Best Kansas Health Insurance (2024 Plans)


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Updated: May 22, 2024

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MoneyGeek Logo IconBest Health InsuranceKansas
2024

Best Health Insurance in Kansas

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Kansas directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). MoneyGeek’s scoring methodology balances costs, claims approval and plan types to find the best providers in the state.

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Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October 2023 for the 2024 enrollment period.

98Plans Analyzed
 
14Providers Compared

Overall Best Health Insurance in Kansas

Ambetter is Kansas's best health insurance provider, with a MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100.

This provider extends more affordable plan options, offers a lower maximum out-of-pocket cost for health services and exhibits less frequent claim denials than average.

We studied 35 Silver EPO plans in Kansas to understand which health insurance is best.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Affordable premium rates

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Lower out-of-pocket costs

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Fewer claims denied

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Diversity of plan options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Kansas is Ambetter. This insurer provides eight Silver EPO plans, often including a common benefit allowing you to see specialists without a referral. They offer an average plan rate of $553. The average maximum out-of-pocket cost for these plans is $7,750.

Ambetter has a denial rate of 15%, lower than most of the competition. MoneyGeek recommends the following Silver plans:

  • Standard Silver: $550 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Clear Silver: $553 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Focused Silver: $561 per month; MOOP $8,000

Best Health Insurance in Kansas for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs

With a MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100, Ambetter has the best health insurance in Kansas for low out-of-pocket costs. It offers more affordable plan options. The company also has lower MOOP costs and fewer claim denials than average.

For this analysis, we evaluated 22 Gold EPO plans in Kansas.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Low out-of-pocket costs

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Diverse plan options available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Kansas for low out-of-pocket costs is Ambetter. The insurer offers eight Gold EPO plans. EPO plans give you access to certain doctors and hospitals within its network.

It offers an average plan rate of $617, while the average maximum out-of-pocket cost for these plans is $7,300. Ambetter has a denial rate of about 15%. They have a lower denial rate than most of the competition.

MoneyGeek recommends the following Gold and Platinum plans:

  • Elite Gold: $661 per month; MOOP $5,500
  • Everyday Gold: $580 per month; MOOP $7,500
  • Elite Gold + Vision + Adult Dental: $682 per month; MOOP $5,500

Best Cheap Health Insurance in Kansas

Ambetter is the best cheap health insurance provider in Kansas, earning a score of 81 out of 100. The provider offers more affordable plan options with lower average out-of-pocket expenses. It also denies fewer claims than most other providers.

For this analysis, we looked at 35 Silver EPO plans in Kansas. MoneyGeek placed more importance on plans with lower monthly premiums when deciding the winner for this category. Plans with lower premiums generally have higher out-of-pocket costs.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Low out-of-pocket costs

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Fewer denied claims

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Affordable premium rates

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Average plan type diversity

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Ambetter is MoneyGeek's top pick for the best cheap health insurance in Kansas. It offers eight different Silver plans, all of which are EPOs. Typically, EPO plans have lower out-of-pocket costs when you use doctors and hospitals in the network.

Ambetter offers an average plan rate of $567, and the average maximum out-of-pocket cost for these plans is $7,750. The insurer has a denial rate of 15%, lower than most of the competition.

MoneyGeek recommends the following cheap Silver plans:

  • Clear Silver: $553 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Standard Silver: $550 per month; MOOP $9,100
  • Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental: $571 per month; MOOP $5,400

Best Health Insurance for Low Income in Kansas

The best health insurance in Kansas for those with low income is Ambetter, with a score of 81 out of 100. Ambetter has lower-than-average rates, minimal out-of-pocket costs and fewer claim denials than other competitors.

In Kansas, we evaluated 35 Silver EPO plans for this analysis. MoneyGeek emphasized plans with low monthly premiums, including cost-sharing reductions (CSRs), when deciding the top plan for low-income people.

These CSRs help if your income is below a certain level, so you don't have to choose between paying less each month or paying less when you get care. Regular Silver plans usually cover 70% of health costs, but Silver plans with CSRs cover varying percentages depending on income:

  • If you earn between $27,180 and $33,975 per year (201–250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), your plan can cover about 73% of health costs.
  • If you earn between $20,385 and $27,180 per year (151–200% of the FPL), you can have around 87% of the costs covered.
  • And if your income is less than $20,385 per year (up to 150% of the FPL), you may get about 94% of your health care costs covered.

Remember that these numbers can change if you have more or fewer people living in your house.

MoneyGeek Pick: Ambetter

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Low premium rates

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Low rate of claim denial

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Limited plan options available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Kansas for those with low income is Ambetter. The provider offers cost-effective plans for people earning less than 250% of the FPL. Ambetter provides eight Silver CSR plans to Kansas residents at an average monthly rate of $567. The average MOOP cost for these plans is $6,513.

The provider only offers EPO plans; no PPO or POS plans. EPOs usually have lower monthly payments. The company's denial rate is 15%, which means it approves claims more frequently than competitors.

Plan Recommendations

Ambetter's top-rated plan offers lower out-of-pocket expenses for the same premium for people in different income brackets. Here are some of the lower overall out-of-pocket costs based on income levels:

  • 201-250% of the FPL: $553 per month; $7,200 MOOP
  • 151-200% of the FPL: $553 per month; $1,600 MOOP
  • Up to 150% of the FPL: $553 per month; $550 MOOP

Best Health Insurance for Young Adults in Kansas

Aetna provides the best health insurance in Kansas for young adults, earning a MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100.

