The Cheapest (and Best) Health Insurance in Atlanta, GA (2023)
Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc., with an average monthly cost of $270, offers the cheapest health insurance in Atlanta, Georgia, for 40-year-olds. Kaiser Permanente comes in second at $394.95 monthly.
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Different factors, including your location, age, plan type and the number of insured individuals, affect the cost of your health insurance. To find the best health insurance in Atlanta, MoneyGeek examined market data — from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — and chose the top companies based on factors including client satisfaction, plan selections and price.
Since not all health insurance companies provide the same coverage, MoneyGeek advises searching around to discover the best value for your needs.
Best Overall and Runner-Up
For best overall and runner-up, MoneyGeek evaluated cost, customer satisfaction and plan data obtained from the Health Insurance Exchange Public Use Files, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index to establish recommendations. Categories were weighted 55% for cost, 35% for customer service and 10% for plan options.
Best Cheap
In most cases, plans were aggregated to generate the estimated costs for any given company. Although the represented data shows the average premiums for any given section, specific company plans will vary in price. Unless otherwise stated, rates reflect the cost for a 40-year-old individual.
Best Overall Health Insurance in Atlanta
The cost cannot be the only deciding factor when purchasing health insurance. A comparison between each company's plans, customer service, pricing and cost-sharing options is ideal.
MoneyGeek determined Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. to be the top health insurance company in Atlanta after rating it an 85 out of 100.
Best Health Insurance in Atlanta
pros
Affordable plan options
Good customer service ratings
Ability to manage health insurance plan in one account
Quick submission of out-of-network claims online
Medical and pharmacy benefits for up to three years
cons
Limited metal tier options
Excludes 30 counties in the Kansas City area
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Nearly one-third of Georgia's population holds a membership from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc., one of the state's largest and most established health insurance providers. The company provides a wide range of benefits, including health plans, to cater to the requirements of individuals, employers and seniors.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. obtained a rating of 3.5 out of 5 from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Although the company outranks others as the best health insurance company in Atlanta, it has limited metal tier options, which is a letdown for consumers who may want to explore more selections.
Health Insurance in Atlanta Runner-Up
After Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc., Kaiser Permanente ranked second for best health insurance in Atlanta based on the same criteria. More details about the products and services offered by this health insurance provider can be seen below.
Kaiser Permanente
For over 75 years, Kaiser Permanente has offered top-notch medical care and coverage in Atlanta. By linking care and coverage, the company created a new model of health care where everything is intended to function as a whole and benefit its members.
With a MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100, Kaiser Permanente is Atlanta's next best option for health insurance. The company got high scores in terms of affordability and customer service. It provides convenient, hassle-free health care and allows appointments by phone, video or in-person visit.
Health insurance policies come in four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The least expensive metal tier is Bronze, while the most expensive plan type is Platinum.
When offered, Catastrophic plans are typically only available to people under the age of 30 or those who fall within an income range considered low income. If you want to cut costs on health care while still having your unique health care needs taken care of, consider Bronze plans. Alternatively, consider Silver plans, which usually offer a decent balance of price and coverage.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Atlanta for Individuals
Depending on how you and the insurance company split the expense of medical care, the price of health insurance in Atlanta may change. Understanding the relationships between market metal tiers, premiums and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs is best if affordability is your primary concern.
Watch out for extra costs not covered by your premium, such as the deductible, copayment and co-insurance.
The Catastrophic and Bronze plans are the most affordable metal tiers. Even if you have Catastrophic insurance, you might not have enough coverage for regular medical demands. The MoneyGeek chart below provides pricing for Atlanta metal tier plan options.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Atlanta for Individuals by Metal Tier
- Metal TierCompanyMonthly Premium
Catastrophic
Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc.
$270
Bronze
Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan
$353
Silver
Kaiser Permanente
$391
Gold
Kaiser Permanente
$449
Platinum
Alliant Health Plans
$771
If Bronze and Silver tier plans don’t meet your health care needs, consider Expanded Bronze. Select health insurance companies in Atlanta offer them. Expanded Bronze plans offer a little more coverage than Bronze by paying for at least one significant surgery upfront without charging a deductible.
MoneyGeek defines these concepts below to help clarify the many components of health care costs.
- Premium: A predetermined amount due monthly to your insurance provider.
- Deductible: A fixed dollar amount that must be paid before the provider starts to cover its portion of the costs.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum (MOOP): The highest amount you can expect to pay for medical care in addition to your premium.
- Co-insurance: The portion of a medical procedure or treatment that is still your financial responsibility after your deductible has been met.
- Copay: The fixed dollar amount you must pay each time you visit the doctor or pick up a prescription.
If you are familiar with the terms of your agreement, you can more clearly understand what services your health insurance plan will cover and how much a visit or prescription would cost.
How Age Affects Health Insurance Costs in Atlanta
No matter where you reside, your age is a significant factor in calculating the cost of your Atlanta health insurance. Keep in mind that the increased need for health care among the elderly drives up the price of health insurance.
