Affordable Care Act provides new options for health care

The federal government said Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the nation, who'll soon be able to find coverage they can afford under this new law

HOUSTON – Nearly five million Texans who don't have health insurance will soon have new options for care. Open enrollment begins in less than two months, for the health insurance marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.  Starting now, there's a new way to find out what it means for you.

The  AARP created a website for anyone who wants to learn more about the health insurance marketplace. Type in Texas, your age, along with information about your household income and insurance coverage and the site will generate a personalized report on what the new health care law means for you.

Pauline Rosenau, Ph.D. is a Professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. She says online tools are great resources for consumers who have questions.

"The AARP has an excellent website which gives background information and advice to find some of the terms and really makes you prepared to be a critical consumer," Rosenau explained.

The site also explains things you should consider when shopping for insurance and it will connect you with the options available in Texas.

The federal government says Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people in the nation, who'll soon be able to find coverage they can afford under this new law.

"They will help people who are very poor or even middle class to pay for the insurance that they're  now going to be required to buy," Rosenau added.

Open enrollment starts on October 1 with coverage beginning on January 1.