Low-income health insurance help in Rio Grande City, TX

Rio Grande City is the Starr County seat, with jobs in schools, county government, health care, retail and oil-field services. Many working families earn too much for Medicaid but still need help with premiums. This guide explains Marketplace tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for Rio Grande City households.

Enrollment dates

2027 Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; from December 16 to January 15, coverage starts February 1. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round.

Community data (ACS)

  • People below the poverty level: 30.8% (Texas: 13.8%)
  • Median household income: $44,577 (Texas: $78,476)
  • Population (ACS): 14,913 (Starr County)
  • Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-year estimates, tables S1701 (poverty) and S1903 (median household income). Estimates have margins of error.

Income and coverage in Rio Grande City

According to the ACS 2020–2024, about 30.8% of Rio Grande City residents live below the federal poverty level, compared with 13.8% statewide, and the median household income is $44,577 versus $78,476 for Texas. That is why income-based help matters for many Starr County families.

Who we hear from in Rio Grande City

People and families without affordable job-based coverage, for example:

  • School and county employees covering spouses or children
  • Retail and health-care workers paid hourly
  • Self-employed residents working on both sides of the border

Covering a spouse or children in Starr County

If your employer covers only you affordably but family coverage is expensive, your spouse and children may qualify for Marketplace help under the family affordability rule. Children may also qualify for CHIP or Medicaid.

Premium tax credits and household income

Marketplace tax credits lower your monthly premium based on your estimated 2027 household income and family size. Under current law they generally apply to households earning 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level. The temporary enhanced credits ended after 2025, so do not rely on older estimates. Some people in Rio Grande City may see low-cost plans after the credit, but that is not guaranteed.

  • Count income for everyone on your tax return
  • Include seasonal work, tips and self-employment (net profit)
  • Report income or household changes during the year
  • Starting in 2027, federal law limits tax credits to certain immigration statuses, such as lawful permanent residents

Cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans

If your household income is roughly 100% to 250% of the federal poverty level, a Marketplace Silver plan can come with lower deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket maximums. These savings exist only on Silver plans. A Bronze plan may look cheaper monthly but cost more if you use care.

Screen for Medicaid and CHIP first

Texas has not expanded Medicaid. Children, pregnant women, some very-low-income parents, people with disabilities and older adults may qualify for Medicaid; many children qualify for CHIP at higher incomes. Many adults without children earning under 100% of the poverty level qualify for neither Medicaid nor tax credits (the “coverage gap”). Apply for Medicaid or CHIP at YourTexasBenefits.com or by calling 2-1-1.

Enrollment windows and qualifying life events

2027 Open Enrollment on HealthCare.gov: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1; from December 16 to January 15, coverage starts February 1. Medicaid and CHIP accept applications year-round. Outside those dates you need a Special Enrollment Period, usually within 60 days of a qualifying event. HealthCare.gov may ask for documents to confirm it.

  • Losing Medicaid, CHIP or job-based coverage
  • Getting married, having or adopting a baby
  • Moving to a new county or state
  • Turning 26 and leaving a parent's plan

How enrollment works

  • Call 346-888-0811 or schedule a free consultation
  • Have your estimated 2027 household income and everyone's ages ready
  • We check whether anyone may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP
  • We compare Marketplace plans for your county, including Silver plans
  • You decide and enroll with our help

Frequently asked questions

  • My job covers me but not my family in Rio Grande City. What can I do? Your family may qualify for Marketplace help if the employer's family coverage costs too much under federal rules, and children may qualify for CHIP or Medicaid. We can help check.
  • Can I get a $0 plan in Rio Grande City? Some people see low-cost or $0 plans after the tax credit, depending on income, age, county and available plans. We cannot guarantee it, and a $0 Bronze plan can carry a high deductible. We show you the real cost before you decide.
  • Does RGI Group have an office in Rio Grande City? Our only office is in Austin. We help Texans statewide by phone or video, in English or Spanish.
  • Does agent help cost anything? There is no charge for our consultation. Marketplace plan prices are the same with or without an agent.

Important notice

RGI Group LLC (rgigroupllc.com) is an independent insurance agency licensed in Texas. We are not HealthCare.gov, the federal government, CMS, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) or any government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. The Marketplace and Texas HHSC decide eligibility for tax credits, Medicaid and CHIP; we do not guarantee $0 premiums, approval or savings. You can also get information at HealthCare.gov or 1-800-318-2596.

Talk with a licensed Texas agent

Call 346-888-0811. Office: 5900 Balcones Drive, Ste 100, Austin, TX 78731. Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM–11:00 PM. Licensed in Texas. Guidance available in English and Spanish.