Good Work Austin Healthcare Access
Affordable health coverage for restaurant and hospitality workers in Travis County — at no cost to you.
Connecting You to Healthcare
Good Work Austin is launching a one-year pilot program that provides full premium assistance for ACA Marketplace health plans—meaning no out-of-pocket premium costs for you.
This initiative helps fill the gap for workers who earn too much for Medicaid or MAP, but not enough to afford marketplace insurance.
We’re partnering with Central Health, Sendero Health Plans, and Foundation Communities to make healthcare accessible, affordable, and easy to navigate.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if you:
Live in Travis County
Work in the restaurant or hospitality industry (restaurant, bar, café, catering, food truck, etc.)
Work for an employer with fewer than 50 full-time employees
Are uninsured and not currently enrolled in MAP, MAP Basic, Medicaid, or Medicare
Have a household income between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen
Are seeking individual coverage (you or you + spouse only)
Don’t qualify for ACA?
We’ll connect you to MAP or MAP Basic to help you access coverage through Central Health’s local programs.
How It Works
Step 1: Apply Online
Fill out our short application form to verify your eligibility.
There’s no cost to apply or join this pilot program.
Step 2: Eligibility Review
Our team will review your application and confirm employment, income, and residency.
Step 3: Enroll in Coverage
If approved, you’ll be connected to Foundation Communities for enrollment in the Sendero Silver Plan — with your premiums fully covered.
Step 4: Stay Covered and Supported
You’ll receive confirmation of your coverage, guidance on using your plan, and ongoing support to keep your healthcare active.
Key Dates
Applications Open: November 1, 2025
Enrollment Period: November 1 – January 15, 2026
Premium Assistance Slots Available: 25–50 participants
Coverage Begins: January 1, 2026
Funding is limited—apply early to secure your spot.
Cost
This program is completely free to join for qualified food and hospitality workers.
When you complete the application, you will also receive a free annual membership to Good Work Austin to take advantage of full membership benefits.
About Our Partners
Central Health – Expanding equitable healthcare access for Travis County residents
Sendero Health Plans – Local, community-based health coverage partner
Foundation Communities – Expert navigators helping individuals enroll in ACA plans
Do I need to be a Good Work Austin member to apply?
No—any eligible food or hospitality worker in Travis County can apply. Once approved, you will receive a one-year membership to Good Work Austin.
What if I already have health insurance?
This program is only for individuals currently uninsured, but we can connect you to resources if your current coverage isn’t affordable.
How long does the program last?
Coverage runs for one year (January–December 2026). Future continuation will depend on program evaluation and additional funding.
I have specific questions about my eligibility. Who can I speak with?
Reach out to info@goodworkaustin.org for support with any questions.
Why is this program only for food and hospitality workers?
These workers are often uninsured or underinsured because many small food businesses don’t offer health coverage. This pilot focuses on closing that gap for this vital workforce.
I don’t work for a Good Work Austin member business—can I still apply?
Yes. You’re eligible as long as you work in the food or hospitality industry in Travis County and meet the income and insurance criteria.
I work multiple part-time food service jobs. Can I apply?
Yes. You can combine your income and hours across multiple food or hospitality employers to meet the eligibility requirements.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
A: You must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen as defined by the ACA (such as a green card holder, refugee, or individual with Temporary Protected Status).
What if I don’t qualify for ACA coverage because of my immigration status?
We’ll connect you with Central Health’s MAP or MAP Basic programs, which provide low-cost care for residents regardless of immigration status.
What plan will I be enrolled in?
Eligible participants will be enrolled in the Sendero Silver Plan, a high-quality ACA Marketplace plan supported by Central Health.
Does this program pay for doctor visits or just the insurance premium?
The pilot covers your monthly insurance premiums. Once you’re enrolled, your plan will provide comprehensive healthcare coverage including doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care. The plan includes some copays and cost-sharing for certain services, but your monthly premiums are fully covered. Good Work Austin will help you understand your plan details.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications open November 1, 2025 and close January 15, 2026, or earlier if all available spots are filled.
How will I know if I’m accepted?
You’ll receive an email from Good Work Austin confirming your eligibility and next steps for scheduling an enrollment appointment.
Who helps me sign up for the insurance plan?
Foundation Communities’ trained navigators will assist you during your enrollment appointment to ensure you choose the right plan and complete your application correctly.
When will my coverage start?
For most participants, coverage will begin January 1, 2026 once your plan enrollment and premium assistance are confirmed.
Who do I contact if I have questions after I enroll?
You’ll receive contact information for Good Work Austin’s support team and your Sendero plan representative.
What happens after the one-year pilot ends?
Good Work Austin and Central Health will evaluate the results and explore funding options to continue or expand the program.
Will this affect my taxes?
No. Your premium assistance is not considered taxable income.
Can I keep my insurance after the pilot ends?
You may continue coverage independently through the ACA Marketplace, and Foundation Communities can help you re-enroll.