Healthcare Coverage for Food Workers
Good Work Austin wants to help you pay for health insurance in 2026
We’re launching a pilot program that pays your full monthly health insurance premium if you work in food or beverage in Travis County. Apply now—spots are limited.
Connecting You to Healthcare
Good Work Austin is starting a one-year pilot program that pays the full monthly health insurance premium for eligible food and beverage workers in Travis County. Through a partnership with Central Health, Sendero Health Plans, and Foundation Communities, we’re making real healthcare more accessible, more affordable, and much easier to navigate.
Healthcare costs keep people from getting the care they need. This program removes the biggest barrier — the monthly premium — so you can see a doctor, get prescriptions, and stay healthy without the financial stress.
This is a limited-capacity pilot, and spots will go quickly. Apply as soon as possible to secure your place.
Who Can Apply?
You may qualify if you:
Are currently employed in the food and beverage industry (restaurant, bar, café, catering, food truck, etc.)
Live in Travis County
If you earn between $19,562 and $31,300 a year (about $400–$650 a week) before taxes are taken out
Work for an employer with fewer than 50 full-time employees
Are uninsured and not currently enrolled in MAP, MAP Basic, Medicaid, or Medicare
Are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen
Are seeking individual coverage (you, or you + spouse only)
Please note: Coverage is limited to individuals or couples (households of 1–2 people only). Households with children are not eligible for this pilot program.
Don’t qualify?
We can connect you to other healthcare options through Central Health’s local programs. Email us.
How It Works
Step 1: Apply Online
Fill out our short application form to verify your eligibility. Your information is confidential and only used to determine eligibility for healthcare coverage.
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 eligible, you’ll be connected to Foundation Communities for enrollment in a Sendero Silver Plan — with your monthly 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
Enrollment Period Ends: January 15, 2026
Coverage Begins: January 1, 2026 (if you complete your enrollment by December 15)
Funding is limited—apply early to secure your spot.
What You Get
There is no cost to apply for this program. If you are approved, your monthly healthcare premiums will be paid by Central Health when you select a Sendero Silver Plan.
This program covers the healthcare premiums for you and your spouse.
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is premium assistance and how does this program work?
A healthcare premium is the monthly cost of your insurance. Premium assistance helps cover some or all of that cost. In this program, Central Health pays your full monthly premium when you enroll in a Sendero Silver plan.
How are you calculating income to be eligible for the program?
We need your income before taxes are taken out. For a single person, this amount must be between $19,562 and $31,300 per year.
Do I need to be a Good Work Austin member to apply?
No—any eligible food or beverage service 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 lasts for one year (January–December 2026). Future continuation will depend on program results and available funding.
I have specific questions about my eligibility. Who can I speak with?
Reach out to heather@goodworkaustin.org for support with any questions.
Why is this program only for food and beverage service workers?
Many small food and beverage businesses don’t offer health insurance, leaving workers uninsured or underinsured. This pilot is designed to close that gap for this essential 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 and beverage industry in Travis County and meet the eligibility requirements listed above.
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?
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 a 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 are open now and close January 15, 2026. Space is limited and enrollment will close when all 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?
Good Work Austin will connect you with trained navigators from our partner, Foundation Communities, who will help you choose the right plan and complete your application.
When will my coverage start?
Coverage begins January 1, 2026, once your enrollment and premium assistance are confirmed. To start coverage on January 1, you must apply by December 15. If you enroll in January, your coverage will start February 1.
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.
Questions? Need Help?
You can contact us at heather@goodworkaustin.org