Ready to Enroll?
If you’ve had a qualifying life event, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period. See if you qualify for Community First Mercado Plan and enroll today.
Community First has been providing Bexar County families with high-quality health insurance coverage for over 30 years. We are proud to offer plans For Every Generation.
Enroll today in Community First Mercado Plan (formerly University Community Care Plan by Community First), a qualified plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace®.
Plan Benefits
Community First Mercado Plan is an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO).
Our EPO network is comprised of nationally recognized UT Health specialty providers and outpatient health care centers across Bexar County, including University Health Texas Diabetes Institute, in addition to our Level I Trauma Center, University Hospital.
Prescription Delivery
Learn more about what Community First Mercado Plan has to offer!
Click to view detailed plan documents, including a Plan Brochure, Member Handbook, Provider Directory, and more.
Plan Documents with the plan name University Community Care Plan remain valid and applicable. Although our plan name has changed to Community First Mercado Plan, there are no changes to Member benefits or coverage for the current plan year.
More Ways to Prioritize Your Health and Wellness
As a Community First Mercado Plan Member, you will receive access to additional free resources that can help you prioritize your health and well-being.
- N24/7 Nurse Line
- NHealth & Wellness Programs
- NVirtual Financial Literacy Classes
- NPregnancy Support
- NMental Health Resources
- NScholarship Opportunities
Community First Mercado Plan FAQs
Will I qualify for savings or get help paying for my plan?
If you worry that you cannot afford health insurance, a premium tax credit could save you money on your monthly premium, if you qualify. Learn more.
WHAT IS A PREMIUM?
WHAT IS A COPAY?
A copay is a fixed amount ($20, for example) you pay for a covered health care service. Because Community First Mercado Plan is a $0 deductible plan,* your copay or coinsurance is the only amount you will be responsible for when getting health care services.
WHAT IS A DEDUCTIBLE?
A deductible is an amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. For example, if your insurance plan has a $500 deductible, you will pay $500 for your health care expenses before your insurance plan starts to pay for covered health care services.
WHERE CAN I FIND A LIST OF Community First Mercado Plan PROVIDERS?
Use our online Provider Directory to search for a Community First Mercado Plan Provider. You can search by provider type, language spoken, zip code, and more. You can also view or download a complete list of our network of providers.
What happens if I need emergency care outside of the network?
Emergency medical care and post-stabilization services (services that keep your condition stable following emergency medical care) outside the Community First Mercado Plan network are covered under your plan at the same co-pay amount as in-network services.
WHAT IS AN EPO?
An EPO is an Exclusive Provider Organization. In an EPO, your services are covered only if you go to doctors, specialists, or hospitals in your plan’s network (except in an emergency). No referrals are required for in-network specialty care. Our EPO is comprised of providers across Bexar County who are nationally recognized in their fields.
How do I pay my monthly premium?
You will pay your monthly premium directly to Community First. Your coverage won’t start until you pay your first premium. Visit our Payments page to pay your premium now.
Need help? Use our step-by-step payment guide or call Member Services.
WHEN CAN I ENROLL IN Community First Mercado Plan?
November 1 – January 15
- November 1: Open Enrollment starts for health coverage for the next plan year. November 1 is the first day you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans. Coverage can start as soon as January 1.
- January 15: Open Enrollment ends. January 15 is the last day to enroll in or change health plans for the year.
After January 15, you can enroll in or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
Where can I see a full list of Community First Mercado Plan benefits?
Visit our Plan Benefits page to view plan documents, plan brochure, Member Handbook, and much more.
WHAT IS THE SERVICE AREA FOR Community First Mercado Plan?
Community First Mercado Plan covers individuals and families who reside in Bexar County, Texas.
*Exceptions apply to Standard Plans