insurance. A handful of states have an individual mandate; Texas is not one of them. However, if you choose not to carry health insurance, even in a small county such as Terrell, you may discover issues you have not considered.
- Healthcare costs. When you visit a doctor or medical facility and don’t have health insurance, you pay full price for your health care. Having health insurance is like having a membership to a retail store. When you show your card at the register, you receive a discount. Insurance companies contract with medical providers to treat individuals at a negotiated rate.
- Healthcare networks. You may need additional treatment when you receive medical care from your regular doctor or provider. When you have health insurance, you have a network of doctors and facilities. This helps you to receive treatment quicker and ease worries, especially since looking for a specialist or advanced care facility on your own may add to an already stressful situation.
- Healthcare maintenance. When you have health insurance, you have free preventive care. This is due to the Affordable Care Act mandates. When you do not have health insurance, you will have to pay for these services out of pocket.
What are My Health Insurance Options in Terrell County, Texas?
If you live in Terrell County, you can purchase health insurance for Individuals and families through the Marketplace or directly from a health insurance provider. Each option has its benefits.
Affordable Care Act/Marketplace – When purchasing insurance through the Marketplace, you can search for the best plan based on your family dynamic and economic status. When you apply, the Affordable Care Act will inform you if you qualify for premium tax credits and subsidies like cost-sharing reductions.
Direct Purchase – Before purchasing directly from an insurance company, check to see if you qualify for tax credits and subsidies. If you don’t, you will have options with a direct purchase from a health insurance provider. In some cases, like with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, you may have additional plan options only available on the insurance company’s website.
Short-term Health Insurance – If you are looking for a type of insurance that will provide you coverage until either Open Enrollment or an employer’s benefit package, then Short-term Health Insurance may be an option for you. Short-term Health Insurance covers an initial period of 364 days and can be renewed for an additional 24 months. Keep in mind that Short Term Health Insurance has limits. It does not cover preexisting conditions, maternity care, or prescription medication.
Types of Insurance – The primary three health insurance networks are HMOs, EPOs, and PPOs. Insurance companies may offer you network options, whether through the Marketplace or a direct purchase. When viewing plans available, insurance companies sometimes allow you to choose your network type based on plans offered. Keep your doctor in mind when searching. They must be within the plan’s network for them to be covered. If they are not, you can incur out-of-network fees.
Top Health Insurance Companies with the Highest Star Ratings in Terrell County, TX
When shoppers look for health insurance in counties like Terrell, they wonder which insurance company is best for their family. Top ratings deal with how much a customer will pay for their policy over time. When considering insurance rates, you may ask these three questions:
- How much will my premium be?
- How much have they charged in the past?
- How much will my future costs be?
To address these concerns, we’ve rated the top companies available in Terrell County based on their 2023 rates compared to their 2022 rates.⃰
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas – 3.42% increase – Although BCBS of Texas has seen a premium increase this year, they continue to prove they are a strong and reliable insurance company. They have more plans available than other providers. They also offer coverage to the entire state of Texas.
Top Health Insurance Plans for Terrell County, TX
Below, we have selected the best insurance plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX for Terrell County, TX ⃰. We’ve listed them in order of premium for a standard policy without Cost Sharing Reductions. This list includes Bronze and Gold plans. However, be aware only Silver metal plans offer Cost Sharing Reductions.
| Insurance company | Insurance Plan | Co-insurance | Deductible | Out-of-Pocket Max | Copay PCP/ Specialist |
| BCBS of Texas | Blue Advantage Gold 206 HMO | 40% | $750/ $2250 | $9100/ $18200 | $30/40% |
| BCBS of Texas | Blue Advantage Gold 706 HMO | 25% | $2000/ $4000 | $8700/ $17400 | $30/$60 |
| BCBS of Texas | Blue Advantage Gold 203 HMO | 30% | $850/ $2550 | $9100/ $18200 | $20/$45 |
| BCBS of Texas | Blue Advantage Silver 205 HMO | 50% | $1500/ $4500 | $7250/$14500 | $15/50% |
| BCBS of Texas | Blue Advantage Silver 705 HMO | 40% | $5700/ $11400 | $7200/$14400 | $30/$60 |
| BCBS of Texas | Blue Advantage Silver 202 HMO | 50% | $1500/ $4250 | $7250/ $14500 | $20/50% |
*While we only list Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas above, other options may be available.
