Secure Your Health

Healthcare FAQs

As a premier "Champion of Coverage," we strive to educate the community about affordable health insurance. This year, we were selected to be the Federal Navigators for Central Texas by the Federal Health and Human Services Department until 2017. We are proud to serve our community and use best practices to fulfill our mission and strive to educate our community.

The Secure Your Health program is PromoSalud’s Outreach, Education, and Enrollment effort to get uninsured and underinsured families and individuals covered through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Commonly known as Obamacare, the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) provides individuals and families access to health Insurance coverage for preventive health services, doctor visits, drug discounts, and hospital services, among other things. In addition, we are also a Community Partner under the State of Texas Health and Human Services Department and offer enrollment assistance for CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP, and MAP applications. Our Certified Community Health Workers/Promotoras are certified by the Texas Department of Insurance and are extensively trained in best practices and HIPAA compliance. Our team members are also culturally and linguistically competent relative to the communities that they serve. Our staff is friendly and passionate about the work they do to help the community at large overcome challenges from obtaining healthcare information, healthcare insurance, or specific services available to them that they would otherwise not benefit from receiving.

Our Promotoras at work

CMS: Assister Promising Practices

City of Austin: Utility Insert highlight

What should I bring to my ACA enrollment appointment?

To help determine eligibility and complete your application, please bring the following documents for each household member applying for coverage:

Government‑issued photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)
Social Security number (or card, if available)
Immigration documents (if applicable)
Income information (recent pay stubs, W‑2s, or tax returns)
Policy numbers for any current health insurance (including Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare)
A valid email address and access to your HealthCare.gov account login

Who is considered part of a “household”?

For Marketplace coverage, a household generally includes you and anyone you claim as a dependent on your federal income tax return. This may include children, parents, or other relatives who qualify as dependents. Household size is important because it affects eligibility for financial assistance. In cases of divorced or separated parents, children are counted in the household of the parent who claims them on their taxes.

Why is there an Open Enrollment Period?

The Open Enrollment Period exists to encourage people to enroll in health insurance before they need care, which helps keep coverage affordable and accessible. For most states, Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15 each year. Outside of this period, individuals may only enroll if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event such as losing coverage, moving, getting married, or having a baby.

Who is eligible to enroll through the ACA Marketplace?

Most people who are uninsured, self‑employed, or purchasing insurance on their own are eligible to enroll through the Marketplace. Many individuals and families qualify for financial assistance based on income. In Texas, where Medicaid has not been expanded, Marketplace coverage plays a critical role in providing affordable options for low‑ and moderate‑income residents.

How much do Marketplace plans cost?

Costs vary based on where you live, household size, income, and plan choice. The majority of Marketplace enrollees qualify for premium tax credits, significantly reducing monthly premiums. Some individuals may qualify for very low‑cost or even $0‑premium plans, and eligible low‑income households may receive additional savings through cost‑sharing reductions.

How difficult is it to choose the right plan?

The Marketplace simplifies choices by grouping plans into metal categories; however, plans within the same category can differ in provider networks, covered medications, and out‑of‑pocket limits. Comparing plans carefully ensures the coverage aligns with your doctors, prescriptions, and health needs.

Is help available to choose and enroll in a plan?

Yes. PromoSalud offered free, confidential, and unbiased ACA enrollment assistance through trained Community Health Workers/Promotoras de Salud certified as Navigators and Certified Counselors. We helped individuals compare plans, apply for financial assistance, and complete enrollment, either in person or by phone. PromoSalud is committed to providing fair and accurate information and does not receive commissions from insurance companies.

What happens if someone does not have health insurance?

There is no federal tax penalty for not having health insurance. However, being uninsured can lead to high medical bills, delayed care, and limited access to preventive services. Health insurance helps protect individuals and families from unexpected health care costs and supports consistent access to care.

Can I get insurance if I already have health problems?

Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre‑existing conditions. Coverage is available to all eligible individuals who enroll during Open Enrollment or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2025). Health Insurance Marketplace®. Get coverage and find local help. https://www.healthcare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). Marketplace open enrollment fact sheet. https://www.cms.gov
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2025). FAQs: Health insurance marketplace and the Affordable Care Act. https://www.kff.org
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Get help applying for health insurance. https://www.healthcare.gov/apply-and-enroll/get-help-applying
U.S. Internal Revenue Service & Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2019). Individual shared responsibility provision: Filing season guidance.

*PromoSalud provides free, non‑biased ACA Marketplace enrollment assistance and does not sell insurance or receive commissions. Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.