Family Health Insurance in Texas
Explore affordable family health insurance options in Texas, from ACA marketplace plans to CHIP and private PPO coverage. Find out what works best for your household in 2025.
How Family Health Insurance Works in Texas
Family health insurance in Texas typically covers two or more members of a household—often including parents, children, or dependents. You can access coverage through the ACA Marketplace, CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), or private insurers. Household income, family size, and health needs all impact eligibility and pricing.
Unlike individual plans, family policies combine risk and costs across multiple members. This can lead to lower per-person premiums and consolidated out-of-pocket maximums. Coverage tiers such as Bronze, Silver, and Gold apply to family plans just like individual plans, with Silver offering the best balance between cost and benefits for most families.
Family Coverage Tip: Be sure to include total household income when applying for ACA subsidies to ensure accurate savings.
ACA Family Plans Through Healthcare.gov
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows families in Texas to enroll in comprehensive health insurance through Healthcare.gov. These plans cover essential benefits like pediatric care, maternity services, and preventive screenings. Premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions are available based on your annual household income and family size.
- Subsidies available for families earning up to 400–600% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Family plans have combined deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
- Multiple insurers available including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ambetter, and Molina
Families who choose Silver-tier ACA plans and earn below 250% of the FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), which lower out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Did You Know? ACA plans automatically include pediatric dental and vision coverage for children under 19.
| Family Size | Income | Estimated ACA Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Family of 3 | $58,000 | $320/month |
| Family of 4 | $72,000 | $450/month |
| Family of 5 | $90,000 | $600/month |
CHIP: Children’s Health Insurance Program in Texas
Pediatrician examining a smiling child during a CHIP-covered checkup in Texas.
CHIP provides low-cost or free health coverage for children in families that earn too much for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. Texas CHIP covers doctor visits, immunizations, prescriptions, hospital care, dental, and vision.
- Eligibility based on child’s age and household income
- Most families pay $0 to $50 per year per child
- Enrollment is available year-round
- Copays range from $3 to $10 for doctor visits, and $15 to $35 for emergency care
CHIP applications typically process in 30 to 45 days. It’s important to apply as early as possible if you’re anticipating a coverage gap. You can Apply for Texas CHIP here.
Private Family Plans in Texas
Texas family using PPO health insurance at a provider without a referral.
For families that don’t qualify for ACA subsidies or want broader provider access, private insurance offers PPO and short-term plan options. These plans can offer greater flexibility but may not include all ACA benefits.
- Good for high-income or self-employed families
- May include national provider networks
- Can be paired with HSAs or direct primary care
- Short-term plans often exclude maternity and pre-existing condition coverage
| Plan Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ACA | Subsidies, full coverage | Network limits, income thresholds |
| PPO | Flexible providers, no referrals | Higher premiums |
| Short-Term | Lower cost, quick approval | Limited benefits |
What Do Family Plans Cost in Texas?
Health insurance costs for families vary based on plan type, number of family members, age, and location. Here’s what to expect:
- ACA Plans: $300–$900/month after subsidies
- CHIP: $0–$50/year per child
- Private PPO: $400–$1,200/month, depending on coverage level
Family deductibles often range from $3,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on the plan tier and insurer. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but the highest deductibles, while Gold plans offer lower deductibles at higher premiums.
Want to lower your family’s health insurance costs?
Real Example: Family of Four in Houston
Scenario: Married couple with two kids, earning $72,000/year.
- ACA Plan (Silver): ~$450/month after subsidy, $7,000 family deductible
- Short-Term PPO: ~$300/month, but higher out-of-pocket risks
Which Family Plan is Right for You?
- ACA Plan: Ideal for families eligible for subsidies and needing full benefits. Includes essential health benefits and is regulated by federal law.
- CHIP: Best for low-to-moderate income families with uninsured children. Offers low-cost access to care tailored for kids.
- Private PPO: Great for high-income households or those seeking flexible provider access without referrals. May allow national networks.
- Short-Term: Good for families between jobs or needing temporary coverage. Less comprehensive, but affordable in the short run.
How to Enroll in a Family Plan
Parent organizing documents and ID cards during family health plan enrollment in Texas.
You can apply for family health insurance in Texas during Open Enrollment (Nov 1–Jan 15) or when you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. CHIP is open year-round. Have these documents ready:
- Social Security numbers for all family members
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
You can apply directly through Healthcare.gov or work with a licensed broker for personalized guidance. Common enrollment mistakes include underestimating income, missing deadlines, or forgetting to submit documents.
Texas Family Health Insurance FAQs
Still have questions about family health coverage in Texas? These FAQs cover the most common concerns for parents and caregivers shopping for insurance in 2025.
How much is family health insurance in Texas per month?
Costs range from $300 to $1,200/month depending on subsidies, plan type, and family size.
Can I put just my children on a plan?
Yes. Children can qualify for CHIP or separate coverage even if parents are not insured.
Is CHIP available for undocumented children?
No, but some community health programs in Texas may offer limited services.
Do family plans have one deductible or multiple?
Family plans typically include both individual and combined family deductibles.
What’s the difference between a family deductible and an individual deductible?
Each family member has an individual deductible, but once the combined family deductible is met, the entire family receives full coverage for the rest of the year.
Can unmarried partners and their children share one family plan?
Yes, if they file taxes together or meet certain ACA household criteria, they may be eligible for a joint family plan.
Related Guides
- Texas Health Insurance: 2025 Guide
- Cheap Health Insurance in Texas
- What Is PPO Health Insurance?
- Health Insurance for the Self-Employed
These resources can help you understand the broader landscape of Texas health insurance and choose the right plan for your needs.
Ready to Compare Family Plans?
Whether you qualify for ACA subsidies, CHIP, or need private coverage, we can help you find the best family health insurance options in Texas.