Best Health Insurance Agencies in Missouri City

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  If you're looking for health insurance for yourself or your family, an agent can help you save time, understand your options, and manage your costs. Insurance agents must be licensed in the state where they operate. They can provide information about on- and off-exchange plans to help you weigh all of your options, and they can see if you qualify for tax credits that can lower your monthly premiums. There's no cost to work with an agent, and they can help you save quite a bit by recommending the best plan for your needs. Here's what you should know before you get started.
  

• Are you required to have health insurance coverage in Missouri City?

  No, as of January 1, 2019, the tax penalty imposed by the federal government for not carrying health insurance has been eliminated. Texas law does not mandate coverage for residents of Missouri City at the state level. In 2021, 16.6% of Texans, or 5.2 million individuals, were uninsured, according to a U.S. Census Bureau survey. In 2022, the number went down to 4.9 million uninsured based on the American Community Survey.

• How long can you keep your child on your Missouri City health insurance plan?

  Children can remain on their parents' health insurance plan until they reach the age of 26. Children who are married or live away from home are still eligible for coverage. If you work full-time for the City of Missouri, your health plan will cover your child until the end of the month they turn 26. Coverage for children under CHIP or Children's Medicaid lasts until the child turns 19 years old.

• Is it possible to get short-term health insurance in Missouri City?

  Yes, short-term health plans are permitted in Missouri City. If your current health plan is about to expire and you need more time to enroll in a new plan, short-term insurance can provide affordable, temporary coverage. This type of insurance typically lasts 30-364 days, has lower rates, can be purchased at any time, and does not restrict you to network providers. However, short-term plans do not cover pre-existing conditions and may not cover some essential health benefits, such as mental health care.

• Are employers in Missouri City required to sponsor health insurance coverage for employees?

  Employers are only required to provide health insurance coverage if they employ more than 50 full-time equivalent (FTE). The group health insurance plan must cover all Texas-mandated health benefits, including reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy and mental health care. Employers with 2-50 employees in Missouri City are free to provide health insurance coverage to full-time hires if they wish.

• Can people with preexisting conditions get marketplace health insurance in Missouri City?

  Yes, you can enroll in a health insurance plan through a health insurance agency/agent in Missouri City, both on and off the marketplace. The Affordable Care Act forbids insurers from denying or limiting health insurance coverage or raising premiums based on a person's preexisting condition. This regulation went into effect in 2014.

• How can you find affordable health insurance? 

  Affordable insurance is available through employers, Medicare, Medicaid, and the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, which offers subsidies in the form of tax credits. You can also purchase coverage through private insurance companies and independent agents. Nearly half of all Americans have employer-sponsored health insurance, and about 10% of the population is uninsured.