Subsidized Health Insurance in Texas
Marketplace financial help comes in two forms, and most people only know about one of them. Your eligibility depends on your projected household income for the coverage year and your household size — not on last year's tax return. A licensed agent can check your exact figure in a few minutes, free.
Worth Knowing
The Two Kinds of Help — and Why It Matters
Premium Tax Credit
Reduces what you pay each month. It is applied directly to your premium, so you never front the full cost and wait for a refund. This is the one most people have heard of.
Cost-Sharing Reduction
Reduces your deductible, copays and out-of-pocket maximum — what you pay when you actually use care. Available only on Silver plans. Pick a Bronze plan when you qualify for CSRs and you throw this away.
Getting the Estimate Right Matters
Your credit is based on projected income. Estimate too low and you may owe money back at tax time; estimate too high and you overpay all year. This is the most common and most expensive mistake people make enrolling on their own.
Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat 9am–5pm ET
What Determines Your Subsidy
What Actually Goes Into the Calculation
Subsidy eligibility is a formula, not a judgment call. These are the inputs. An agent runs them against the current year's rules and gives you a real number rather than a range.
Projected household income for the coverage year
Not what you earned last year — what you expect to earn this year. For self-employed and commission-based income, this is where an agent earns their keep.
Household size
Everyone you claim on your tax return, including dependents who are not applying for coverage themselves.
Access to other coverage
If your employer offers coverage the government deems affordable, you generally cannot get a subsidy — even if you would rather buy on the Marketplace.
Your ZIP code and age
Subsidies are pegged to the cost of a benchmark plan where you live. Two identical households in different counties can get different amounts.
Tobacco use
Carriers may charge tobacco users more, and the surcharge is not covered by the premium tax credit.
Simple Process
What Happens When You Call
Call a Licensed Agent
One call connects you with a licensed Texas health insurance agent. A real person, not a bot.
We Compare Every Plan
We check the plans available in your ZIP, confirm your doctors are in-network, and calculate the financial help you qualify for.
Enroll — or Don't
If a plan fits, we handle the paperwork and submit it on the call. If nothing fits, we tell you that. The call is free either way.
Real Savings
What Could You Save in 2026?
ACA subsidies are based on your household income and household size. Many Texans qualify for more help than they realise — and never find out.
$20,000/yr (single)
Without Help
$450/mo
With Subsidy
$0/mo
You Save
$5,400/yr
$35,000/yr (couple)
Without Help
$820/mo
With Subsidy
$48/mo
You Save
$9,264/yr
$50,000/yr (family of 4)
Without Help
$1,200/mo
With Subsidy
$195/mo
You Save
$12,060/yr
$75,000/yr (family of 4)
Without Help
$1,200/mo
With Subsidy
$420/mo
You Save
$9,360/yr
| Household Income | Without Help | With ACA Subsidy | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000/yr (single) | $450/mo | $0/mo | $5,400/yr |
| $35,000/yr (couple) | $820/mo | $48/mo | $9,264/yr |
| $50,000/yr (family of 4) | $1,200/mo | $195/mo | $12,060/yr |
| $75,000/yr (family of 4) | $1,200/mo | $420/mo | $9,360/yr |
Illustrative examples only. Actual premiums and subsidies vary by ZIP code, age, household size, tobacco use, plan selection and the subsidy rules in effect for the coverage year. Call for a figure specific to you.
One call, and a licensed agent handles the rest.
Call (888) 527-1991Common Questions
Questions? We Have Answers.
Find Out What You Actually Qualify For
Five minutes on the phone gets you a real number instead of a guess — including whether a Silver plan with cost-sharing reductions beats the cheaper-looking Bronze plan.