The Texas Health Insurance Pool offers health insurance to Texans who are unable to secure individual coverage in the private market because of one or more serious medical conditions.

The insurance pool is generally the most comprehensive option for medical coverage for persons who do not qualify for private coverage. Premium rates are determined by age, gender, tobacco use, and zip code, without regard to health status. Premiums in the health pool may be double the standard rates compared to the individual private health insurance market.

The program serves as an important “safety net” for individuals who have been denied health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions and who do not have other coverage options.

Federal High Risk Pool

A federal high risk health insurance pool program is also available for individuals with preexisting medical condition who have been uninsured for at least 6 months when they apply.  Enrollees in the new federal pool program pay standard market premium rates and their coverage will not be subject to any preexisting condition exclusions.

For more information on the state and federal risk pools, including eligibility requirements and benefits information, call the Texas Health Risk Pool at (888) 398-3927 or visit their website.