Private Health Insurance And Senior Medicare Rates

 

Major medical health insurance plans through the Marketplace are the most affordable type of  coverage. As the nation’s premier consumer shopping website for healthcare plans and Senior benefits, we provide free online quotes for individuals, families, persons on COBRA, students, the uninsured, Senior Medicare-eligible applicants, and the self-employed.

 

2023 and 2024 Small-business options, non-Obamacare, and non-subsidized plans are also available at the lowest available prices. Plans are offered with extensive numbers of doctors, specialists, hospitals, and medical facilities, including the UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Humana, Kaiser, Molina, and Aetna networks.

 

Within minutes, view comprehensive, catastrophic, child-only, HSA, short-term, and Medigap options in your area and enroll. You can also review single and multi-person plans that are not affiliated with the government and receive no federal subsidy. Often, these plans are approved within 24 hours, and include preventative, catastrophic, office visit, and prescription benefits.

 

There are no fees, and plans are offered during and outside of Open Enrollment periods. Reviewing your maximum out-of-pocket costs, copays, and deductibles help determine the best available plans. Multiple policies in your area can be instantly compared.

 

Senior Medicare Coverage  

 

Supplement and Advantage (MA) options are also offered by private companies to applicants that are Medicare-eligible, along with Part D prescription drug plans. Supplement contracts are standardized, although Advantage plans can be customized to fit within your budget and cover many out-of-pocket expenses.

 

“High deductible” Plan G (HD) and Plan F (HD) options are popular low-cost policies. Plans F, G, and N are often requested since they provide the most comprehensive coverage. Applicants who have reached age 65 are typically eligible for different benefits than persons under age 65. Note: The 2023 Plan G (HD) deductible is $2,700.

 

Easily, you can compare and use our content to find high-quality Marketplace coverage at the lowest available cost before, during, and after the Open Enrollment period. Approval is guaranteed without risk of being denied for underwriting reasons. There are no waiting periods or exclusion riders on ACA plans.

 

There are no fees to apply for coverage, and you will receive unbiased and expert assistance. Small-business coverage is offered through the SHOP Exchange. Non-Obamacare policies are also offered, although non-compliant plans will not qualify for a federal subsidy, and may not cover all pre-existing conditions. However, policies are often approved within 24 hours.

 

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs assist consumers in identifying  fraud and notifying the appropriate resources. Thousands of volunteers help Medicare and Medicaid recipients by reviewing notices, offering seminars, and providing other free services. The grant projects are funded by the US Administration for Community Living.

 

Both Under And Over Age 65 Plans Available

 

Seniors that have reached age 65 and are Medicare-eligible, can choose many attractive Medigap and Advantage (MA) plans from a wide range of top-rated and reputable companies. Although supplemental benefits are not required, their inexpensive premiums often provide a cost-effective option for reducing out-of-pocket costs. Most persons need to sign up for Parts A and B benefits immediately prior to reaching age 65.

 

Separate drug prescription (Part D or Advantage) benefits are also available. PDP plans are generally inexpensive. Several of the least expensive Part D plans are SilverScript SmartSaver, Wellcare Value Script, Blue Cross MedicareRx Choice, Mutual Of Omaha Rx Essential, Clear Spring Health Premier Rx, Clear Spring Health Value Rx,  AARP Medicare Rx Walgreens, and Cigna Saver Rx.

 

If you have not yet reached age 65, 2023 private, Marketplace, or ancillary options include UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Humana, Ambetter, Kaiser, Molina, and Aetna offering coverage, and the addition of many local and regional carriers (such as SummaCare and Paramount  in Ohio, Geisinger in Pennsylvania, and Oscar in several states). Although many states have just one available carrier in specific counties, most areas offer multiple choices.

 

Wider selections of deductibles, copays and  prescription benefits are also available. Preventative expenses continue to be covered at 100% for Exchange plans. However, allowed maximum-out-of-pocket costs and deductibles for private plans have increased to $9,100 per person, an increase of $400 from last year. $,9450 is the maximum 2024 deductible.

 

HSAs remain popular and are available in all states. Qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses may be paid with pre-tax dollars. The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, And Economic Security) Act allows HSAs to buy certain OTC drugs and medications.

 

The maximum allowed contribution is $3,850 for an individual plan and $7,750 for a family plan ($4,150 and $8,300 for 2024). An annual $1,000 catch-up contribution is available for ages 55 and older. HDHP minimum deductibles are $1,500 (individual) and $3,000 (family). Maximum out-of-pocket limits are $7,500 per person and $15,000 per family.

 

What Is The Cost Of Coverage?

