How to compare Marketplace plans in Texas — and our new plan comparison tool

Most people compare health plans by the monthly price. That's the number that matters least on its own. To compare Marketplace plans fairly, look at three numbers together and check your doctors before you choose.

The three numbers

• Premium — what you pay every month, after your tax credit.
• Deductible — what you pay for covered care before the plan starts sharing costs.
• Out-of-pocket maximum — the most you pay in a year for covered in-network care. This is your worst case.

A plan with a low premium usually has a high deductible. If you rarely see a doctor, that can work. If you take regular prescriptions, expect a baby or have a planned surgery, a plan with a higher premium can cost less over the full year.

Metal levels in plain words

Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum describe how you and the insurer split costs, not the quality of care. At some incomes, Silver plans come with cost-sharing reductions that lower the deductible and copays — worth checking before you pick Bronze.

Network type

• HMO — you use the plan's network and usually need a referral to see a specialist.
• EPO — network only, usually no referrals.
• PPO — some coverage outside the network, usually at a higher premium.

Always check that your doctors, your hospital and your prescriptions are covered by the plan for the 2027 plan year, not last year's.

Try the new plan comparison tool

We've added a plan comparison page to GetCover Pro. Enter your ZIP code, who needs coverage and your estimated income, and you'll see Marketplace plans for your county with:

• estimated monthly price after the tax credit;
• deductible and out-of-pocket maximum;
• copays for primary care, specialists and generic drugs;
• links to each plan's summary of benefits, drug list and network.

You can filter by metal level, plan type and carrier, compare up to three plans side by side, and then either enroll online or send your chosen plan to Roman, a licensed Texas agent, who will check your doctors and prescriptions before you enroll. No sign-up is needed to see plans. Prices for 2027 appear on November 1.