BCBS of Texas – Other Benefits
All Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas plans have Virtual Visits for a copay on all tiers. They also offer Dental and Vision plans. These can be purchased separately through the BCBS website.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Terrell County, TX?
Whether you live in Terrell, Orange, Kennedy, or Dallas Counties, there aren’t many differences in the enrollment process. All insurance companies are bound by Affordable Care Act standards.
When – Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment begins on November 1st and ends on December 31st, coverage begins on January 1st. You are also able to enroll until January 15th. With this late enrollment, you will have a start date of February 1st.
You may enroll at any time if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You are eligible for a SEP when:
- You have a change in your household. – If you get married or divorced; add a family member through birth or adoption; or if there is a death in the family.
- If there is a change of residence. – If you move into a new zip code, this can cause your insurance rate to change as well.
- There is a change in your health coverage. – If you lose your employer-sponsored health insurance or benefit plan through an alternative source, you can apply for ACA health insurance.
How – To apply for health coverage, the simplest way is through the ACA Marketplace. The website guides you through the process. After you complete your application, you are shown the plans available and if you qualify for tax subsidies. If you are eligible, you will know how it will apply to your policy’s cost.
If you have questions about health insurance in Terrell County, contact CoverMile. We’re here to help you find the best coverage for you and your family and guide you through the sign-up process.
How to Find Doctors Near Me in Terrell County, TX
Living in a small county like Terrell, you may be concerned with finding a doctor. Perhaps you already have a Primary Care Physician (PCP). Will your doctor be covered under your new health insurance plan? It is easy to find doctors near you in Terrell County. The best way is to search for your doctor’s name on your insurance provider’s website. This will let you know if they are in or out of network.
Below is the link that will take you to the BCBS website. Their medical directory allows you to search by location, doctor’s name, and facility type.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much is health insurance in Terrell County, TX?
Health insurance depends on many factors. Age, marital status, and if you add children to your policy, it will increase your cost. Other factors include plan selection and if you use tobacco products—also, your zip code matters. So, if you move, you need to notify your insurance company because it will impact your insurance premium.
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Can I sign up for health insurance outside Open Enrollment in Terrell County, TX?
Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment is November 1st – December 31st. If you miss the deadline, there is a late enrollment period until January 15th, with a February 1st start date. You also have another option. One may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. You qualify if: you are recently married, you lost a job that provided benefits, or your family had a birth or adoption.
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Can I sign up for Oscar Insurance in Terrell County, TX?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is available in Terrell County. However, Oscar Insurance is not available through the ACA Marketplace, nor is it sold on the open market through the company’s website.
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Do I have health insurance if I travel outside Terrell County, TX?
If you travel outside your network, as with most insurance companies, you will incur out-of-network fees or, in some cases, have no coverage at all. Yet, if you experience a medical emergency, all insurance companies provide care in a hospital or medical facility, even out-of-network. Although, if you travel to another country, even to Mexico, you will need to contact BCBS before you seek treatment, or you may not be covered.
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Can I talk to a doctor after hours in Terrell County, TX?
When you need to see a doctor, and it is not a medical emergency, you can see a doctor after hours through Telehealth services. You can talk to a medical professional 24/7. All you need is your phone or computer. You answer brief medical questions and are connected to a medical professional. This does require a small copay. Another advantage is that you can access this benefit even overseas.
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What is the minimum requirement for health insurance in Terrell County, TX?
There is no longer a federal mandate to carry health insurance, and Texas is not one of the five states that still require residents to carry health insurance. However, if you do not have health insurance, you will pay more for your health care. This will include preventive care like well checkups. If you are unsure which plan may be best for you, contact an insurance professional at CoverMile. We would be happy to guide you through the process.
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Am I able to get Dental or Vision Insurance in Terrell County, TX?
Most insurance companies offer Children’s Dental and Vision services as part of their mandated ACA 10 Essential Benefits but nothing for adults. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas offers a Dental and Vision benefit, this includes both children and adults, but it is separate from its health insurance plan. Visit their website for more information.