 

How much is health insurance? We help you find quality low-cost policies for you or any dependent, whether you are working or unemployed. If your status changes, we also help you adjust any existing coverage so you are still receiving the cheapest available rate. Many budget-friendly options allow you to obtain a plan that costs less than $20 per month.

 

For Seniors, many Medicare Advantage plans feature $0 premiums with prescription drug benefits included. Dental, vision, and hearing benefits are also offered. We can also customize your quote to show the plans that best fit your health and household income situation, along with maximum out-of-pocket expense preferences.

 

If you are eligible for a federal subsidy, we calculate the amount and show you how much it reduces your premium. Your federal tax credit is instantly applied so you don’t have to wait for a refund to receive it. It is also possible you will be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP, depending on your age and income.

 

As your household income, and ages and number of persons to be covered change, your subsidy eligibility can also be impacted. Changes in employment status, can often cause large increases or decreases in federal aid. Changes in the makeup of the household can also impact the subsidized premium, deductibles, and copays.

 

2023 Monthly Rates For ACA-Compliant (Obamacare) Plans By State

 

(Subsidies not included and premiums will vary, depending on county of residence, age, and household income)

 

Alabama – $570

 

Alaska – $736

 

Arizona – $584

 

Arkansas – $538

 

California – $573

 

Colorado – $442

 

Connecticut – $644

 

Delaware – $660

 

District Of Columbia – $517

 

Florida – $596

 

Georgia – $367

 

Hawaii – $528

 

Idaho – $531

 

Illinois – $603

 

Indiana-$436 

 

Iowa – $718

 

Kansas – $602

 

Kentucky – $617

 

Louisiana – $692

 

Maine – $522

 

Maryland – $445

 

Massachusetts – $443

 

Michigan – $477

 

Minnesota – $452

 

Mississippi – $602

 

Missouri – $631

 

Montana – $577

 

Nebraska – $756

 

Nevada – $516

 

New Hampshire – $429

 

New Jersey – $553

 

New Mexico – $475

 

New York – $745

 

North Carolina – $656

 

North Dakota – $446

 

Ohio – $511

 

Oklahoma – $673

 

Oregon – $567

 

Pennsylvania – $643

 

Rhode Island – $432

 

South Carolina – $533

 

South Dakota – $834

 

Tennessee – $637

 

Texas – $586

 

Utah – $417

 

Vermont – $699

 

Virginia – $636

 

Washington – $507

 

West Virginia – $984

 

Wisconsin – $653

 

Wyoming – $786

 

During And After Open Enrollment

 

When Open Enrollment ends, our website shows you the best  policies that keep you covered until the next enrollment period. Although there are several pre-approved exceptions (delivering a child, termination from employer, divorce, moving to another area, and child reaching age 26), you can still apply for a medical plan any time of the year. Flexible short-term policies (discussed later) are popular options if you need quick coverage. You can apply and get approved in less than an hour with several carriers.

 

We realize that researching plans and understanding all of the terms, conditions and exclusions is very difficult. Even if you don’t have current benefits, we make the shopping experience easier so you can secure quality benefits at a great rate. In very little time, you can find and apply for a policy. If you are not yet eligible for Medicare, a group or individual policy can be found. And many companies offer dental and vision options. The financial protection you receive will be appreciated.

 

When you buy coverage, we simplify the process by doing all of the work for you. Only the most reputable and highest-rated companies are recommended to ensure you’re receiving benefits you can use. Both high deductible, copay, comprehensive, and catastrophic options are researched so you can quickly determine the most appropriate choice.

 

We also teach you about national legislative reform changes and if that impacts you or your family. With every new election comes minor (sometimes major) tweaks and changes. The next Presidential election in 2024 could result in variations to under-65 and Senior coverage.

 

Senior Medicare Plans

 

Persons age 65 or over are typically eligible for Medicare.  As previously mentioned, you can easily compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans from the most reputable carriers on our website. Although federal subsidies do not apply, premiums are generally much lower than private plans for persons under age 65.  Open Enrollment (Annual Coordinated Election Period) begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th. This ACEP also allows applicants to switch from  traditional Medicare to an Advantage plan, and vice versa.

 

Part D drug prescription coverage is also offered, although many “Advantage” plans include these benefits. An “Annual Notice Of Change” (ANOC) is generally sent in September to notify covered persons of any changes in benefits, rate, or service that is provided by the policy. Generally, Medigap plans are designed to pay out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, and deductibles) that Original Medicare many not cover.

