Note: These are StretchDollar's opinions. For complex health questions, best to consult a broker.
The marketplace, also known as a health insurance exchange, allows individuals and families to shop for health insurance. Established by the federal government, it mandates that listed health plans provide comprehensive benefits.
In 2019, the government introduced ICHRA (Individual Health Reimbursement Arrangement), a unique way for small businesses to offer health benefits. Through ICHRA, business owners can give pre-tax money to employees for purchasing their own health plans from the marketplace. More employees than ever before are shopping the marketplace. Let's explore the options.
Are you on the hunt for health insurance guidance for Dallas, Texas? This resource can guide you to a ‘right fit’ health plan. (Note: This is StretchDollar's opinion. For complex health questions, best to consult a broker.)
Best if you like telemedicine + $0 deductibles.
Oscar Bronze Classic Standard - EPO
Best plan for the young and healthy.
MyBlue Health Bronze℠ 806
Best general all-around option for the price and network.
UHC Bronze Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Insulin) - HMO
Looking for the most affordable plan? Here are a few of the lowest cost health plans available in Dallas, Texas.
*Based on 30-year-old male
Coverage for mental health visits varies widely. If mental health benefits are important to you, checkout these health plans.
Note: If you have a particular therapist you love (and we hope you do), we recommend double checking with them that they accept these plans before purchasing one.
If you're keen on racking up credit card reward points by paying for health insurance premiums, you've got options. Check out these health insurance carriers in Dallas, Texas that accept credit card payments:
Some health plans have added bonuses beyond the standard coverage. Here's a few we think worth calling out:
An app you’ll actually use with integrated telemedicine
A $3 prescription medicine program
Super low cost fitness access
Shopping on the marketplace offers you the advantage of choice. The marketplace in Houston has 120+ plans from eight different health insurance carriers.
Health insurance has a lot of terms and jargon that are important to know. Here’s some of the main ones you’ll come across. You can find more here.
Seeing out-of-network doctors or taking medicines that aren’t covered by your health plan can become quite costly. If you have complicated health needs or take specialty medicines, you should consult a broker to make sure your doctors and prescriptions are covered.
Health insurance is complicated and costly, especially for small businesses. High participation rates and contribution requirements make it out of reach for many. Not to mention, traditional group health insurance plans often require 60+ hours of administrative work. That’s where ICHRA comes in. Small business owners finally can control their benefits budget and setup takes just ten minutes. Learn more.