Bronze or Expanded Bronze plans are frequently the least expensive. Ensure you can easily access the provider's network before choosing a lower-tiered service.
Based on their lowest Bronze plan premiums, the MoneyGeek chart below identifies the best cheap health insurance companies in Atlanta for various age groups. You can also observe how the sample person's health insurance costs rise with age.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Atlanta by Age
- AgeCompanyMonthly Premium
18
Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan
$253
26
Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan
$283
40
Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan
$353
60
Ambetter from Peach State Health Plan
$751
Cheapest Health Insurance in Atlanta for Families
Your premiums will increase when you add other family members to your health insurance plan. However, it will still be less expensive than purchasing individual insurance for each family member.
The chart below breaks down the usual family health insurance premiums in Atlanta by family size and metal tier for consumers shopping for health insurance coverage for their households.
Cheapest Premiums for Family Health Insurance
- Metal TierFamily of ThreeFamily of FourFamily of FiveFamily of Six
Catastrophic
$703
$865
$1,026
$1,188
Bronze
$919
$1,130
$1,342
$1,553
Silver
$1,017
$1,251
$1,485
$1,720
Gold
$1,166
$1,434
$1,703
$1,971
Platinum
$2,004
$2,466
$2,928
$3,389
How to Find Cheap Health Insurance in Atlanta
Not every person requires the same level of health insurance coverage. You may be looking for an Atlanta health insurance provider that offers plans satisfactory for your medical needs while remaining within your financial means.
If you don't think you'll need medical care during a specific year, a high-deductible plan with a cheap premium may be beneficial. However, a larger premium may be helpful to you if you anticipate needing more intensive care as the out-of-pocket costs will be less.
If you need coverage immediately, short-term health insurance is an option. Before acquiring this type of insurance, consider the following:
- Not all essential advantages offered
- No applicable tax breaks or financial aid
- Low monthly rates, but the cost of treatment can be high due to high copays and co-insurance
- Some with medical histories may not be accepted
Keep in mind that short-term health insurance does not serve as a long-term replacement for marketplace protection.
Health Insurance Subsidies and Income-Based Assistance
You might be qualified for financial aid to assist with the cost of your health insurance if your income falls within a particular low-income bracket. A person's insurance rates may be covered by subsidies in 2022 if their income is at least equal to the federal poverty level (FPL).
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are two additional options if you are not eligible for a health insurance subsidy. To be eligible for Medicaid, your income must be between 100% and 150% of the FPL.
Finding the Best Health Insurance in Atlanta
The most affordable health insurance in Atlanta does not always indicate the greatest value. The plan with the lowest price may result in higher costs in the long run if you frequently require medical treatment.
Tips for Finding the Right Coverage for You
Be sure to weigh your options and conduct research before selecting an Atlanta health insurance plan. MoneyGeek has compiled the standard instructions to assist you in making the best decision regarding your health insurance.
Know Where to Start
If you're under 26 years of age, you may be able to receive insurance through your parents. If you're over 26, additional starting points include your employer, the health care market and official state websites.
Mark the Enrollment Deadlines
Since many marketplace plans are only offered for purchase or exchange during the open enrollment, keep in mind that there are qualifying situations. The deadlines must be met because open enrollment typically lasts only a few weeks each year.
Understand Your Health Care Needs
When selecting a health insurance plan, your primary considerations should be your health care choices and medical needs. Verify if a plan matches the list of benefits you require. If you prefer a particular physician, confirm that they are in your plan’s network.
Review Costs
Consider making a budget that works for you by evaluating the premium, copay, co-insurance and deductible. For example, a reduced premium typically translates into a higher maximum out-of-pocket expense (MOOP). If you're still unsure, the Silver plan can be a good compromise — it usually offers a balance of affordability and coverage.
Check Your Prescriptions
Consult your chosen insurance provider if you want to ensure that your prescription is covered, or at least partially covered, by your chosen health insurance plan.
Choose Your Plan
The most affordable health insurance plan cannot meet everyone’s individual needs. Affordability shouldn't be the only consideration when choosing a plan. However, if the coverage level is agreeable to you and you won’t risk being under-covered, choosing the lowest-priced plan is wise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Atlanta
It can be challenging to comprehend Atlanta health insurance. MoneyGeek can answer some of your Atlanta health insurance questions to guide you in your decision.
About the Author
sources
- Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. "About Anthem." Accessed August 4, 2022.
- Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. "Welcome, New Members." Accessed August 4, 2022.
- Business Wire. "Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Offers Support to its Medicare Members and Georgia Residents Impacted by Hurricane Irma." Accessed August 4, 2022.
- eHealthinsurance Services, Inc. "Anthem BlueCross BlueShield in Georgia." Accessed August 4, 2022.
- HealthCare.gov. "Federal Poverty Level (FPL)." Accessed August 3, 2022.
- Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.. "What is Kaiser Permanente?." Accessed August 4, 2022.