 

The 2023 Part D standard deductible is $505 (up from $480). The initial coverage limit  gap (donut hole) begins at $4,660. $7,400 is the out-of-pocket threshold, and the catastrophic benefits begin after the coverage gap and out-of-pocket spending  of $11,206. Minimum catastrophic cost-sharing is $4.15 (generic) and  $10.35 for all other drugs.

 

Supplementary contracts are standardized, which makes the process of comparing plans much easier. Available options include Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. A separate high-deductible G option is also offered.  A high-deductible F plan is available for many existing enrollees. Part A coinsurance  and 365 days of hospital expenses are included on all policies. Prices of plans may vary, depending upon which are of the state you reside.

 

Health Exchanges

 

When you purchase health insurance through an Exchange, we help guide you through the process so you are matched with the best option. Instead of choosing from hundreds of plans, there are four main options- Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each choice has a different set of out of pocket costs (and premiums). Policies will be available both inside and outside of the Exchanges.

 

Higher-income earners may benefit from HSA plans that may offer better Network coverage and more affordable pricing. Negotiated-network repricing can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs, especially for lab tests, x-rays, and outpatient treatment.

 

Note: Several states operate their own enrollment Marketplace, although most are federally-run. For example, Pennsylvania began operating their own state Marketplace (Pennie), and also extended the Open Enrollment period by 30 days.

 

Low-cost catastrophic plans are also available. However, to qualify for these special policies, applicants must be under age 30, or show the inability to afford other “Metal” plans. Catastrophic policies typically have higher deductibles and are not eligible for the federal subsidy. Thus, if your household income is under 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and especially 250%, since you likely qualify for a subsidy, these types of plans may not be appropriate.

 

Help with enrollment is part of the free service we provide. After reviewing your government subsidy eligibility, we will compare the policies that offer you the lowest out-of-pocket costs for the best rate. If you have pre-existing conditions, we determine which policies best pay for your treatment at an affordable cost. Balance billing and formulary drug list issues are also reviewed, along with the specialists and medical facilities included in the carrier network.

 

With our state-of-the-art software combined with live personal support, the best  medical coverage is just moments away!  Throughout your visit, there are many articles providing you information on hospitalization coverage, short-term policies, ways to reduce your  expenses and more. 

 

You may also see a variance in rates from one state to another. For example, Ohio health insurance rates will be less than rates from Illinois. Texas, New York, and California have the highest healthcare rates in the US. This is just a small part of the underwriting process.

 

If you missed Open Enrollment, as earlier mentioned,  there are several policies that can be easily purchased at any time. They can also be canceled with no minimum requirement times for keeping coverage. Up to $2 million of healthcare benefits can be provided with deductibles ranging from $500 to $10,000.

 

How To Use This Quote Website

 

Our job is to provide the tools that allow you to easily choose the best plan for your specific needs. When you enter your zip code at the top of the page, the quoting process will begin. Very quickly, will be able to view plans side-by-side  and pick the monthly premium that you want to pay. Of course, we’ll be available to help explain all of your options and guide you through the application process.

 

Since  insurance rates are fixed by law, we’re able to offer the guaranteed lowest allowable costs. But we believe it is equally important to make sure the company we recommend is offering quality coverage and benefits, that, if needed, you will be able to easily use. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding any plan you see. Plan details and rates often change so we regularly update prices and coverages.

 

Types of  Coverage

 

Catastrophic major medical coverage is the least expensive form of coverage. Commonly known as “High Deductible Health Plans” (HDHPs), these types of policies were created to lower  insurance costs by offering a lower monthly premium in exchange for a higher annual deductible. Typically, catastrophic plans cover only major hospital and medical expenses after a  deductible is met.

 

Often, to keep the premium low, these deductibles are in the $5,000-$9,100 range. The most common buyers of catastrophic health plans are persons between the ages of 22-28 and 50-64. However, if you are fairly healthy, at any age, you may want to consider this type of plan.

 

Here’s how a typical policy works. Assume you owned an Aetna plan with a $5,000 deductible and 20% coinsurance, and you have a $100,000 hospital bill. Once Aetna has payed your deductible, there is a $95,000 balance. Typically, there is a cap on the 20% of that amount that you are responsible for. Assuming it is $3,000, your total bill would be $8,000.

 

Even if the claim is $250,000, $8,000 would be your total responsibility. You can also easily lower your out of pocket amount, by electing a 0% coinsurance or a lower deductible.

