Cheapest Washington D.C. Health Insurance Plans (2024)


Updated: October 3, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Kaiser Permanente offers the cheapest Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum health insurance plans in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Blue Cross Blue Shield is the most affordable provider of Catastrophic plans.

You can get plans in Washington D.C. from different metal tiers with varying premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. HMO is the baseline plan type, and premiums vary based on your age, income and coverage preferences.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Washington, D.C..

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2024

Most Affordable Health Insurance in Washington D.C.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We collected plan data directly from the Washington, D.C., Marketplace manually.

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The plan information presented is the most up-to-date data available for the 2023 enrollment period, released by the states in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) exchange data in October 2022.

129Plans Analyzed
 
2Providers Compared

Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington D.C. by Metal Tier

KP DC Silver Virtual Forward 4000 from Kaiser Permanente is the cheapest Silver plan in Washington, D.C., at $426 per month.

The higher the metal tier, the more expensive the associated health insurance plans typically are. However, they also offer more coverage. Here are the most affordable health insurance plans in Washington D.C. by metal tier with their average monthly premiums:

  • Catastrophic: BlueChoice HMO Young Adult $9,100 ($155 per month for a 26-year-old)
  • Bronze: KP DC Standard Bronze 6350/20%/HSA/Vision ($396 per month)
  • Silver: KP DC Silver Virtual Forward 4000 ($426 per month)
  • Gold: KP DC Gold 1600/25%/HSA/Vision ($495 per month)
  • Platinum: KP DC Standard Platinum 0/20/Vision ($641 per month)

Choosing a higher metal tier — such as Platinum, Gold or Silver — will come with higher monthly premiums, but it also means more benefits and lower out-of-pocket maximums.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
BronzePlanKP DC Standard Bronze 6350/20%/HSA/VisionCompanyKaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$396Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,900
SilverPlanKP DC Silver Virtual Forward 4000CompanyKaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$426Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500
GoldPlanKP DC Gold 1600/25%/HSA/VisionCompanyKaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$495Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,000
PlatinumPlanKP DC Standard Platinum 0/20/VisionCompanyKaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$641Maximum Out-of-Pocket$2,000
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WHAT ARE METAL TIERS?

Metal tiers classify health insurance plans on the exchange based on the amount of coverage they provide. Generally, more valuable metal tiers such as Gold and Platinum have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses.

Young, healthy people or those who don't anticipate frequent medical care may select less valuable metal tiers. Meanwhile, those who expect high medical expenses or can afford higher premiums may opt for plans in more valuable metal tiers.

If you're looking for the best balance between monthly premium costs and coverage, Silver plans are the best option. Low-income individuals may also qualify for lower deductibles with this plan type.

Cheapest Silver Plans in Washington D.C.

Kaiser Permanente’s KP DC Silver Virtual Forward 4000 is the cheapest Silver plan in Washington, D.C., costing approximately $426 per month. The three most affordable Silver plans in D.C. are:

  • KP DC Silver Virtual Forward 4000 ($426 per month)
  • KP DC Silver 3300/30%/HSA/Vision ($428 per month)
  • KP DC Silver 3200/30/Vision ($472 per month)

Silver health insurance plans provide a great balance between coverage and affordability. Additionally, qualifying policyholders can benefit from cost-sharing reductions that are exclusive to this plan tier, potentially lowering their monthly expenses.

MoneyGeek recommends HMO plans in this section because they are the most accessible to residents of Washington, D.C.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$426Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500PlanKP DC Silver Virtual Forward 4000
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$428Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,650PlanKP DC Silver 3300/30%/HSA/Vision
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$472Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,950PlanKP DC Silver 3200/30/Vision
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$472Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,850PlanKP DC Standard Silver 4850/40/Vision
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$510Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,850PlanBlueChoice HMO Standard Silver $4,850

Cheapest Gold Plans in Washington D.C.

