Affordable Care Act (ACA): What is it?

The ACA is intended to increase access to health care for Americans, regardless of their employment status or the ability of their employer to subsidize medical insurance. The ACA requires nearly everyone to have health insurance that meets minimum standards. With some exceptions, people who do not maintain health insurance coverage will have to pay a penalty. Uninsured individuals, or people who would like to explore health care options outside their employer's offerings can shop for medical insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Who is Eligible for Coverage under ACA?

With a few exceptions, a University of Houston System (UHS) employee is eligible for medical insurance coverage if the combined hours of all jobs worked, regardless of UH campus, is an average of 30 hours per week or more during a Measurement Period. The UH measurement period runs from June 3 to June 2 of each year.

Learn more about ACA eligibility

What Insurance Options are Available?

The UH System insurance is HealthSelect of Texas, which is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and is offered at no cost to full-time and ACA-eligible employees working an average of 30 hours per week or more.

The Marketplace, also known as the Exchange, is where people who would like to explore a variety of healthcare options can shop for medical insurance. The University of Houston System does not pay any portion of the premium for persons who opt out of HealthSelect of Texas and purchase insurance through the Marketplace or through any other provider. Learn more about the ACA Marketplace.

Affordable Care Act FAQs

Please see our FAQ site for the full list of questions and answers.