Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Shelby County cost about $717 a month for 2026, and the Texas average for 2027 is $737 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 2 insurers offered marketplace plans in Shelby County for 2026.
If you want someone to shop the Texas market for you, a broker is the usual route. The 12 offices below sit closest to Center and list themselves as brokers or independent agencies, which typically means access to more than one insurer.
Health Insurance Brokers near Center
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Shelby County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in Texas.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Carriers a Center broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in Texas come from 14 insurers: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Ambetter (Superior HealthPlan / Celtic), CHRISTUS Health Plan, Community First Health Plans, Community Health Choice, Harbor Health, Imperial Insurance, Moda Health, Molina Healthcare, Oscar Health, Sendero Health Plans, UnitedHealthcare, Wellpoint and Antidote Health. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
Before you call an agent
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
Checking an agent's license in Texas
- The Texas Department of Insurance offers its own online agent lookup, where consumers can check whether an agent is licensed in Texas. Source
- The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) licenses insurance agents and regulates insurers in the state. Consumers who can't resolve a problem with an insurer or agent can file a complaint with TDI online or by mail. Source
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the HealthCare.gov), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
How do I find a good health insurance broker in Center?
Look for a broker licensed in Texas who can quote several carriers, is certified with the HealthCare.gov, and has reviews from local clients. You can verify any license with the Texas insurance regulator.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Carthage, TX 26 miles
- Nacogdoches, TX 30 miles
- Mansfield, LA 33 miles
- Henderson, TX 44 miles
- Lufkin, TX 46 miles
- Hudson, TX 49 miles
- Shreveport, LA 52 miles
- Marshall, TX 52 miles
- Diboll, TX 55 miles
- Rusk, TX 57 miles