Updated: February 10, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Premiums and out-of-pocket costs fluctuate across metal tiers; in California, Valley Health offers the most affordable Bronze, while LA Care provides the least expensive Silver, Gold and Platinum plans.
If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in California.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for California directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.
Silver plans are the most affordable health plan options. The cheapest plan in California is the Silver 70 HMO provided by LA Care, which stands out for its monthly rate of $346. Those looking to minimize their monthly expenses can consider Bronze plans, which offer lower premiums at the expense of higher out-of-pocket costs.
Health insurance premiums vary depending on the metal tier selected. Higher tiers like Gold and Platinum typically come with higher monthly costs but offer substantial reductions in out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles and co-pays.
Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:
For those searching for cheap health insurance options or the most cost-effective plans within each tier, these choices provide a starting point. Remember, the most affordable plan may not always be the best fit for your needs, so consider all factors, including coverage, network and out-of-pocket expenses.
| Bronze | Valley Health Bronze 60 HMO | Valley Health | $282 | $9,100 |
| Silver | Silver 70 HMO | LA Care | $346 | $9,100 |
| Gold | Gold 80 HMO | LA Care | $372 | $8,700 |
| Platinum | Platinum 90 HMO | LA Care | $424 | $4,500 |
In California's health insurance marketplace, consumers choose from Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers, each reflecting coverage levels and cost-sharing. Bronze plans offer low premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses, suitable for those prioritizing lower monthly costs. Silver plans strike a balance with potential cost-sharing reductions for eligible individuals. Gold plans feature higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs, which is ideal for frequent health care users. Platinum plans have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs, preferred by those needing extensive medical care. When selecting a tier, it's crucial to consider the trade-offs between premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
The most affordable Silver tier health plan in California is the Silver 70 HMO offered by LA Care, with a monthly cost of only $346. Affordable health care is within reach for Californians, and to highlight that, here are the three cheapest Silver plans:
Suitable for individuals or families looking for a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, Silver plans offer moderate premium rates with reasonable cost sharing. These plans are particularly advantageous for households with modest incomes since they may qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which lowers the amount one pays for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. This ensures better access to health care services without overwhelming financial strain.
| LA Care | $346 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Inland Empire Health Plan | $385 | $9,100 | Inland Empire Health Plan Silver 70 HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $404 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Molina Health Care | $413 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $416 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Premier HMO |
| Health Net | $429 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Ambetter HMO |
| Valley Health | $485 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $512 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $513 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Performance HMO |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $519 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Western Health | $534 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Health Net | $560 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Ambetter PPO |
| Blue Shield | $590 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Trio HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $634 | $9,100 | Silver 70 EPO |
| CCHP | $688 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Blue Shield | $717 | $9,100 | Silver 70 PPO |
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are discounts that lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance on Silver plans, available to those earning between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level. CSRs vary by income; there are greater reductions for lower incomes. For example, without CSRs, the maximum out-of-pocket cost might be $7,900, but with the highest level of CSRs, that number could drop to $2,800, significantly reducing financial risk and health care expenses.
The most affordable option in the Gold tier in California is the Gold 80 HMO offered by LA Care at a monthly cost of $372. The three most affordable Gold plans in California are:
Gold plans are ideal for individuals who expect a high level of medical care throughout the year. These plans typically offer lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. Customers who choose Gold plans may pay higher monthly premiums, but they benefit from lower prices when they receive medical treatment.
| LA Care | $372 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Molina Health Care | $453 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Inland Empire Health Plan | $509 | $8,700 | Inland Empire Health Plan Gold 80 HMO |
| Health Net | $510 | $8,700 | Gold 80 Ambetter HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $513 | $8,700 | Gold 80 Premier HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $516 | $8,700 | Gold 80 Performance HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $547 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $567 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO Coinsurance |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $586 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Western Health | $612 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $621 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Valley Health | $653 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Blue Shield | $664 | $8,700 | Gold 80 Trio HMO |
| Health Net | $667 | $8,700 | Gold 80 Ambetter PPO |
| CCHP | $775 | $8,700 | Gold 80 HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $821 | $8,700 | Gold 80 EPO |
| Blue Shield | $872 | $8,700 | Gold 80 PPO |
The Valley Health Bronze 60 HMO is the cheapest Bronze tier health plan in California, offered by Valley Health at a monthly cost of $282. The three most affordable Bronze health plans in California are:
Bronze plans are designed for customers who prefer lower monthly premiums and don't expect to need much health care throughout the year. They are suitable for individuals who want basic coverage and protection against high-cost events. Bronze plans often have higher out-of-pocket costs when services are used, but they ensure coverage for essential health benefits.
| Valley Health | $282 | $9,100 | Valley Health Bronze 60 HMO |
| LA Care | $290 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| Health Net | $321 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 Ambetter HMO |
| Valley Health | $362 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| Inland Empire Health Plan | $367 | $9,100 | Inland Empire Health Plan Bronze 60 HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $371 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $377 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 Performance HMO |
| Health Net | $390 | $7,050 | Bronze 60 HDHP Ambetter PPO |
| Health Net | $394 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 Ambetter PPO |
| Molina Health Care | $402 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $407 | $7,050 | Bronze 60 HDHP HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $426 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $447 | $7,050 | Bronze 60 HDHP Premier HMO |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $462 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| Western Health | $469 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $488 | $7,050 | Bronze 60 HDHP HMO |
| CCHP | $513 | $7,050 | Bronze 60 HDHP HMO |
| CCHP | $515 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $579 | $7,050 | Bronze 60 HDHP EPO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $580 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 EPO |
| Blue Shield | $580 | $9,100 | Bronze 60 PPO |
| Blue Shield | $590 | $7,050 | Bronze 60 HDHP PPO |
The most affordable Catastrophic health plan in California is Minimum Coverage Ambetter HMO from Health Net, which costs $202 per month. The three most affordable Catastrophic health plans in California are:
Expanded Bronze plans are designed for individuals who want a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. These plans are ideal for those who anticipate needing some health care services but are looking for lower premium costs compared to higher-tier plans. The coverage provides a broad range of essential health benefits with a slightly higher out-of-pocket maximum than Silver plans, catering to those who prefer reduced upfront costs.
