Public School Teachers: What You Already Have
Most full-time public school teachers receive employer-sponsored health insurance through
their school district or state employee benefits plan. Coverage quality and cost vary widely
by state and district — a teacher in Texas (where TRS-ActiveCare is the common plan)
has a very different experience from a teacher in Ohio (where state employee health plans
vary by district bargaining agreements).
If you are a full-time public school teacher with employer coverage, that group plan is
almost always your best option. However, it’s worth comparing your employer plan
against marketplace options during Open Enrollment if your district plan has high premiums
or limited networks.
Private School Teachers: A Different Story
Private and parochial school teachers are often employed differently from public school
teachers. Smaller private schools may not offer group health benefits at all, or may offer
plans with higher employee premium contributions than public school counterparts. If your
private school does not offer coverage, or if the coverage offered is limited, ACA
marketplace plans are a strong alternative.
Private school teachers who are considered employees (W-2) and are not offered
employer coverage are fully eligible for marketplace plans with subsidies based on
their income. Many private school salaries put teachers in subsidy-eligible ranges.
Substitute Teachers and Part-Time Teachers
Substitute teachers and part-time instructors are often not eligible for school district
health benefits. In this case, your options are:
- ACA marketplace plan: Most likely your best option. Subsidies apply
based on your teaching income.
- Medicaid: If your income as a part-time substitute is low (below
about $21,000 for a single person), Medicaid may be available in expansion states.
- Spouse’s plan: If a spouse has employer coverage, being added
to that plan is often the most cost-effective option.
Teachers Between Jobs or Moving States
Teachers who leave a district, take a gap year, move between states for a new position,
or retire before 65 face a gap in employer coverage. Leaving employer coverage is a
qualifying life event that opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period for marketplace plans.
You can also elect COBRA from your school district, though district group coverage under
COBRA is typically expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private school teachers get health insurance?
It depends on the school. Larger private schools often provide group health benefits.
Smaller schools and parochial schools vary widely. If your school does not offer coverage,
ACA marketplace plans with potential subsidies are your primary option.
Can teachers get marketplace insurance?
Yes. Any teacher not covered by an employer plan (or who finds their employer plan unaffordable
by ACA standards) can purchase a marketplace plan. Subsidy eligibility depends on income.
What happens to teacher health insurance over the summer?
Most public school teachers retain their health coverage year-round even though they are not
paid over the summer. District contracts typically include summer coverage. Confirm your
specific district’s policy.