Cheap health insurance in Pennsylvania is one step away from you. You can look to the Pennsylvania health insurance exchange for private coverage if you are not eligible for health insurance through the government or work.
Remember to look for a health insurance plan in the exchange that delivers sufficient medical coverage for your budget when browsing the options. Remember that a plan’s medical coverage level decreases with a monthly payment decrease. As more cheap plans typically have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, this implies that you will be responsible for a more significant portion of your medical expenses.
We identified the best affordable health insurance plans on Pennsylvania’s insurance exchange based on age and other plan types to help you locate the proper coverage. People can now save money on health insurance.
Cheap health insurance in Pennsylvania by metal tier
They are divided into metal levels to distinguish health insurance plans. It is based on their medical coverage, monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. Pennsylvania insurance exchange offers three metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
Each tier’s typical monthly expenses in Pennsylvania are as follows:
- Bronze level: $355 monthly
- Silver costs $510 a month.
- For Gold: $487 monthly
Usually, Silver policies are less expensive than Gold ones. As these deviations can occur in specific markets, Gold is less expensive than Silver in this case.
If you don’t anticipate needing medical attention, an insurance plan with the lowest monthly premium may be the best option. However, remember that less expensive plans typically have greater out-of-pocket expenses because they provide less coverage. On the other hand, because they offer broader coverage, plans with higher monthly premiums usually have lower out-of-pocket expenses.
You can look to the Pennsylvania insurance exchange for private coverage if you are not eligible for health insurance through the government or work. You can also search for individual health insurance in Pennsylvania.
Remember to look for a health insurance plan in the exchange that delivers the finest medical coverage for your budget when browsing the options. Keep in mind that a plan’s medical coverage level decreases with a monthly payment decrease. This suggests that you will be responsible for a larger share of your medical bills because more affordable plans sometimes have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
Pennsylvania’s least expensive health insurance by metal tier and age
Your premiums may change as you age. Seniors may observe a rise in their premiums as they age because insurers believe they are more likely to require medical care. For instance, while a 60-year-old will have to pay an average of $1,076 per month for a Silver plan, a 26-year-old will only have to pay $408 on average. This $668 disparity illustrates the variation brought on by a 34-year lapse in health insurance premiums.
Cost-sharing reductions (CSR), which can improve Silver plans and make them more accessible for low-income people, may be available. Because CSRs may reduce your deductible.
For all available plan types — HMO, PPO, and EPO medical insurance plans — rates are based on a sample profile of a 40-year-old guy, with an HMO plan being the most prevalent in Pennsylvania.
Companies offering health insurance in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania state exchange currently has nine health insurance providers. The offered plans differ by county, but Highmark or UPMC coverage is available in most of the state’s 67 counties.
- Ambetter from PA Wellness & Health
- Blue Cross Capital
- Cigna
- Plan Geisinger Health
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield Highmark
- Lowmark Inc.
- Blue Cross of Independence
- Oscar
- Health Plan from UPMC
UPMC offers the state’s lowest-priced plan for each metal tier among these insurers, giving it an excellent option for cheap health insurance in Pennsylvania.
Cheap Health Insurance in Pennsylvania by county
Pennsylvania health insurance premiums can also change depending on your country. This is because of the fact that insurers use rating regions to calculate premiums in the majority of states.
There are 67 counties and nine rating areas in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia County has the most residents. The Independence Blue Cross Keystone HMO Silver Proactive Lite plan, with an average monthly health insurance cost of $447, is the most cost-effective option.
Pennsylvania’s Cheapest Health Insurance Has High Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Healthy Pennsylvanians may choose to enroll in a plan with reduced monthly premiums. However, because low-premium plans frequently include high deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, you might have to pay more of your medical bills.
The greatest option for someone looking for inexpensive health insurance in Pennsylvania with a high out-of-pocket maximum is the UPMC Advantage Bronze $6,700/$0 – Partner Network plan offered by UPMC Health Plan. For a 26-year-old, this costs on average $178 per month. A high out-of-pocket maximum exceeds $8,250, according to NewHealthInsurance.
Cheap Health Insurance in Pennsylvania with Low Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Pennsylvanians over 65 or those with significant medical needs must select a health insurance plan with low out-of-pocket maximums. This typically translates to higher monthly premiums, but once you’ve used up your out-of-pocket maximum due to frequent clinic visits or prescription medication expenses, your insurer will start paying your bills sooner.
My Priority Blue Flex EPO Bronze 3800 + Adult Dental and Vision by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is the least expensive health insurance plan in Pennsylvania, with a low out-of-pocket maximum; it costs an average of $354 per month for a person aged 40.
Most affordable EPO, HMO, and PPO health insurance plan in Pennsylvania
Establishing your healthcare needs and preferences would be the best to choose the finest health insurance plan in Pennsylvania. There are three healthcare plans available:
- Preferred Provider Organization
- Health Maintenance Organization
- Exclusive Provider Organization
The HMO is the most popular kind of health insurance plan in Pennsylvania. Although you must remain in the provider’s network to receive medical treatment under these plans, except for an emergency, they are typically more economical than the other plan categories. The second most popular plan type is a PPO, which is typically more expensive but offers a more extensive network and eliminates the requirement for a referral to see a specialist. In Pennsylvania, EPOs are the least prevalent form of plan. If you want to have a checkup from a specialist, you don’t need a referral as you do with an HMO. Instead, you must stay in the provider’s network unless there is an emergency.
The most affordable HMO, EPO, and PPO health insurance plan options in Pennsylvania are:
- HMO: The PA Health & Wellness Ambetter Balanced Care 12 (2021) plan has a monthly average health insurance cost of $427 for a 40-year-old.
