Texas open enrollment 2027 Open enrollment · Texas

Texas Open Enrollment 2027 for Self-Employed

Last updated November 3, 2026 · By Frank Caballero, licensed health insurance broker

Short answer

For self-employed people and 1099 contractors in Texas, open enrollment for 2027 coverage runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov, and December 15 is the date to choose by for a January 1 start. A private, medically underwritten plan does not wait for the window: if approved, it can start the first of any month, which suits income that never arrives on a schedule.

What 2027 looks like for you

Texas's average 2027 rate change is 13.1% to 14.1% (finalized). Two insurers are leaving Texas's individual market, so some renewals arrive as a plan you did not pick. The details are on the Texas 2027 premium increase page.

The subsidy line for 2027 sits at 400% of the federal poverty level: $63,840 for one person and $86,560 for two. For self-employed people the income that counts is net business income after expenses, plus any other household income, and a strong fourth quarter can carry you over the line. Starting with tax year 2026 there is no cap on repaying excess advance credit, so estimate carefully. General information, not tax advice — confirm with your CPA based on your specific entity structure.

Texas this year

Texas runs the country's second-largest Marketplace, and its final 2027 increase averages roughly 13 to 14 percent, a bit below the national figure. About 15 insurers filed, so Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio have deep plan lists, while West Texas and the Rio Grande Valley have fewer. HealthCare.gov handles Texas enrollment, and the window shuts January 15, 2027. Permian Basin and Houston oil and gas contractors, Austin tech contractors, Laredo freight owner-operators and rideshare drivers above the subsidy line may find that last year's plan is no longer the most affordable one.

Work I see most often among Texas's self-employed buyers: oil and gas contractors in the Permian Basin and Houston, construction trades, owner-operator truck drivers on I-35 and I-10 and in Laredo freight, real estate agents, tech contractors in Austin, rideshare and delivery drivers, and ranching families.

One thing to do before you choose

Do not renew on autopilot in Texas. With nine or more insurers, prices at a single metal level can differ widely, and the ranking changes every year. Re-shop with your precise ZIP code and doctor list. If you are an oil and gas contractor or tech consultant earning above $86,560 as a couple, add a private plan to the comparison; approval hinges on health, it isn't sold through the Marketplace, and benefits are plan-specific.

Your checklist

Your Texas renewal notice and its 2027 price
A net income estimate with a cushion
Doctors and prescriptions in each network
A private quote if you are healthy and near the line

Private plan or Marketplace?

Private plan

Healthy and above the line: priced on age, ZIP code and health, not income. Approval depends on health answers; not an ACA Marketplace plan.

Marketplace

A health condition or income under the line: HealthCare.gov must accept you, and the subsidy may make it the better value.

Compare Texas plans this open enrollment

Private plans priced first, the Marketplace alongside when it fits. Phone or video, English or Spanish, no fee.

Get a quote Book a call (786) 218-2384

About your broker

Frank Caballero (NPN 21032307), licensed in 31 states including Texas. Phone or video, English or Spanish, no fee; independent, not HealthCare.gov or any government agency.

Questions

When is the 2027 open enrollment deadline in Texas?

January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov. Choose by December 15, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1; plans picked after that start February 1.

I work Permian Basin oil contracts but live in San Antonio. Where should my plan's network be strongest?

Pick a network built around where you get routine care, usually home, and confirm how it handles urgent care in West Texas, where options are fewer. Texas networks differ widely, so check both your San Antonio doctors and the nearest in-network facility near your work site. I can compare them with you in English or Spanish.

Can I get a private plan in Texas after open enrollment closes?

Yes. You can apply in any month and, if approved, a private plan can start the first of a month; the insurer can decline based on health answers.

More for Texas

Official sources: HealthCare.gov, the federal Marketplace; HealthCare.gov: special enrollment periods. FC Insurance Solutions is an independent, licensed brokerage and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Written by Frank Caballero, licensed health insurance broker in Texas and 30 other states, NPN 21032307. Last updated November 3, 2026.