Best West Virginia Health Insurance (2023 Plans)

Overall, MoneyGeek discovered that the best health insurance provider in West Virginia is Highmark (BCBS). It earned a MoneyGeek score of 70 out of 100. Highmark (BCBS) scored high in affordability and claims management.

We analyzed six Silver HMO plans and three PPO plans in West Virginia to identify the winner in this category.

Highmark (BCBS) is the best health insurer in West Virginia for low out-of-pocket costs, with a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100. It scores high in all metrics examined by MoneyGeek: premium rates, average MOOP, denial rate and plan type availability.

MoneyGeek studied two Gold HMO plans and five Gold PPO plans to determine the best insurer for this category.

The best cheap health insurance in West Virginia is provided by Highmark (BCBS), which earned a MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100.

We prioritized the insurer with the highest score in affordability in this analysis. Note that the lower premiums may mean you’ll pay more for out-of-pocket costs. It’s a tough trade-off, but if you don’t need much medical care, it can be a good fit for you.

We analyzed six Silver HMO plans and three Silver PPO plans to identify the category winner.

MoneyGeek identified Highmark (BCBS) as the best health insurance for low income in West Virginia. It earned a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100.

This low-income category analysis reviewed health insurance providers that offer plans with cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) and favored low monthly premiums. We analyzed six Silver HMO plans and three Silver PPO plans in West Virginia.

CSRs are discounts that reduce your MOOP and deductible if your income falls below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL). They help you prevent the usual trade-off of paying higher out-of-pocket costs for lower premiums. Getting a Silver plan usually means the insurer pays about 70% of health care costs, while cost-sharing is higher for CSR plans.

For individuals in West Virginia:

• Annual income between $27,180 and $33,975 (201%–250% of the FPL) qualifies for a plan that pays 73% of health costs
• Annual income between $20,385 and $27,180 (151%–200% of the FPL) qualifies for a plan that pays 87% of health costs
• Annual income below $20,385 (up to 150% of the FPL) qualifies for a plan that pays 94% of health costs

Note that these brackets shift depending on the number of people in your household.

For young adults in West Virginia, the best health insurance is from Highmark (BCBS). It earned a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100.

We studied different health insurance providers for young adults offering Expanded Bronze, Bronze or Catastrophic plans. These plans may have the cheapest premiums but the largest out-of-pocket maximums. Catastrophic plans are only offered to individuals under 30 years old.

For this category, we evaluated three Expanded Bronze HMO plans, three Expanded Bronze PPO plans, two Bronze HMO plans, one Bronze PPO plan and one Catastrophic PPO plan.

Health insurance companies offer various plan types. These are the best insurers for both plan types in West Virginia:

• HMO: CareSource (MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100)
• PPO: Highmark (BCBS) (MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100)

Our recommendations are limited to Silver plans. This metal tier combines affordability and quality care, making it a suitable choice for anyone who wants great coverage for a low price.

In West Virginia, there are six HMO Silver plans and three PPO Silver plans.

National General Accident & Health ranks as the best short-term health insurance provider in West Virginia, with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100.

Short-term health insurance best suits individuals who want to fill temporary gaps if there are lapses in coverage. But, it doesn’t provide all the vital health benefits of plans compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The best health insurance in West Virginia depends on your unique profile and needs. It’s up to you whether you’d rather pay more each month and pay less when you need care or the other way around.

Adults who are 65 and older or who have a qualifying illness or comorbidities may be eligible for Medicare. It’s a federal health insurance program that subsidizes health care services for qualified individuals.

Medicare has three parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, some home health care, nursing facilities and hospice care.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers outpatient care like doctor’s visits and preventive services.
• Part D (Prescription drug coverage): Helps cover the cost of prescribed medication and eligible vaccines.

We have resources on finding West Virginia's best Medicare Advantage plans and the best Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia.

Medicaid is another federal health care program. It offers coverage for people with incomes below a state-specific threshold. You may qualify for Medicaid if your household income is at or below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size. You may also get West Virginia Medicaid if you’re pregnant or have a disability.

You may have questions about the availability and expenses of health insurance. Here, MoneyGeek answers the most commonly asked questions to help you.