The most cost-effective Gold plan in Washington, D.C., is the KP DC Gold 1600/25%/HSA/Vision from Kaiser Permanente, with an average monthly premium of $495. Here are the most affordable Gold plans in Washington D.C.:

  • KP DC Gold 1600/25%/HSA/Vision ($495 per month)
  • KP DC Gold Virtual Forward 2000 ($506 per month)
  • KP DC Gold 1000/20/Vision ($540 per month)

Gold tier health insurance plans typically have higher monthly premiums than lower metal tiers, but they provide more comprehensive coverage and lower out-of-pocket costs. They’re a good choice for individuals who require frequent medical care.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$495Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,000PlanKP DC Gold 1600/25%/HSA/Vision
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$506Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,000PlanKP DC Gold Virtual Forward 2000
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$540Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,950PlanKP DC Gold 1000/20/Vision
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$575Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,800PlanKP DC Standard Gold 500/25/Vision
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$577Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,950PlanKP DC Gold 0/20/Vision
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$589Maximum Out-of-Pocket$3,000PlanBlueChoice HMO HSA Gold $1,500
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$635Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,800PlanBlueChoice HMO Standard Gold $500
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$635Maximum Out-of-Pocket$3,000PlanBluePreferred PPO HSA Gold $1,500
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$671Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,800PlanBluePreferred PPO Standard Gold $500

Cheapest Bronze Plans in Washington D.C.

If you’re looking for Bronze plans in Washington, D.C., your cheapest option is KP DC Standard Bronze 6350/20%/HSA/Vision from Kaiser Permanente at roughly $396 per month. Here are the most affordable options:

  • KP DC Standard Bronze 6350/20%/HSA/Vision ($396 per month)
  • KP DC Bronze 6500/65/Vision ($406 per month)
  • KP DC Standard Bronze 7500/45/Vision ($417 per month)

Bronze health insurance plans have lower monthly premiums than most other tiers but have higher out-of-pocket costs and offer less coverage. They’re ideal for individuals who are young and generally healthy.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age:40
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$396Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,900PlanKP DC Standard Bronze 6350/20%/HSA/Vision
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$406Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100PlanKP DC Bronze 6500/65/Vision
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$417Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100PlanKP DC Standard Bronze 7500/45/Vision
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$435Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,900PlanBlueChoice HMO HSA Standard Bronze $6,350
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$448Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100PlanBlueChoice HMO Standard Bronze $7,500
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$474Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,900PlanBluePreferred PPO Standard HSA Bronze $6,350
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$479Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100PlanBluePreferred PPO Standard Bronze $7,500

Cheapest Catastrophic Plans in Washington D.C.

Blue Cross Blue Shield’s BlueChoice HMO Young Adult $9,100 plan is the cheapest Catastrophic plan in Washington, D.C., costing approximately $155 per month for a 26-year-old. If you’re looking for similar plans, here are your cheapest options:

  • BlueChoice HMO Young Adult $9,100 ($155 per month)
  • KP DC Catastrophic 9100/0/Vision ($216 per month)

Catastrophic health insurance plans have the lowest monthly premiums but come with the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They are designed to cover emergency situations and are recommended for young, healthy individuals who are willing to take on a higher financial risk in exchange for lower premiums. They are only available for those under 30.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:26
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$155Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100PlanBlueChoice HMO Young Adult $9,100
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$216Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100PlanKP DC Catastrophic 9100/0/Vision

Cheapest Platinum Plans in Washington D.C.

KP DC Standard Platinum 0/20/Vision from Kaiser Permanente is the most affordable Platinum health insurance plan in Washington, D.C. Other cheap options include:

  • KP DC Standard Platinum 0/20/Vision ($641 per month)
  • BlueChoice HMO Standard Platinum $0 ($734 per month)
  • BluePreferred PPO Standard Platinum $0 ($771 per month)

Although Platinum plans are the most expensive among the metal tiers, they also feature the best coverage and lowest out-of-pocket expenses. Consider getting this plan type if you require frequent or extensive medical care.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Kaiser PermanenteMonthly Cost$641Maximum Out-of-Pocket$2,000PlanKP DC Standard Platinum 0/20/Vision
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$734Maximum Out-of-Pocket$2,000PlanBlueChoice HMO Standard Platinum $0
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$771Maximum Out-of-Pocket$2,000PlanBluePreferred PPO Standard Platinum $0
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WHAT IS A COST-SHARING REDUCTION?

If you qualify for premium tax credits and your income is under a certain threshold, you may also be eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans. CSRs won't lower your monthly premiums, but they can help lower other expenses associated with your health care plan, like deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and copayments. CSRs can make health care more affordable and accessible for you, especially if you have difficulty paying the out-of-pocket costs of your insurance plan.

Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington D.C. by Plan Type

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the most common health insurance plan type in Washington, D.C., but Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans are also available.

Based on our research, the cheapest Silver PPO plan is Blue Cross Blue Shield’s BluePreferred Standard Silver $4,850, with an average cost of $542 per month.

PPO plans offer more flexibility when it comes to choosing health care providers and usually provide some amount of out-of-network coverage, but they tend to be more expensive than other plan types.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age:40
Plan Type:
Plan Type:PPO
Blue Cross Blue ShieldMonthly Cost$542Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,850PlanBluePreferred Standard Silver $4,850
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAN TYPES?

If you’re looking for health insurance in Washington, D.C., your options are limited to HMO and PPO plans.

  • An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan requires you to select a primary care physician (PCP) from the plan's network to coordinate your health care services and refer you to specialists as needed. Coverage for health care services outside of the HMO network may be limited, except in emergency situations.
  • With a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan, you have the flexibility to see health care providers both in and out of network without needing a referral from a PCP. However, seeing out-of-network providers may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.

Health Insurance Costs in Washington D.C. by Age and Metal Tier

Health insurance premiums vary significantly by metal tier. To give you an idea of the differences, we listed the average premium cost for each metal tier for a 40-year-old in Washington, D.C.:

  • Catastrophic: $185 per month (for a 26-year-old)
  • Bronze: $448 per month
  • Silver: $502 per month
  • Gold: $606 per month
  • Platinum: $729 per month

If you require frequent health care services, it may be worth considering a more valuable metal plan. While a Bronze plan may suffice for young and healthy individuals, it could result in very high out-of-pocket expenses if you need ongoing or extensive medical care.

Age also impacts the cost of health insurance. For example, a Silver plan costs around $337 per month for an 18-year-old in Washington, D.C., while a 60-year-old pays roughly $1,081 per month.

Health Insurance Costs in Washington D.C. by Age and Metal Tier

What to Know About Washington D.C. Health Insurance

MoneyGeek collected data from private health insurance plans to identify the most affordable options available on the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans are usually available during the open enrollment period each year and are designed to cater to different coverage levels and needs.

However, if you have a low income, Medicaid may be a more affordable option. Meanwhile, Medicare may be a better fit if you’re a senior or have a disability.

Private Health Insurance in Washington D.C. Marketplace

Private health insurance plans in Washington D.C. can be purchased during the open enrollment period. Open enrollment runs from November 1 to January 15, and individuals can enroll in or make changes to their health insurance coverage at any time during this period.

It's important to note that if you want your health insurance plan to start on January 1, you need to sign up on or before December 15. Otherwise, your coverage won't start until February 1.

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WHAT IF YOU MISS OPEN ENROLLMENT?

If you miss the open enrollment period, you may still be able to enroll in a marketplace plan during a special enrollment period.

You may be eligible for special enrollment if you have experienced certain life events such as getting married, having a baby, losing health insurance or moving to a new area with different health insurance options. You typically have 60 days after the qualifying life event to enroll in a plan.

Medicaid in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C., residents who qualify for Medicaid can take advantage of the program's no-cost coverage, making it the most affordable health insurance option.

Additionally, since Washington, D.C., has adopted Medicaid expansion, you may be eligible for Medicaid if your income is up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Medicare in Washington D.C.

If you’re a resident of Washington, D.C., aged 65 or older or have a qualifying illness or disability, you may be eligible for Medicare.

Unlike Medicaid, Medicare is not entirely free, but it still tends to be more affordable than many private health insurance plans. Medicare is divided into three main parts:

  • Part A covers hospital expenses, hospice care and some types of home health care, usually without requiring any premium payments.
  • Part B covers outpatient care, preventive services, doctor visits and medical supplies, and it requires a monthly premium.
  • Part D covers prescription drugs.

Washington D.C. Health Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

If you're looking for health insurance, you may have questions regarding the cost and availability of plans. We responded to some frequently asked questions about health insurance in Washington, D.C., to help you as you research your options.

What are the cheapest Silver and Gold plans in Washington D.C. for 2023?
What are the downsides to a cheap health insurance plan?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.