Aetna offers the most affordable plan options, has lower out-of-pocket costs, and better than average claim denial performance. Only individuals under the age of 30 can get Catastrophic coverage.

We evaluated one Bronze EPO plan, 37 Expanded Bronze EPO plans, and three Catastrophic EPO plans for this category.

MoneyGeek Pick: Aetna Medicare

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Average plan type offerings

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Higher-than-average claim denial rate

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Kansas for young adults is Aetna. This insurer offers three Expanded Bronze plans for those who often need fewer medical services.

Aetna provides EPO plans, which typically allow you to see specialists without a referral and have a network of doctors to choose from. It offers an average plan rate of $302, while the average maximum out-of-pocket cost for these plans is $8,767. And with a 21% claim denial rate, Aetna tends to deny more claims than its competitors.

MoneyGeek recommends the following plans for young adults:

  • Bronze 2 HSA: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals: ($254 per month) for 18-year-olds and ($285 per month) for 26-year-olds; MOOP $7,500
  • Bronze S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals: ($258 per month) for 18-year-olds and ($290 per month) for 26-year-olds; MOOP $9,400
  • Bronze 4: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals: ($284 per month) for 18-year-olds and ($319 per month) for 26-year-olds; MOOP $9,400

Best Health Insurance by Plan Type in Kansas

Health insurance companies have different plan types. In Kansas, there are 35 Silver EPO plans available. The best provider for the only plan category available in Kansas is:

  • EPO: Ambetter (MoneyGeek score: 89 out of 100)

Only Silver plans were considered in these recommendations. Silver plans often offer a balance between what you pay each month and what you pay when you get care. They can be suitable for people who go to the doctor or need medical care several times a year.

MoneyGeek Pick for EPO: Ambetter

Ambetter
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

MoneyGeek's top pick for the best health insurance in Kansas for Silver EPO plans is Ambetter, which offers eight different plans. This insurer offers an average plan rate of $567, and the average maximum out-of-pocket cost for these plans is $7,750. The provider denies fewer claims than average.

Silver EPO plans let you go to specialist doctors without always needing referrals. But you need to use doctors in the plan's network unless it's an emergency. This ruling tends to limit your health care options. Silver EPO plans are the people's third choice, making them quite popular. Like HMO plans, you have to stick to the network or you have to pay for your care out of your own pocket.

We suggest the following Silver EPO plans from Ambetter:

  • Clear Silver: $553 per month; MOOP $5,400
  • Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental: $571 per month; MOOP $5,400

Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Kansas

Based on cost and plan types, National General Accident and Health offers the best short-term health insurance in Kansas. The provider received a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 and offers the lowest MOOP cost in the state.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick: National General Accident & Health
National General Accident & Health

National General Accident & Health stands out because it offers a wide range of plan options to accommodate various health care demands. For high-risk patients, the company offers plans with modest co-insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. Plans can have durations of three months to three years and offer several options for cost-sharing and prescription drug coverage.

How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You in Kansas

Your coverage needs and budget will determine the best health insurance option for you in Kansas. When you shop around for health insurance, it’s important to consider premium cost and MOOP cost.

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    Understand when a health insurance plan will cover you

    Health plans have rules about which doctors you can see. If you see a doctor in your network, it costs less. If you visit out-of-network doctors, it can cost more. Some plans in Kansas allow you to go out of network, but some don't.

    Plans that let you go out of network are often pricier. On the other hand, plans that don't cost less. If you do get care outside of your network regardless, however, you might not get any money back.

    In Kansas, there are 35 EPO plans.

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    Weigh the cost of premiums vs. the cost of care

    Picking the best insurance is like finding a balance. You look at how much you pay monthly and the most you'd pay for medical expenses yearly. Your needs dictate your choice.

    Some plans cost less each month, but if you get sick a lot, you could pay more by the end of the year. Plans that cost more each month often have a limit on what you pay in a year, which can help save money if you visit doctors or hospitals a lot.

    The Clear Silver plan by Ambetter has the lowest limit on what you pay in a year, which is $5,400. This plan costs $553 each month. That's more than the average monthly cost for other Silver plans, but it could be a good choice if you need to see the doctor often and want to keep your yearly costs down.

Consider Kansas Medicare or Medicaid if You’re Eligible

Prospective policyholders in Kansas aged 65 or older, as well as those with a qualifying disability or illness, may qualify for Medicare. This government-sponsored program helps reduce your medical expenses by covering specific services. Medicare coverage is divided into three components:

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance): This component covers health care costs incurred while in in-patient or nursing facilities, like hospices.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance): This pays for outpatient services, including preventative care costs and doctor visits.
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): This covers the cost of vaccines, prescription drugs and shots.

MoneyGeek ranked the best Medicare Advantage and best Medicare Supplement plans in Kansas to ensure you secure suitable coverage for your situation.

Another government-sponsored program available to help lower your health insurance costs in Kansas is Medicaid. However, Kansas is not a Medicaid expansion state, and you can only qualify for the program if you meet the state guidelines. Typically, the program is available to low-income children, pregnant women, very low-income families and individuals with disabilities.

FAQ: Kansas Health Insurance

Finding an ideal health insurance plan can be complicated due to concerns about price and availability. MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions to help you research options.

What is the best health insurance provider in Kansas for 2024?
What should you look for when shopping for the best health insurance plan in Kansas?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.