6 Things to Know About Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans

By theadmin

Approximately 5.2 million Texans — around 18% of the population — were uninsured in 2021, according to Every Texan (formerly the Center for Public Policy Priorities).

Meanwhile, Texas residents who are self-employed and live in rural parts of the state may struggle to find affordable coverage options through the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

In light of these challenges, Texas Farm Bureau has found a new way to serve its members: Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans. These plans offer members an innovative, competitive alternative to ACA plans.

While they are not considered health insurance, Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans feature some of the same benefits as standard health insurance, such as office visits, lab work, and emergency room services. Here’s what you need to know.

How It Began

In 2021, the Texas Legislature approved HB3924, which allows Texas Farm Bureau to use its statewide infrastructure to provide its members with health plans. Instead of the usual health insurance payment structure, Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans are supported by contractual obligations to pay, Texas Farm Bureau’s resources and affiliated companies, and reinsurance.

“This is a way to help our members, reduce [the number of] uninsured Texans, support rural hospitals, and make sure rural communities have access to the same standards and services as other parts of the state,” Si Cook, Texas Farm Bureau executive director and chief operating officer, told Texas Farm Bureau’s Texas Agriculture Daily last July.

How It Works

1. Not traditional health insurance: Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans do not have to meet the minimum requirements of the ACA. This is a major departure from options such as employer-sponsored health insurance or individual health insurance, which is purchased from the federal marketplace. Instead, each applicant is rated on their personal medical history, which can result in more affordable coverage, depending on the individual.

2. No enrollment period: There is no enrollment period for Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans, meaning you can apply at any time throughout the calendar year. No matter when you apply, all plans have an effective date of the first of the month.

3. Provider-specific coverage: These plans tap into the extensive UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Network of providers. Verify your provider online at or by calling 877.500.0140. You can also check during the application process.

4. No loss of coverage: Policyholders cannot lose coverage because of new medical issues once they’ve completed the underwriting process, paid the initial invoice, and continue to make monthly premium payments.

5. Membership-dependent: Your coverage can be canceled if your premium is not paid or your Texas Farm Bureau membership lapses.

6. Medicare-Exclusive: Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans offer Medicare Supplement plans for people 65 and older or eligible for Medicare. These plans help cover an assortment of costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover. Depending on your needs, a Texas Farm Bureau Medicare Supplement plan can cover copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, and emergency services needed while traveling outside the U.S.

Discover Your Options

Texas Farm Bureau Health Plans offers a broad range of individual and family plans, dental and vision plans, and Medicare Supplement plans. Visit TFBHP.com to determine which might be right for you or your family, get more answers to frequently asked questions, find a provider in-network, or apply for a Texas Farm Bureau Health Plan. To get a quote quickly, call 877.500.0140.