Kentucky’s ACA marketplace is limited, with just two health insurance providers available to residents. WellCare is the best health insurance company in Kentucky, offering competitive premiums and comprehensive coverage across multiple metal tiers. Anthem is the other major provider, giving residents an alternative with strong network options and reliable plan offerings. These two insurers represent the primary options for Kentuckians shopping for ACA-compliant health insurance.
Best Health Insurance in Kentucky (2026)
Updated: December 31, 2025
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Key Takeaways
WellCare ranks as the state's top health insurance provider by balancing monthly premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs.
WellCare also provides the cheapest health insurance in Kentucky with excellent out-of-pocket limits, though its deductibles rank slightly lower than the best available.
When shopping for health insurance in Kentucky, compare quotes from multiple insurers, examine provider networks and coverage details, and verify your preferred doctors participate in the plan before making your final decision.
Best Health Insurance Companies in Kentucky
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | $617 | $8,059 | $6,378 | 4.5 | Clear Silver |
| Anthem | $699 | $9,856 | $3,667 | 4.0 | Anthem Silver Pathway X Transition 6000 ($0 Virtual PCP + $0 Select Drugs + Incentives) |
*Our picks are the best health insurance options for 40-year-olds looking for Silver-tier HMO plans.
WellCare
MoneyGeek Rating
4.5/ 5
5/5Affordability
2.5/5Deductible
5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$617Average MOOP
$8,059Average Deductible
$6,378
Anthem
MoneyGeek Rating
4/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
5/5Deductible
2.5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$699Average MOOP
$9,856Average Deductible
$3,667
Best Health Insurance in Kentucky by Category
Health insurance costs in Kentucky vary depending on age, plan type, and metal tier, with Silver plans ranging from $451 to $1,291 per month. To help you compare options, we break down average premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums by age group and plan type. This approach highlights which providers deliver the most affordable and balanced coverage for HMO and HSA-eligible plans at different life stages.
By Age:
- Teens (18): WellCare HMO plans cost $451 monthly
- Young adults (26): WellCare HMO plans cost $505 monthly
- Adults (40): WellCare HMO plans cost $617 monthly
- Seniors (60): WellCare HMO plans cost $1,291 monthly
By Plan Type:
- HMO: WellCare offers the most affordable HMO coverage for 40-year-olds at $617 monthly with a $6,378 deductible and $8,059 MOOP
- HSA-eligible: Anthem charges 40-year-olds $714 monthly with a $3,640 deductible and $8,200 MOOP
All rates are averages based on Silver plans for the given category.
Compare Kentucky Health Insurance Providers
Health insurance costs in Kentucky differ across providers, with premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits varying by plan. Use the filters below to compare options based on your age, metal tier, plan type, and HSA eligibility to find coverage that best fits your needs and budget.
Data filtered by:
HMO
Silver
40
No
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | $617 | HMO | Silver | $8,059 | $6,378 | 40 | No |
| Anthem | $699 | HMO | Silver | $9,856 | $3,667 | 40 | No |
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Kentucky
Choosing health insurance in Kentucky means weighing premiums against deductibles, network access and coverage limits.
- 1Assess your health care needs
Review your current medications, planned procedures and doctor visit frequency to determine which coverage level works best. Past medical expenses help predict future costs and guide your deductible choice. Factor in chronic conditions or upcoming surgeries that may require specialized care at Louisville or Lexington medical centers.
- 2Compare multiple insurer quotes
Request rates from at least three Kentucky health insurance companies to spot price differences and coverage variations. Major insurers serving Kentucky include Anthem, Humana and CareSource. Compare premiums, deductibles and coverage details side by side.
- 3Verify provider networks
Confirm your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept the plans you're considering. Out-of-network care costs more and may require full payment upfront. Check if major facilities like Norton Healthcare in Jefferson County or Baptist Health systems participate in your potential plan's network.
- 4Review cost-sharing details
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase upfront costs when you need care. Your out-of-pocket maximum caps annual expenses, limiting total costs during serious health events. Balance monthly affordability with your ability to pay deductibles and copays when seeking treatment.
- 5Evaluate plan types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans each offer different trade-offs. HMOs require referrals but cost less. PPOs offer flexibility to see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options, providing moderate flexibility and costs.
- 6Explore federal programs
Subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable for eligible Kentuckians. If you have low income, qualifying disabilities or are 65 or older, explore Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, HMO plans are the only ACA marketplace option. Bronze HMO plans start at $547 per month, Silver plans average $680, and Gold coverage costs $736 monthly. Platinum plans are not available in the state.
HMO plans require referrals for specialist care and generally limit coverage to in-network providers, but they offer lower premiums than other plan types would. While EPO or PPO plans are not currently offered through Kentucky’s marketplace, these plan types typically provide more flexibility in choosing doctors and specialists at higher costs.
| HMO | $547 | 571 | 680 | 736 |
*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Kentucky. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.
Best Health Insurance in Kentucky: Bottom Line
WellCare and Anthem have the best health insurance in Kentucky for 2026. WellCare offers the best balance of affordable monthly premiums and solid coverage, while Anthem charges higher monthly rates but provides lower deductibles for those who use health care frequently.
Best Kentucky Health Insurance: FAQ
Kentucky residents often ask about enrollment periods, state insurance requirements and how multiple plans work together.
How do I get health insurance in Kentucky?
Kentucky residents can get health insurance through Kynect health coverage (the state's official health insurance marketplace), directly from insurance companies or with help from licensed brokers. Open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. Special enrollment periods are available after qualifying life events like marriage, job loss or relocation. Employer-sponsored group plans offer an additional coverage option.
Are you required to have health insurance in Kentucky?
No, Kentucky doesn't require health insurance, and you won't face any penalties for being uninsured. Without coverage, you're responsible for paying the full cost of medical care out of pocket. A single hospital stay or emergency room visit could easily cost thousands of dollars.
Can you have multiple health insurance plans in Kentucky?
Yes, you can have multiple health insurance plans in Kentucky. Through coordination of benefits, your primary plan pays first, and your secondary plan may cover remaining eligible expenses. This arrangement commonly occurs when both spouses have employer-sponsored coverage or when combining Medicare with supplemental insurance.
Our Review Methodology
Kentucky's health insurance market features HMO plans only. Our rankings focus heavily on monthly premiums since they represent your biggest ongoing cost. We also factor in maximum out-of-pocket limits and deductibles, which affect your total yearly spending.
Our Scoring System
We weighted three cost factors:
- Monthly premium (60%): This recurring cost has the biggest impact on affordability. Lower average premiums earn higher scores.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (20%): This caps your total yearly costs beyond premiums. Lower limits score better.
- Deductible (20%): This is what you pay before coverage starts. Lower average deductibles score higher.
Sample Consumer Profile
We reviewed all 2026 Kentucky plans for ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Unless noted, pricing reflects 40-year-olds. We analyzed every tier: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.