 

 

 

Popular HSA Plans:

 

Anthem Bronze Pathway X HMO 

Anthem Silver Pathway X HMO 

Ambetter Essential Care 2 

Blue Cross Bronze 60 HDHP 

Blue Cross Blue Shield  HD Bronze 3 

Bright Health Super Bronze 5 HSA 

CareSource Marketplace HSA Eligible Bronze 

Cigna Connect HSA 

Friday Health Plans Bronze HSA 

Health Net Bronze 60 HDHP 

Highmark Bronze 6900 HSA 

Oscar Bronze Simple 

Oscar Silver Simple 

UnitedHealthcare Silver Value+

UPMC Advantage Gold HSA

 

Lower Rates With Higher Medical Deductibles

Save Money With Higher Deductibles

 

Comprehensive major medical coverage is the most expensive form of coverage. In addition to the typical catastrophic benefits, additional coverage is often included, such as primary physician and specialist office visits, generic and non-generic prescriptions, preventive services and maternity. Physical therapy, skilled nursing and home care are additional common benefits. However, comprehensive health care often costs twice or three times the premium of traditional catastrophic  coverage. Employer-provided major medical benefits are often comprehensive coverage, but premiums are often partially paid as part of a benefit package.

 

Typically, you can choose either a PPO, EPO, or HMO policy. A Preferred Provider Organization allows you to select from a large Network of providers. This includes primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals close to you. If it is a large insurer, such as Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare,  or Humana, you can choose among thousands of providers across the country. Not all companies participate in federal or state Exchanges.

 

A Health Maintenance Organization tends to be a bit more restrictive, since most of your treatment revolves around one person and a specific area. But sometimes, their premiums are lower and most HMOs feature top-notch benefits. An EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) will not allow you to receive non-emergency services outside of the network. However, the negotiated discounts can be quite substantial.

 

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are an affordable alternative to traditional  insurance. It is a tax-favored  savings account that offers a different way for consumers to pay for their  insurance. HSAs allow you to pay for current medical expenses and save for future qualified  expenses on a tax-free basis. To take advantage of an HSA, you must have a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). An HDHP is a catastrophic policy that costs much less than traditional health care.

 

The money you save can be deposited, and used for qualified expenses. You also completely control the money in your contract and decide which type of investments to use. The IRS approval of HSAs has been unwavering and is not expected to change. However, each year, annual contribution limits, and maximum allowed out-of-pocket expenses often increase.

 

Whether you choose a catastrophic, comprehensive or HSA plan, we’ll help you find the most affordable option at the  lowest allowable rate. We never charge any fees for our service and our always available to discuss the specific  insurance plans that are most suitable for you.

 

Compare And Apply For Most Affordable Plans

 

Our website uses state-of-the-art technology (and LIVE persons waiting to help you!)  that allows you to easily compare different  plans from the top US  insurers. Your rate is based on the information you provide and only the top-rated companies are shown. We will never use “medical discount plans,” which often contain limited coverage with high enrollment fees. If you just need coverage for a dependent, then this page will help.

 

You’ll find that most of the companies we recommend are the trusted names that you recognize, such as Blue Cross, Aetna, Humana, Cigna, Kaiser, Ambetter, Molina, and UnitedHealthOne (formerly UnitedHealthCare). We carefully review all of the major medical  insurance available plans from each company, and recommend the plan that fits your particular budget and needs. Unlike many websites that simply provide only quotes, we feel it is important to understand the exact type of coverage you need, so that we can present the most affordable policy options at the best available prices.

 

Individual, Family, or Self-Employed Policies

 

Individual  plans are designed to cover one person. Naturally, premiums can be very inexpensive, especially, if it is a “catastrophic” policy. Rates can greatly vary with different companies, so we will study all of the available options before recommending the plan that best meets your needs. When you purchase private coverage, you have complete control over the type of benefits you want, how long you want to keep the policy in force, and whether you wish to keep it portable.

 

Personal coverage is also much more flexible than an employer-provided medical plan. Instead of a few choices regarding riders and plan designs, there will be hundreds of different combinations to choose from. If your doctor is not a participating provider of one company, then you can easily choose another. Whether you just left an employer plan or are buying a policy for the first time, we’ll help you find many affordable options.

 

Family plans provide coverage for two or more persons. Usually, office visit, prescription and preventive benefits are included along with the catastrophic coverages. To keep out-of-pocket expenses down, office visit and prescription copays are often low and not subject to a deductible. Rates are higher than individual plans, but raising the  deductible will help keep the rate affordable. Some companies will provide a discount when you bundle more than one person on the same policy.

 

Self-employed plans feature tax-saving benefits that allow you to pay for many qualified medical expenses on a tax-free basis (HSA). When preparing recommendations for the self-employed, we feel it is important to understand what coverages you have used the most in the past, and then tailoring a major medical health insurance plan that meets your specific needs. Often, the policy is a combination of catastrophic and comprehensive coverages.

