HEALTH INSURANCE

Since plans and benefits change every year -- and there are so many options -- it makes sense to know what’s out there and what to look for.

The University of Houston College of Medicine will open a low-cost direct primary care clinic with a $1 million gift from The Cullen Trust for Health Care. The clinic will be located on the campus of Memorial Herman Southwest Hospital.

Monday is the last day for open enrollment at healthcare.gov. It’s possible this year’s enrollment could be more important than ever. “The website has had enrollment issues in the past," Peck said. It might be cheaper than you thinkOne of the most common reasons for avoiding coverage is cost. Free help is availableOne of the easiest ways to navigate the plans is to go to localhelp.healthcare.gov.

Health insurance is a large budget item for many Americans. The average health insurance plan costs nearly $5,500 per year for an individual and close to $14,000 for a family, according to a 2020 study by eHealth. And if you are among the 49% of Americans who receive health insurance through your job, there is a good chance your health insurance will get much more expensive. The millions of people with nongroup insurance, however, may become eligible for subsidies if their income drops enough in retirement. Check out this video to hear from people who retired early and to learn how much you can expect to pay for insurance if you retire early.

Health insurance isn't getting any cheaper. Insurance costs have increased 740% since 1984, according to data company Clever. While the inner workings of health insurance can get complicated, the basics are pretty simple: You pay money every month so that when you have an accident or get sick, your medical costs aren't so expensive that they bankrupt you. Two of the most important terms in health insurance are "premiums" and "deductibles." Check out this video to see how the two work and to learn how you can use them to get the most out of your insurance.

Shortly after sitting down for Houston Newsmakers, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia announced she was self quarantining after coming in contact with a family member who had tested positive for COVID-19. Prior to that announcement she talked about a number of topics including the pending Justice in Policing bill. Senate Republicans say it is dead on arrival but Congresswoman Sylvia Gracia,(D) 29th, says its only a matter of time. Then we looked at it and then we worked together and tweaked it and frankly I think we made it better! More with Congressman Garcia on Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall and on Newsmakers EXTRA, which you can watch below. WATCH: Newsmakers EXTRA with U.S. Rep. Sylvia GarciaUrban League President says racial disparity trends don't match data (KPRC)Urban League focus on racial disparityIn the wake of protests across the country and the world against racial injustice, the Houston Area Urban League president & CEO says the trend does not match the data.