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Prefer to talk now? Call (214) 307-8614Why people compare these two
Short-term plans and health sharing both promise a lower monthly price than a full-price ACA plan, and both have limits. They're very different underneath. One is insurance, the other isn't. This page explains the difference in general terms so you know what to ask. We don't sell short-term plans or recommend any insurance plan; a licensed agent can walk you through specific ones.
Texas's short-term plan rules
Texas law allows a short-term plan's first term to run less than 12 months, with a total of up to 36 months including renewals (source). In practice, most plans sold in early 2026 ran three or four months, and the Texas Department of Insurance still described short-term plans as lasting three months or less (source). Federal limits on short-term plans haven't been enforced since August 2025 (source). Insurers can turn you down based on your health, and pre-existing conditions are generally not covered.
Side by side
| Short-term plan (Texas) | Health care sharing | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Insurance with limited benefits | Not insurance; members share eligible bills |
| How long | First term under 12 months; up to 36 months with renewals (most sold for 3–4 months) | Ongoing membership |
| Can you be turned down? | Yes, based on health history | No one is turned away for health |
| Pre-existing conditions | Generally not covered | Phased in over 3 years |
| Guarantee | Contract pays under its terms | Voluntary; not guaranteed |
| Regulated by | Texas Department of Insurance | Not regulated as insurance (Texas Insurance Code ch. 1681) |
| Provider network | Varies | None |
| Everyday care | Per the plan | Not shared; paired with a primary care membership |
| Who sells it | Licensed agents and insurers | Programs and their representatives |
Questions to ask either way
- What happens to a condition I've had in the last few years?
- What do I pay myself for each illness or injury, and how many times a year?
- Is maternity included, and is there a waiting period?
- How are prescriptions handled after the first few months?
- Can I use the hospital and doctors I want?
- Who can I complain to if a bill is denied?
- What happens if I need to switch to an ACA plan later?
Where health sharing tends to fit
Healthy households paying full price who want an ongoing arrangement, no provider network, and everyday care through a primary care membership. Where it doesn't fit: anyone who needs a guarantee, an ongoing condition paid for now, or maternity soon.
For short-term plan questions, talk to a licensed agent. For the alternatives, we can help.
Common questions
Is a short-term plan better than health sharing?
Neither is better for everyone, and we don't recommend insurance plans. Short-term plans are insurance with limits; health sharing isn't insurance and isn't guaranteed. The table on this page shows the main differences.
How long can a short-term plan last in Texas?
Texas law allows an initial term of less than 12 months and up to 36 months in total including renewals, though most plans sold in early 2026 lasted three or four months.
Do you sell short-term plans?
No. We're not an insurance agency. A licensed agent can explain specific short-term plans.
Can I switch from health sharing to an ACA plan later?
Yes, during open enrollment (November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027, for 2027) or a special enrollment window.
Sources
- Short-term health insurance in Texas (healthinsurance.org, updated Sep 17, 2026)
- Texas Insurance Code ch. 1681, health care sharing ministries (§ 1681.001 criteria, § 1681.002 notice)
- Texas Marketplace guide: 2026 and proposed 2027 rates, insurers, enrollment, open enrollment (healthinsurance.org, updated Aug 27, 2026)
- Sedera SELECT+ Membership Guidelines, v231001 (rules on IUA, pre-existing conditions, maternity, prescriptions)
Want to see what this would cost your household?
Tell us who needs care and what you pay now. We'll walk you through the options, including when insurance is the better fit.
Free, no obligation. Texas households only.