 

Feel free to browse our website for the most up-to-date information on current medical plans, Senior Medicare plans, State Exchanges, free quotes, and expert advice on how you can save money. Whether you need a Marketplace policy with a subsidy, or you missed Open Enrollment, we do the shopping so you do the saving.

 

Sample Individual Health Insurance Rates

 

Shown below are monthly rates in several areas for a  40-year-old with income of $35,000. The illustrated plan is the least expensive available policy.

 

Brownsville, TX

 

$0 – BCBS Of Texas Blue Advantage Bronze HMO 204

$0 – BCBS Of Texas Advantage Plus Bronze 305

 

Columbus, OH

 

$27 – Anthem Bronze Pathway X HMO 9100

$28 – Anthem Bronze Pathway X HMO 9100/0% Standard

 

Des Moines, IA

 

$0 – Oscar Bronze Simple

$4 – Oscar Bronze Classic

 

Glendale, CA

 

$50 – L A Care Health Plan Bronze 60 HMO

$91 – Health Net Bronze 60 HDHP Ambetter PPO

 

Greensboro, NC

 

$0 – -Friday Health Plans Standard Expanded Bronze

$0 – AmeriHealth Caritas Next Bronze EPO Bronze 3800

 

Harrisburg, PA

 

$0 – Capital Blue Cross Bronze PPO 7450/0/50

$0 – Highmark my Direct Blue EPO Bronze 3800

 

Madison, WI

 

$0 – Dean Focus Network Bronze Copay PCP 8000X

$0 – Dean Focus Network Bronze Value Copay 9050X

 

Miami, FL

 

$0 – AmeriHealth Caritas Next Bronze

$9 – Oscar Bronze Simple Standard 

 

Omaha, NE

 

$0 – Medica Bronze Premier

$0 – Medica Bronze Copay

 

Sacramento, CA

 

$35 – Kaiser Bronze 60 HDHP

 

St. Louis, MO

 

$56 – Medica Bronze Value

 

St. Paul, MN

 

$105 – UCare M Health Fairview Bronze HSA

 

Salt Lake City, UT

 

$0 – SelectHealth Value Benchmark Bronze 6800

 

Shreveport, LA

 

$38 – CHRISTUS Health Plan Individual Basic Bronze

 

Current Proposed Rate Changes

 

Shown below are proposed premium changes for several states:

 

District Of Columbia

 

CareFirst HMO Blue Choice – 14.7% increase

 

CareFirst PPO – 0.6% decrease

 

Kaiser Health Plan – 1.97% decrease

 

Kentucky

 

Anthem – 16.62% increase

 

CareSource – 5.3% increase

 

Maine

 

Anthem – 1.1% decrease

 

Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan – 0.4% increase

 

Main Community Health Options – 10.2% decrease

 

Maryland

 

CareFirst Blue Choice – 1.1% decrease

 

Kaiser Health Plan – 11.0% decrease

 

Michigan

 

Blue Care Network Of Michigan – 2.5% increase

 

BCBS Of Michigan – 1.7% increase

 

Oscar – 6.0% increase

 

McLaren – 2.0% decrease

 

Meridian – 2.7% increase

 

Molina – 0.4% increase

 

Physicians Health Plan – 3.1% increase

 

Priority Health – o.12% decrease

 

Total Health Care USA – 0.39% decrease

 

New York

 

Emblem – 9.5% increase

 

Excellus – 1.51% increase

 

Fidelis – 18.82% increase

 

Healthfirst – 2.3% increase

 

Healthnow – 1.94% decrease

 

HealthPlus HP – 16.64% increase

 

IHBC – 3.67% decrease

 

MetroPlus – 9.58% increase

 

MVP Health Care – 6.74% increase

 

Oscar – 19.1% increase

 

UnitedHealthcare – 13.79% increase

 

Oregon

 

Bridgespan – 11.1% increase

 

Kaiser – 3.51% decrease

 

Moda – 4.7%

 

PacificSource – 4.2% increase

 

Providence Health Plan – 2.4% increase

 

Regence BCBS – 2.5% increase

 

Washington

 

Bridgespan – 0.03% increase

 

Regence BS – 2.71% decrease

 

Lifewise Health Plan – 3.445 increase

 

Premera BC – 8.99% decrease

 

Providence Health Plan – 2.99% increase

 

Regence BCBS – 4.71% decrease

 

Kaiser – 4.87% decrease

 

Molina – 0.27% increase