Cox Healthplans gives 40-year-olds the best health insurance in Missouri by balancing monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs when you need care. Oscar's $620 rate undercuts competitors by over $80 monthly, putting more than $900 back in your budget annually. Medica makes sense if you visit doctors frequently since its $2,305 deductible runs hundreds lower than other Missouri plans. And Anthem connects you to more hospitals and specialists statewide than any competing insurer.
Best Health Insurance in Missouri (2026)
Updated: February 6, 2026
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Cox Healthplans has the best health insurance, providing a balance of monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits.
Oscar provides the cheapest health insurance in Missouri, though its deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are higher than other options.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers, evaluate coverage limits and deductibles and verify that your preferred doctors participate in the plan's network.
Best Health Insurance Companies in Missouri
Overall Value | Cox Healthplans | $702 | $5,026 | $2,890 | 4.3 | Cox Healthplans Silver Preferred |
Most Affordable | Oscar | $620 | $6,103 | $3,306 | 4.1 | Silver Simple Pcp Saver |
Low Deductibles | Medica | $757 | $5,950 | $2,305 | 4.1 | Medica With Ssm Health Silver Share |
Provider Network | Anthem | $721 | $5,633 | $2,896 | 4.0 | Anthem Heart Healthy Silver Pathway Essentials 3100 ($0 Virtual Pcp + $0 Select Drugs) |
*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.
Cox HealthPlans
Best for Overall Value
MoneyGeek Rating
4.3/ 5
4.4/5Affordability
3.4/5Deductible
5/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$702Average MOOP
$5,026Average Deductible
$2,890
Oscar
Best for Most Affordable Health Insurance
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ 5
5/5Affordability
2.8/5Deductible
3/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$620Average MOOP
$6,103Average Deductible
$3,306
MEDICA
Best for Low Deductibles
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ 5
4.2/5Affordability
5/5Deductible
2.8/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$757Average MOOP
$5,950Average Deductible
$2,305
Anthem
Best for Provider Network
MoneyGeek Rating
4.0/ 5
4.3/5Affordability
3.4/5Deductible
3.6/5MOOP
Average Monthly Rate
$721Average MOOP
$5,633Average Deductible
$2,896
Best Health Insurance in Missouri by Age
Silver-tier plans in Missouri come exclusively from EPO networks. Twenty-six-year-olds pay $497 monthly for coverage, while 60-year-olds pay $1,317 monthly. Cox Healthplans ranks first across all age groups with higher deductibles but lower out-of-pocket maximums. Monthly premiums run higher too. Oscar provides the second-best option at lower monthly costs. Geographic availability varies by county for both insurers.
Teens (18) | Cox Healthplans EPO ($501) | Oscar EPO ($443) |
Young Adults (26) | Cox Healthplans EPO ($563) | Oscar EPO ($497) |
Adults (40) | Cox Healthplans EPO ($702) | Oscar EPO ($620) |
Seniors (60) | Cox Healthplans EPO ($1,491) | Oscar EPO ($1,317) |
Best Health Insurance by Metal Tier in Missouri
Your metal tier affects monthly premiums and medical expenses. Blue Cross Blue Shield charges $485 monthly for Catastrophic plans covering 40-year-olds who rarely see doctors. Ambetter's Gold tier costs $683 monthly with lower copays at each appointment. Three other providers lead the remaining tiers: Oscar for Expanded Bronze, Anthem for Bronze and Cox Healthplans for Silver.
Catastrophic | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $485 | $10,600 | $10,600 |
Expanded Bronze | Oscar | $487 | $7,603 | $4,425 |
Bronze | Anthem | $529 | $7,613 | $7,613 |
Silver | Cox Healthplans | $702 | $5,026 | $2,890 |
Gold | Ambetter | $683 | $5,788 | $1,063 |
Compare Missouri Health Insurance Providers
Monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums vary across metal tiers and providers. This table compares plans by age, metal level, policy type and HSA eligibility in the state.
Data filtered by:
Silver
40
No
| Cox Healthplans | $702 | EPO | Silver | $5,026 | $2,890 | 40 | No |
| Oscar | $620 | EPO | Silver | $6,103 | $3,306 | 40 | No |
| Medica | $757 | EPO | Silver | $5,950 | $2,305 | 40 | No |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $739 | EPO | Silver | $5,306 | $2,909 | 40 | No |
| Anthem | $721 | EPO | Silver | $5,633 | $2,896 | 40 | No |
| Ambetter | $690 | EPO | Silver | $5,632 | $3,200 | 40 | No |
| UnitedHealthcare | $741 | EPO | Silver | $6,080 | $2,639 | 40 | No |
How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Missouri
Finding the right health insurance in Missouri involves comparing your coverage needs against provider reputations and available enrollment options. Missouri uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace for 2026 enrollment, with plan availability varying by county. St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas typically offer more insurer choices than rural regions.
