Community Health Choice payment basics

Community Health Choice is a health insurance plan offered through the Texas Health Insurance Pool. If you have a Community Health Choice plan, you'll receive a monthly bill and can pay it through several methods: online through their member portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. Payment is due by the date listed on your bill — usually around the 15th of each month — and late payments can result in a lapse in coverage.

The amount you owe depends on the plan you selected and any subsidies you receive through the federal marketplace. If you enrolled through Healthcare.gov and received a tax credit, your actual bill will be lower than the full premium. Community Health Choice will show both the full premium and your out-of-pocket amount on your statement.

Key Takeaways

  • Community Health Choice bills are due monthly, typically around the 15th, and you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
  • If you miss a payment, your coverage may lapse, and you'll have a grace period before the plan terminates — check your plan documents for the exact timeline.
  • You can update your payment method, set up automatic payments, or change your billing address through the member portal or by calling customer service.
  • If you received a tax credit or subsidy when you enrolled, your actual bill is lower than the full premium amount shown on your statement.

Online payment through the member portal

The fastest way to pay is through Community Health Choice's member portal at their website. Log in with your member ID and password, navigate to the billing or payments section, and enter your payment amount and method. You can pay with a debit card, credit card, or bank account. Online payments typically process the same day if submitted before the cutoff time, though some methods may take one to two business days to clear.

If you don't have a member portal account yet, you'll need to register using your member ID, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once registered, you can also view your current bill, payment history, and coverage details anytime.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call Community Health Choice's customer service number listed on your bill. A representative will take your payment information and confirm the transaction. Phone payments are useful if you prefer speaking with someone or if you want to ask questions about your bill at the same time.

For mail payments, send a check or money order to the address shown on your bill. Include your member ID on the check and mail it early enough to arrive by the due date — mail typically takes five to seven business days. Do not send cash through the mail. Keep a copy of your check or money order number for your records.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, Community Health Choice will send you a notice. Most plans include a grace period — typically 30 days — during which your coverage remains active even though your payment is late. However, you are still responsible for paying the full amount owed during this period.

If you don't pay by the end of the grace period, your coverage will terminate. Once terminated, you cannot use your plan for any services. To restore coverage, you'll need to pay all back premiums and re-enroll, which may require waiting until the next open enrollment period or experiencing a may have access to life event.

Setting up automatic payments

To avoid missing a payment, you can set up automatic monthly payments through the member portal or by calling customer service. You'll provide your bank account or card information once, and Community Health Choice will charge your account on the same date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

Automatic payments reduce the risk of a lapse in coverage and save you the time of paying manually each month. If your bill amount changes — for example, if your subsidy changes during the year — your automatic payment will adjust accordingly.

Updating your payment method or billing address

If you need to change the card or bank account used for payment, log into the member portal and update your payment method in the account settings section. You can also call customer service to make changes over the phone. Changes typically take effect within one to two business days.

If you've moved and need to update your billing address, do this through the member portal or by calling customer service. Updating your address ensures your bills arrive on time and helps prevent payment delays. You should also update your address with Community Health Choice so they have your current contact information for coverage notices and plan updates.

Understanding your bill and what you owe

Your Community Health Choice bill shows the full premium for your plan and any subsidies or tax credits that reduce what you pay. The amount due is what you actually owe after subsidies are applied. If you enrolled through Healthcare.gov and selected a plan with a lower premium, your bill will reflect that choice.

If your income changed during the year, your subsidy amount may change, and your bill will adjust. You'll receive notice of any changes before they take effect. If you think your bill is incorrect, contact customer service with your member ID and the dates in question — they can review your account and explain any charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Community Health Choice bill with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay with a credit card through the member portal or by phone. Some payment methods may charge a processing fee, so check before you submit. Debit cards and bank account payments typically don't have fees.

What if I can't afford my monthly payment?

Contact Community Health Choice customer service to discuss your situation. Some plans offer payment plans or hardship options. You may also want to check if your income has changed enough to may have access to for a higher subsidy through Healthcare.gov — you can update your income information anytime during the year.

How long does it take for my payment to show up in my account?

Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Mail payments take longer — usually five to seven business days plus processing time. If you're close to your due date, pay online or by phone to ensure your payment arrives on time.

What happens to my coverage if my payment is late?

Your coverage remains active during the grace period, which is usually 30 days. After the grace period ends, your plan terminates if you haven't paid. You'll need to pay all back premiums and re-enroll to restore coverage.

Can I change my payment due date?

Community Health Choice sets the due date based on your enrollment date. Contact customer service to ask if they can adjust your due date — some plans allow changes, though it depends on your specific plan and when you enrolled.