| Health Net | $203 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage Ambetter HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $214 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| LA Care | $214 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Valley Health | $223 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Health Net | $249 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage Ambetter PPO |
| Inland Empire Health Plan | $251 | $9,450 | Inland Empire Health Plan Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $253 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Valley Health | $258 | $9,450 | Valley Health Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Western Health | $264 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $272 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage Performance HMO |
| Molina Health Care | $273 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $301 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $344 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage EPO |
| CCHP | $393 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage HMO |
| Blue Shield | $465 | $9,450 | Minimum Coverage PPO |
The Platinum 90 HMO from LA Care is the most affordable Platinum tier plan in California, with a monthly cost of $424. The three most competitively priced Platinum health plans in the state are:
Platinum plans are designed for customers who anticipate needing frequent medical care and are willing to pay a higher monthly premium in exchange for lower costs when they receive medical treatment. They have the lowest out-of-pocket expenses compared to other tiers, making them ideal for those who want the assurance of more predictable health care spending. These plans are particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic conditions or those who require consistent access to health care services.
| LA Care | $424 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| Molina Health Care | $509 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $583 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 Premier HMO |
| Health Net | $612 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 Ambetter HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $626 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 Performance HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $658 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| Western Health | $668 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| Inland Empire Health Plan | $693 | $4,500 | Inland Empire Health Plan Platinum 90 HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $743 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| Blue Shield | $756 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 Trio HMO |
| Valley Health | $758 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $771 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| CCHP | $852 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 HMO |
| Health Net | $852 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 Ambetter PPO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $1,177 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 EPO |
| Blue Shield | $1,191 | $4,500 | Platinum 90 PPO |
In California, the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is the most popular plan type. Other plan types available include Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans. The most affordable HMO health plan in California is the Silver 70 HMO from LA Care.
EPO plans limit patients to a specific network of health care providers, offering cost savings compared to PPO plans. On the other hand, PPO plans offer more flexibility as patients can see providers outside the network without needing a referral. HMO plans usually require members to select a primary care physician and obtain referrals for specialist visits, making them cost-effective choices for individuals prioritizing coordinated care within a specific network.
| LA Care | $346 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Inland Empire Health Plan | $385 | $9,100 | Inland Empire Health Plan Silver 70 HMO |
| Anthem Blue Cross | $404 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Molina Health Care | $413 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $416 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Premier HMO |
| Health Net | $429 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Ambetter HMO |
| Valley Health | $485 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Kaiser Permanente | $512 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| SHARP Health Plan | $513 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Performance HMO |
| Aetna Health of California Inc. | $519 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Western Health | $534 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| Blue Shield | $590 | $9,100 | Silver 70 Trio HMO |
| CCHP | $688 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
The differences between the plan types are:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
Each plan type has its own unique features, and the best choice for an individual or family will depend on their health care needs, financial situation and preferences for flexibility versus cost.
Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in California. Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows this variation:
The following table shows all available plans in each county in California.
| LA Care | $335 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
| LA Care | $335 | $9,100 | Silver 70 HMO |
In California, age significantly impacts health insurance prices across metal tiers. For instance, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays approximately $439 per month, whereas a 60-year-old with the same plan pays around $884, resulting in a $445 difference!
Metal tiers determine how you share health care costs with your insurance. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays approximately $514 per month, but opting for a Gold plan increases it to $742, which is a $228 difference.
MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options available in California. We explain private insurance plans in the marketplace, which come in different metal levels, like Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. We also cover Medicaid and Medicare. Our goal is to help you understand your choices so you can make smart decisions about your health care.
In California, the open enrollment period for private health insurance typically runs from November 1 to January 31 of the following year. During this time, residents can shop for, compare and purchase health insurance plans through the state's health insurance marketplace, Covered California. If you miss the January 31 deadline, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to get coverage unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by specific life events such as losing health coverage, getting married, having a baby or moving. If you're eligible, you can enroll or change plans outside the standard open enrollment period.
Medicaid is a government-funded health care program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. In California, the program is known as Medi-Cal. Eligibility is based on income, age, disability, pregnancy and family status. The program covers many health care services, including doctor visits, hospital care, preventive care, long-term care and mental health services. To qualify, applicants must meet the financial requirements set by state and federal guidelines. In California, the Affordable Care Act has expanded coverage to include a larger portion of the population with higher income thresholds.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older, though it also serves people with certain disabilities or conditions. In California, eligibility for Medicare requires being a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident for at least five continuous years.
Medicare consists of several parts. Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient, hospice and home health care services. Part B provides medical insurance, covering physician visits, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, offers alternative plans provided by private insurers that bundle parts A and B and often include Part D. Part D is prescription drug coverage, which helps cover the cost of medications. Additionally, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies are sold by private companies to cover gaps in Parts A and B.
MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage Plans in California and the best Medicare Supplement plans in California.
When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in California to help you learn more.
The cheapest silver plan in California for this year is the Silver 70 HMO provided by LA Care, with a monthly cost of $346. For those looking at a higher tier, the cheapest gold plan in California is the Gold 80 HMO from LA Care, costing $372 monthly.
Although you'll pay a lower monthly premium for a cheap health insurance plan, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. More expensive plans cover more comprehensive services and considerably lower your out-of-pocket maximums.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