- 1Check which insurers serve your county
Where you live affects your insurer options. Ambetter and Cigna serve different Missouri regions. Rural counties often have one or two carriers. Metro areas get more choices.
- 2Calculate costs based on your medical history
Last year's prescription refills, specialist visits and procedures predict this year's expenses. Paying extra monthly for lower deductibles saves money if you need frequent medical care.
- 3Confirm your providers accept the specific plan
Verify your doctors participate in the exact plan you're considering. Call their offices to confirm acceptance. Network participation differs widely between Missouri insurers and plan tiers.
- 4Compare deductibles against out-of-pocket maximums
Lower premiums mean higher deductibles. You'll pay more per visit with these plans. Maximum out-of-pocket limits cap annual spending even for major surgery or ongoing treatment.
- 5Review metal tier options for your budget
Bronze plans charge the lowest premiums while covering 60% of costs. Silver covers 70%, Gold covers 80%, and Platinum handles 90%. Higher tiers reduce what you pay when seeking care.
- 6Check MO HealthNet and subsidy eligibility
Adults earning up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level qualify for Missouri's Medicaid expansion through MO HealthNet. Marketplace premium tax credits apply to incomes between 138% and 400% of FPL. Seniors age 65 and older can choose Medicare Advantage coverage bundling hospital and medical benefits with extras, or Medicare Supplement plans covering Original Medicare's coinsurance and deductibles.
Average Health Insurance Cost in Missouri
EPO policies are the only network type available through the Health Insurance Marketplace for Missouri, with average rates ranging from $517 monthly for Bronze to $720 for Silver. Gold-tier plans are cheaper in the state on average than Silver, at $693 per month. Platinum EPO options are not available in the state.
| EPO | $517 | 560 | 720 | 693 |
*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Missouri. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.
Health Insurance Resources in Missouri
Finding the right health coverage can feel overwhelming. Missouri provides several resources to help you enroll, resolve billing disputes and access local care.
- Missouri Department of Insurance: Having trouble with a denied claim or billing error? File a complaint at insurance.mo.gov or call 1-800-726-7390 to get your issue resolved.
- MO HealthNet: Missouri expanded Medicaid to cover adults earning up to 138% of federal poverty level, plus children, pregnant women and people with disabilities. Apply at mydss.mo.gov or call 1-855-373-4636.
- Health Insurance Marketplace: Shop plans with tax credits between November 1 and January 15 at HealthCare.gov. Free enrollment specialists walk you through the application at 1-800-318-2596.
- Local Health Departments: Need preventive care or immunizations while uninsured? Find your nearest public health clinic at health.mo.gov or call 1-573-751-6400.
Best Health Insurance in Missouri: Bottom Line
Cox Healthplans, Oscar, Medica and Anthem consistently offer Missouri's lowest EPO premiums for 40-year-olds. Compare Bronze, Silver and Gold plans from at least three insurers. Your monthly cost varies by age and tobacco use.
Best Missouri Health Insurance: FAQ
Answers to questions about finding the best health insurance in Missouri:
Is health insurance required in Missouri?
No, Missouri does not require residents to have health insurance. The state has no mandate or penalty for being uninsured. Missouri doesn't offer exemptions for financial hardship or religious beliefs. But you can access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace.
When is open enrollment in Missouri?
Missouri's open enrollment period for 2026 health coverage begins November 1, 2025, and ends January 31, 2026. You must select a plan by December 31, 2025, to start coverage on January 1, 2026.
Can you get free health insurance in Missouri?
Yes, Missouri residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that reduce monthly costs.
Our Review Methodology
Our ranking system evaluates health insurance plans based on three main cost factors: premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket limits.
Scoring methodology:
- Monthly premium (60%): Plans with the cheapest average monthly costs earn the top ratings.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP is the most you'll pay in a year for covered services, not including premiums. Insurers with lower MOOP averages receive higher ratings.
- Deductible (20%): This amount must be paid before insurance begins covering costs. Plans with smaller average deductibles get better scores.
We standardized all scores within each filter group. For Silver-tier HMO options, the best-performing plan earns a 5 out of 5 rating, with other plans scored relative to that top performer.
MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan offered in Missouri for individuals aged 18, 26, 40, 50, and 60. Premium costs shown reflect rates for a 40-year-old unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers all available metal tiers: 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.