On Wednesday, September 25^th, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released cost estimates of premiums for the State of Texas under the Health Insurance Marketplace that opens on October 1^st. 

Texas consumers will be able to choose from an average of 54 health plans in the Marketplace. The statewide average premium in Texas for the lowest-cost silver plan will be $287 and for the lowest cost bronze plan it will be $211. However, these premiums will be significantly lower across the 28^th District of Texas. The HHS report provides estimates for the 25 largest metro areas in the 36 states that have not selected to run their own exchanges.  Two are in the 28^th District of Texas:

• In McAllen-Edinberg-Pharr-Mission, TX, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $99 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. For a family of four in McAllen-Edinberg-Pharr-Mission, TX with an income of $50,000 per year, the lowest bronze plan would cost only $117 per month. And McAllen-Edinberg-Pharr-Mission consumers will be able to choose from among 30 qualified health plans.

• In San Antonio, TX, a 27-year old who makes $25,000 per year will pay $87 per month for the lowest cost bronze plan and $145 per month for the second lowest cost silver plan, taking into account tax credits. For a family of four in San Antonio, TX with an income of $50,000 per year, the lowest bronze plan would cost only $73 per month. And San Antonio consumers will be able to choose from among 58 qualified health plans.

“Affordable healthcare coverage is about peace of mind and personal financial responsibility,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28).  “In the 28^th District of Texas, over 30% of residents do not have access to health insurance.  The opening of the healthcare marketplace and the ability to choose among different options for affordable health insurance will change many of lives in a profound way.  No longer will fear of an accident, potential for illness, or the even the desire to receive basic preventive care threaten to derail the financial security of millions of Texas families.  I applaud the announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services and encourage every resident of the 28^th District to take full advantage of his or her options.”

For more information regarding heath coverage, visit HealthCare.gov, or cuidadodesalud.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 toll free (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)