- PPO: UPMC Health Plan’s UPMC Advantage Silver $0/$85 – Premium Network plan costs an average of $499 per month for a 40-year-old.
- EPO: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Together Blue EPO Silver 3450 HSA plan costs an average of $343 monthly for a 40-year-old.
Cheapest HSA-Eligible Health Insurance Plan in Pennsylvania
You can choose a health savings account (HSA) if you are generally healthy and unlikely to need medical care. HSA plans are more affordable and let you make pre-tax contributions to save money for medical costs. The major advantage of having an HSA is that you can use it for non-medical expenses, but do remember that you will lose the tax-free benefit.
- Bronze: The Together Blue EPO Bronze 6900 HSA plan offered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield runs a 40-year-old with an average monthly premium of $255.
- Silver: The Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Together Blue EPO Silver 3450 HSA has an average monthly cost of $343 for a 40-year-old.
Note that the deductibles on HSA plans are substantial. This implies that if you have significant medical expenses, you might have to use your funds to pay for them.
What Pennsylvanians Should Know About Health Insurance
We obtained rates from the insurance exchange in Pennsylvania. When you apply for a plan, keep in mind that you could be able to discover a cheaper one because the insurer will be able to provide you with customized health insurance quotes that may include discounts you qualify for. Residents who are elderly or low-income may qualify for government health insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare.
The Pennsylvania Marketplace for Private Health Insurance
In Pennsylvania and other states, there are many different metal tiers for private health insurance plans, so you can pick out what best fits your needs. Each of the tiers has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pennsylvania has three metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
- Bronze: The least expensive plan type is Bronze. They are the greatest option for people who are less likely to seek medical care but yet want to have insurance that can be useful in an emergency. Remember that Bronze plans frequently offer greater out-of-pocket maximums despite modest monthly premiums.
- Silver: Silver plans are regarded as a well-balanced option because they provide more advantages than Bronze but are probably less expensive than Gold.
- Gold: Gold plans feature the best benefits and medical coverage but have the highest average monthly premium. The best option for those with high medical costs is this.
Based on your particular income and age situation, you might be able to locate insurance policies that are even more reasonable and offer greater coverage than those that we have mentioned. For instance, you can qualify for premium tax credits if your yearly income is between 100 and 400% of the federal poverty line. For example, a household of two earning between $17,420 and $69,680 may be qualified. Visit the Healthcare.gov calculator to determine your possible savings depending on your unique circumstances.
Be aware that you have limited time to apply for or enroll in a new insurance plan. Commonly occurring between November and December, this “open enrollment” period was extended due to COVID-19. If you just moved or changed your job status, you might be eligible for a special enrollment period.
Pennsylvania Medicaid
Individuals may get medical care and health insurance in Pennsylvania through Medicaid, a state and federal program. Those who qualify can use it for free. Given that Pennsylvania is a state that has expanded Medicaid, if your income is less than 138% of the federal poverty threshold, you can apply for Medicaid based only on your income.
Pennsylvania Medicare
Compared to private insurers, Medicare is a federal government program that provides more affordable health insurance plans in Pennsylvania. It is similar to Medicaid, but it costs money. Medicare may be available to Pennsylvania residents 65 and over and those with illnesses or disabilities.
Medicare is divided into three sections:
- Part A: Hospital insurance provides coverage for some home health care services and inpatient hospital stays and stays in skilled nursing facilities.
- Part B: Medical insurance pays for preventative care and other outpatient medical services, including doctor visits.
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage, which aids in defraying the price of prescription medications, including advised vaccinations or injections.
Frequently asked questions about cheap health insurance in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, is it illegal to be without health insurance?
In Pennsylvania, there is no fine if you don’t have health insurance. Although you must disclose whether you have insurance on your federal tax return. Being uninsured does not result in a penalty.
Who can apply for Pennie?
Pennie, the state health insurance exchange, allows all Pennsylvania residents who are citizens, US nationals, or have a certain immigration status to study ACA plans and apply for coverage. Pennie will also assist you in figuring out whether you qualify for lower monthly payments.
Is health insurance free in Pennsylvania?
Through the Pennsylvania Medicaid program, the state of Pennsylvania offers free or inexpensive medical treatment and health insurance. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services can tell you about costs, requirements for eligibility, and how to apply.
What is the PA name for Obamacare?
The only place to seek financial aid to help minimize the cost of health insurance coverage and care is Pennie. It is Pennsylvania’s official health and dental insurance marketplace.
Obamacare costs how much per month?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) estimates that the benchmark Obamacare monthly premium for 2018 is $411 before subsidies.
For whom is Obamacare applicable?
Obamacare lets everyone buy health insurance in Pennsylvania, no matter how much money they have. Suppose your family income is between 4% and 100% of the federal poverty line (FPL). In that case, you can get a premium tax credit or other subsidies that will lower the cost of your health insurance in Pennsylvania.
Is there a fine in Pennsylvania in 2022 if you don’t have health insurance?
In 2022, there won’t be a tax penalty for not having health insurance, but serious drawbacks exist.
Methodology
Your most cost-effective option will rely on your unique demands and traits. Our study is based on estimates. No single plan is guaranteed the cheapest for you in Pennsylvania based on this study, which is only meant to be a recommendation.
NewHealthInsurance gathered information on plans and costs for health insurance in Pennsylvania. It includes various age groups and metal categories from the Pennie Health Link website. In May 2021, plans and premiums were examined.
The estimated cost of health insurance premiums on this page does not include any potential premium tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies for which customers may qualify.
