The Cheapest (and Best) Health Insurance in Harrisburg, PA (2024)

In addition to location, age, plan type, personal health care needs and the number of people on your plan are all factors that affect the cost of health insurance premiums.

MoneyGeek compiled and reviewed marketplace data from various providers to determine the cheapest health insurance companies in Harrisburg. Aside from the cost, the quality of service also matters.

MoneyGeek also examined customer satisfaction with customer service as rated by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). However, not all plan types are offered by every company. So, shopping around when looking for an affordable health insurance company in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is important.

Regarding health insurance, it’s important to consider more than just the cost when choosing a health insurance plan. You should also consider plan options, cost-sharing choices and the quality of customer service.

MoneyGeek analyzed health insurance companies in Harrisburg and found that Geisinger Health Plan is the overall best company. This provider balances affordability with excellent customer service.

Capital BlueCross earned a MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 to emerge as the second-best option for health insurance in Harrisburg.

In Harrisburg, health insurance costs are determined by how you share the cost of health care with the insurer. Premium prices also vary across state, city and county levels. The best company for you may not be the cheapest option.

However, if cost is a primary concern, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with the marketplace metal system that sets standards for what insurers can charge different members. Plan categories include Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each has various maximum out-of-pocket expenses based on premiums.

If affordability is important to you, MoneyGeek recommends getting quotes from various providers to find the best fit for your budget needs. Compare deductibles, copays and co-insurance to help identify the plan with the lowest premium.

Bronze and Catastrophic plans offer the cheapest premiums but may not be enough in case a significant medical expense happens. Remember, many factors will determine which plan works best for you.

Some companies offer Expanded Bronze — this tier is the middle ground between Bronze and Silver. Expanded Bronze is typically more expensive than Bronze but still cheaper than Silver. This plan covers at least one major service before the deductible is met.

Age is a significant factor when determining the costs of health insurance. The older you are, the more expensive your health insurance will be. Older people generally have more considerable health care needs than younger people.

These needs can include treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

If you're looking for the cheapest health insurance plans in Harrisburg, consider Bronze or Expanded Bronze plans. These plans have the lowest monthly premiums but ensure the provider network works for you. If out of network, you would pay out of pocket for out-of-network coverage, which can be a substantial expense.

The table below provides an overview of how premiums increase based on age.

The more family members you add to your health insurance plan, the higher the monthly costs will be. Still, this is cheaper than insuring each person individually.

MoneyGeek compiled the average cost of health insurance premiums by family size and metal level in Harrisburg in the chart below.

When shopping for health insurance in Harrisburg, evaluating your health care needs and budget is crucial because a perfect plan does not exist. To determine which health insurance plan is best for you, you must weigh coverage against costs to determine the best possible health insurance plan for your care needs.

For example, high-deductible health plans may be a good option for those in good health. However, individuals anticipating intensive medical care may want to consider a health insurance plan that offers more comprehensive benefits at an affordable cost.

The government offers subsidies and income-based assistance to make health insurance more affordable. For example, subsidies to reduce plan costs are available to those whose wages at least meet the federal poverty level (FPL). Subsidies are generally limited to 400% of the FPL, but the American Rescue Plan waived this requirement for 2022, allowing more individuals to qualify.

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are alternative possibilities if you do not qualify for a health insurance subsidy. Your income must be between 100% and 150% of the FPL, depending on your state, to be eligible for Medicaid.

When it comes to health insurance, the cheapest option isn’t always the best one. Sometimes, a low-premium with a high deductible plan may cost more if you need regular care. However, you still want to find a good balance between quality and affordability.

MoneyGeek provides answers to frequently asked questions about health insurance plans in Harrisburg.