Buying individual health insurance in Texas has been shunned for many years. So many people either had insurance or couldn't afford it that buying your own policy was just never a thought in many people's minds. Unfortunately, the recession in recent years has taught Texans that there is some truth and reason behind having personal health insurance that you pick and pay for. More people are losing jobs than ever before, making relying on employer-sponsored health insurance impossible. Plus, medical costs are going up and the number of people with insurance is going down. People are actually filing BANKRUPTCY because they have too many medical bills. Now is the time to stop thinking about buying your own Texas Health Insurance and to start talking with an insurance broker about what you need.

Here are some quick facts:

-Texas has the highest rate of uninsured working age residents. 31% of people aged 18-64 were without health insurance in Texas in 2006, and there is no doubt that that number has risen since.

-Harris County (Houston): 37.6% uninsured

-Dallas County (Dallas): 33.3% uninsured

-Bexar County (San Antonio): 27.3% uninsured

-Travis County (Austin): 29.4% uninsured

-Tarrant County (Fort Worth): 27.8% uninsured

-El Paso County (El Paso): 40.2% uninsured

-The national average in 2006 was 20.2% of 18 to 64 year olds who were uninsured

-Texas is the fastest growing state (in population) and yet the fastest declining in the number of residents who are insured.

-Population in Texas: approx. 24.3 million people as of 2007 and growing

-Texas offers Medicaid and a special program known as Insure-A-Kid, insurance for families through TexCare

-HIPP: Texas Health Insurance Premium Payment Plan helps those who cannot pay insurance premiums in full

Still think that you can't afford insurance? Sure, you might not be able to live a lavish life of luxury if you choose to pay for Texas health insurance, but isnýt paying a few hundred dollars a month better than paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills? Imagine you have two choices for your family, and you have the means to get insurance:

-Buy insurance for $300 for the entire family for a month. There are several options to choose from for the average family size at or below this amount.

-File bankruptcy and ruin your financial future because you have $200,000 in medical bills or more after just a few years without insurance.

No one wants to give up their creature comforts or live on a budget. Not having extra money isn't fun, but not having health insurance that you can depend on isn't safe. It isn't financially safe and it isn't medically safe. Some people will go to extremes when uninsured and risk their lives because they don't want medical bills piling up. Don't put yourself in that position. You CAN afford Texas health insurance, so contact a broker today to find out how.

One more thing to consider when it comes to Texas health insurance

5 Reasons to Buy Your Own Insurance

There are many things to consider when it comes to getting Texas health insurance. Buying your own insurance is a popular trend these days. With fewer employers than ever offering group coverage, it's no wonder that so many people are buying their own insurance or going without. Here are five quick and simple reasons you should buy your own insurance:

1. You CAN get comprehensive, affordable protection. If you work with a broker and take the time to learn about your options, getting the health insurance that you need doesn't have to be expensive or lacking in any areas.
2. Getting Texas Health Insurance is EASY. Since the state regulates the premiums that people pay, you can work through an insurance agency with a broker that will cater to your personal needs, and it costs you nothing. That's right. FREE professional assistance in choosing health insurance. Who can pass up free services?
3. YOU pick. You pick your coverage, your deductibles, your co-pays, and even the choice between Catastrophic or Texas high deductible HSA plans and PPO plans with doctor co-payments. It's all YOUR choice. With employer coverage, you might have a few choices, but in most cases, you have limited options that might not be right for you.
4. You won't lose coverage. If you change jobs, take a different path in life, or do anything else, you won't have to worry about losing your insurance. As long as you want it and pay the premium, the health coverage is YOURS to keep.
5. Private health insurance is more affordable than a group plan. Many people think that it's quite the opposite, but it isn't really. In a group plan, you are paying for everyone's coverage and splitting the difference. In a private plan, you only pay for what you need, and you only pay for your own coverage.