Best Health Insurance in West Virginia (2026)

Key Takeaways

CareSource is the best health insurance provider for HMO plans in West Virginia with average premiums of $1,087 for Silver-tier plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield has the best PPO plans, with premiums only slightly higher than CareSource HMO plans, averaging $1,097 for Silver-tier policies.

Compare multiple insurer quotes, examine coverage limits and deductibles, and verify your preferred doctors participate in the network before choosing a health plan.

Best Health Insurance Companies in West Virginia

CareSource is the best health insurance company for HMO plans in West Virginia, while Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best option for PPO plans.


CareSource	$1,087	$5,816	$3,121	5	HMO
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$1,097	$5,833	$3,100	5	PPO

*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier HMO plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.

CareSource

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$1,087
Average MOOP
$5,816
Average Deductible
$3,121

pros
- Lowest premiums in the state
- $0 deductible on Platinum plans
- Coverage options from Expanded Bronze through Platinum
cons
- HMO network structure limits provider choice
- Higher deductibles on Bronze and Silver plans
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits reach $7,725 on Bronze plans
CareSource offers affordable coverage for an HMO, starting at $819 monthly for Expanded Bronze plans. The insurer offers four metal tiers, including Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum options with deductibles ranging from $0 to $6,788. Out-of-pocket maximums cap between $3,900 and $7,725, depending on metal tier.

CareSource's Platinum plan eliminates deductibles entirely while maintaining a manageable $3,900 out-of-pocket maximum. HSA-eligible plans are also available at the Expanded Bronze tier.

CareSource West Virginia health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


Bronze 7500 $25 Generic Drugs	$843	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Bronze 7500 $25 Generic Drugs + Adult Vision & Fitness	$847	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Low Premium Bronze 10600 $25 Generic Drugs	$791	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes
Low Premium Bronze 10600 $25 Generic Drugs + Adult Vision & Fitness	$795	HMO	Expanded Bronze	$7,950	$7,950	Yes

Blue Cross Blue Shield

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$1,097
Average MOOP
$5,833
Average Deductible
$3,100

pros
- PPO plans allow you to access out-of-network providers
- HSA-eligible Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze and Silver plans
cons
- Slightly higher monthly premiums than HMO plans
- High $10,600 deductible on Catastrophic plans
- No Platinum plan option
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the exclusive provider of PPO health insurance policies in West Virginia. The PPO structure means you can see specialists without referrals and access out-of-network care when needed. Its Gold plans range from $1,002 to $1,028 per month, with deductibles ranging from $1,283 to $1,700, depending on the policy's HSA eligibility.

Its Catastrophic plan costs $599 monthly, though it comes with a $10,600 deductible. Bronze coverage starts at $772, while Expanded Bronze costs $822 per month. Out-of-pocket maximums span from $5,371 to $10,600, depending on your chosen tier. Plus, four HSA-eligible plan options let you build tax-advantaged savings.
Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia health insurance plans for 2026:
Data filtered by:
Metal Level
Bronze
My Blue Access Wv Ppo Bronze 9200 $772 PPO Bronze $6,900 $6,900 Yes


My Blue Access Wv Ppo Bronze 9200	$772	PPO	Bronze	$6,900	$6,900	Yes

Best West Virginia Health Insurance by Category

The best health insurance plans in West Virginia vary by age and network type. This shows the best Silver-tier options by age group and network structure:

By Age:

Teens (18): CareSource HMO ($777 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($783)
Young adults (26): CareSource HMO ($871 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($879)
Adults (40): CareSource HMO ($1,087 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($1,097)
Seniors (60): CareSource HMO ($2,309 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($2,329)

By Network Type (40-year-olds):

HMO: CareSource is the only HMO provider with average rates of $1,087/month
PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only PPO provider with average rates of $1,097/month

Compare Health Insurance Companies in West Virginia

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.

Data filtered by:


Caresource	$1,087	HMO	Silver	$5,816	$3,121	40	No

*Some providers offer multiple plans of the same type and tier. Rates are based on company averages across all available plans for the given age, plan type and metal tier.

How to Find the Best Health Insurance in West Virginia

Finding the right health insurance in West Virginia involves comparing your coverage needs, insurer reputations and available enrollment periods.

Decide on your coverage needs before buying

Compare monthly premiums against maximum out-of-pocket limits. If you visit doctors frequently, plans with higher monthly costs but lower out-of-pocket limits often save money long-term.

For those rarely needing care, lower-premium plans with higher deductibles may work better. Review HMO, PPO and EPO plan types to understand network flexibility and referral requirements.

Compare company offerings and reputations

Research what plans insurers offer in your area and review coverage terms carefully. Check company reputations through J.D. Power ratings and state complaint databases to verify claims handling and customer service quality before making your decision.

Shop around

West Virginia rates vary based on age, plan type, coverage level and other factors. Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15. Special Enrollment applies if you experience qualifying life events like job loss, divorce, marriage or having a child.

Take advantage of federal programs and subsidies

Depending on your income, age or health condition, you may qualify for federal subsidies or assistance programs. Some West Virginia residents may be eligible for $0 premium plans through Medicaid expansion. Medicare-eligible residents can explore Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans for additional coverage options.

Average Health Insurance Cost in West Virginia

West Virginia health insurance costs vary based on plan type, metal tier, age and location. HMO plans are the most affordable, with rates ranging from $819 for Expanded Bronze plans to $1,809 for Platinum plans.

PPO plans are relatively affordable in the state, with rates ranging from $772 for Bronze plans to $1,015 for Gold plans. There are no Platinum PPO plans available in West Virginia.


HMO	No Data	$1,087	$976	$1,809
PPO	$772	$1,097	$1,015	No Data

*Average monthly premiums for 40-year-olds in West Virginia by plan type. Rates vary by age and location.

Best Health Insurance in West Virginia: Bottom Line

CareSource is the best health insurance company in West Virginia for HMO policies, while Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best option for PPO plans. Your best plan choice depends on your age, health needs, preferred provider network and budget.

Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to find the most affordable option.

Best West Virginia Health Insurance: FAQ

Answers to questions about the best health insurance in West Virginia:

Is health insurance required in West Virginia?

West Virginia does not require residents to have health insurance. There is no mandate or penalty for being uninsured. Residents can still access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace.

When is open enrollment in West Virginia?

West Virginia's open enrollment period for 2026 health insurance coverage begins November 1, 2025, and ends January 31, 2026. You must select your plan by December 31, 2025, to have coverage start January 1, 2026.

Can you get free health insurance in West Virginia?

West Virginia residents can access free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Many others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that reduce monthly costs.

How We Chose the Best Health Insurance in West Virginia

Our ranking system evaluates health insurance plans based on affordability factors: monthly premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket costs.

Scoring breakdown:

Monthly premium (60%): Plans with the cheapest average monthly costs earn the highest scores.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP is the most you'll pay for covered services in a year, not counting premiums. Plans with lower MOOP limits score better.
Deductible (20%): Your deductible is how much you pay before insurance starts covering costs. Plans with smaller deductibles receive higher ratings.

We standardized all scores within each plan category. The best Silver-tier HMO plan gets a 5 out of 5 score, and other plans are rated relative to that top performer.

MoneyGeek examined every 2026 health plan offered in West Virginia for individuals aged 18, 26, 40, 50, and 60. Premium costs shown reflect rates for a 40-year-old unless specified otherwise. Our analysis covers all coverage levels: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

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.

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