Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool (THIRP)

→ Click here to view THIRP rates

Guaranteed Health Insurance Plan

As a HIPAA eligible enrollee you are guaranteed the right to buy an individual health insurance policy from the Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool (THIRP). Note:

• THIRP prohibits pre-existing condition exclusion periods and elimination riders
• THIRP is your only guaranteed source of individual health insurance

HIPAA Eligibility

To be HIPAA eligible in Texas, you must:

1. Have 18 months of continuous creditable coverage, with at least the last day under the Brethren Ministers Group; and
2. Not be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid or a group plan; and
3. Apply for health insurance for which you are HIPAA eligible within 63 days of losing your prior coverage; and
4. Not have health insurance.

Note: If you know your group coverage is about to end, you can apply for coverage for which you will be HIPAA eligible.

How much does THIRP coverage cost?

THIRP premiums are based on the plan chosen, area of residence, age, gender and tobacco use. Under Texas law, THIRP rates cannot be more than 200% of the rate typically charged by commercial carriers for similar coverage. Click here to view THIRP rates.

THIRP Coverage Highlights

• $1.5 maximum lifetime benefit for covered services
• 3 PPO plans with these deductibles : $1000, $2500, $5000
• 80/20 Co-insurance (In Network) or 60/40 (Out of Network)
• Coverage includes hospital and physician care, maternity, prescription drugs, and treatment for mental health illness
• $5000 deductible with a $8000 out of pocket maximum
• To view more information, view the THIRP Plan Summary

How can I be insured with THIRP?

For enrollment information, visit the Texas Comprehensive Health Association online at www.txhealthpool.com, or call (888) 398-3927.

Special insurance for children: Children's CHIP

A family of four making up to $41,300 a year may be eligible for Children's CHIP.

• Do you qualify? Visit Eligibility
• To discover what’s covered view Benefits Information
• Questions? View their FAQs, or call (877) 543-7669