Updated: May 22, 2024
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Health care expenses vary depending on your plan's metal tier. In Kentucky, Anthem BCBS offers the most affordable Bronze plan. WellCare has the cheapest Expanded Bronze and Gold plans, and Passport by Molina Healthcare charges the lowest Silver premiums.
If you want to balance monthly premiums with quality coverage, MoneyGeek also found the best health insurance in Kentucky.
CheapestHealth InsuranceKentuckyMost Affordable Health Insurance in Kentucky
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Kentucky 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.
Health insurance costs vary by metal tier, with each tier balancing monthly premiums and health care costs differently.
The Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits from Passport by Molina Healthcare is the most affordable Silver plan in the state at a monthly cost of $426. Silver plans are the most common choice due to their balance of premium costs and health care coverages. Those seeking to reduce their monthly premium even more might consider Bronze plans, which offer lower rates at the expense of higher out-of-pocket expenses.
The most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier are:
For those searching for cheap health insurance, explore MoneyGeek's resources to view a range of coverages and associated costs to fit various needs and budgets.
| Expanded Bronze | PlanEveryday Bronze | CompanyWellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$375 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,250 |
| Bronze | PlanAnthem Bronze Pathway X Transition HMO 9450 ($0 Virtual PCP + $0 Select Drugs + Incentives) | CompanyAnthem Health Plans of KY(Anthem BCBS) | Monthly Cost$404 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Silver | PlanSilver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free | CompanyPassport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$426 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Gold | PlanEveryday Gold | CompanyWellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$472 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500 |
In the Kentucky health insurance marketplace, consumers can select from various metal tiers, including Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each metal tier represents a different level of coverage and cost-sharing between the insurer and the insured.
Bronze plans tend to have the lowest premiums and highest cost-sharing when receiving medical care. With Bronze or Silver tiers, premiums increase, but out-of-pocket expenses typically decrease, offering a middle ground in overall costs. Gold plans charge higher premiums but have lower out-of-pocket expenses. This higher-tier plan is designed to minimize the cost burden when accessing health care services, providing the most comprehensive coverage in terms of cost-sharing.
Those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans. These reduce the cost of deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, making health care services more affordable.
Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free from Passport by Molina Healthcare is the cheapest Silver plan available in Kentucky, with a monthly cost of $426. The most affordable Silver health plans in Kentucky are:
Silver plans balance monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs and are ideal for individuals who anticipate needing moderate health care services. Individuals with lower incomes may qualify for CSRs that make Silver plans even more affordable.
| Passport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$426 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanSilver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free |
| Passport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$436 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,850 | PlanSilver 1 250 |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$439 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000 | PlanFocused Silver |
| Passport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$440 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,850 | PlanSilver 1 250 with Adult Vision Services |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$445 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,400 | PlanClear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
The Everyday Gold plan from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. is the most cost-effective Gold plan in Kentucky, available at a monthly cost of $472. The three most affordable Gold health plans available in the state are:
Gold plans are best suited for customers who expect to need moderate to high levels of care. Monthly payments tend to be higher than Silver or Bronze plans, but out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services are lower.
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$472 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500 | PlanEveryday Gold |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$490 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500 | PlanEveryday Gold + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$492 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,700 | PlanComplete Gold |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$511 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,700 | PlanComplete Gold + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Passport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$586 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,100 | PlanGold 1 |
At a monthly cost of $404, the most affordable Bronze plan in Kentucky is the Anthem Bronze Pathway X Transition HMO 9450 ($0 Virtual PCP + $0 Select Drugs + Incentives) from Anthem Health Plans of KY (Anthem BCBS). The cheapest Bronze plans in Kentucky are:
Bronze plans are generally well-suited for individuals who desire lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs when utilizing health care services. These plans are particularly beneficial for those who are healthy and do not anticipate needing frequent medical care.
| Anthem Health Plans of KY(Anthem BCBS) | Monthly Cost$404 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanAnthem Bronze Pathway X Transition HMO 9450 ($0 Virtual PCP + $0 Select Drugs + Incentives) |
| Anthem Health Plans of KY(Anthem BCBS) | Monthly Cost$425 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanAnthem Bronze Pathway X HMO 9450 ($0 Virtual PCP + $0 Select Drugs + Incentives) |
The most affordable plan within the Expanded Bronze tier in Kentucky is the Everyday Bronze offered by WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. at a monthly cost of $375. The top three least expensive Expanded Bronze plans in Kentucky are:
Expanded Bronze plans are designed for customers seeking coverage with moderate monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs than Silver plans.
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$375 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,250 | PlanEveryday Bronze |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$379 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,250 | PlanChoice Bronze HSA |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$389 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,250 | PlanEveryday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$394 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,250 | PlanChoice Bronze HSA + Vision + Adult Dental |
| CareSource Kentucky Co. | Monthly Cost$422 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanCareSource Marketplace Bronze First |
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are discounts that lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance on Silver plans. They can also reduce the plan's maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs. For example, a Silver plan's MOOP expense might be $7,900; with a CSR, it could decrease to $2,500. CSRs are available to individuals who earn between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level.
In Kentucky, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the only plan type available. The most affordable HMO health plan in Kentucky for individuals seeking cost-effective coverage is:
| Passport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$426 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanSilver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free |
| Passport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$436 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,850 | PlanSilver 1 250 |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$439 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000 | PlanFocused Silver |
| Passport by Molina Healthcare | Monthly Cost$440 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,850 | PlanSilver 1 250 with Adult Vision Services |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$445 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,400 | PlanClear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
In Kentucky, the most common health insurance plan type is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan. HMOs generally offer lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs and provide a network of doctors and hospitals that you can use to receive health care services. However, the downside is that these plans typically require a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist. Out-of-network care is also usually not covered, except in emergencies.
Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county, affecting options for Kentucky residents. For example, the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population are offered by the same provider at a slightly different cost:
The following table shows all available plans in each of Kentucky's counties.
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$400 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000 | PlanFocused Silver |
| Wellcare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc | Monthly Cost$405 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,400 | PlanClear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
In Kentucky, age significantly affects health insurance rates. For example, the average 18-year-old pays $366 for a Silver plan, while a 60-year-old is charged $1,088 for the same plan — a $722 difference.
Metal tiers also impact cost, with Bronze typically having the lowest premiums and Gold the highest. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays $420 and $597 for a Gold plan, showing a $177 increase for more comprehensive coverage.
There are a few primary options for health insurance coverage in Kentucky, including private insurance in Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, Medicaid and Medicare. Learn more about each below to pick the best health care for you.
The open enrollment period in Kentucky typically aligns with the federal Healthcare.gov schedule, running from November 1 to December 15. During this window, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the state's exchange or directly from insurers. You won't be able to enroll in a health insurance plan outside this window unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Examples of life events that could trigger a Special Enrollment Period include marriage, the birth of a child or loss of other coverage.
Medicaid is a public health care assistance program in the United States jointly funded by federal and state governments that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. In Kentucky, eligibility for Medicaid is determined based on income, family size and other factors. Income eligibility is typically measured against the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. The Affordable Care Act allowed for an expansion of Medicaid eligibility, which Kentucky adopted, extending coverage to a broader range of low-income adults.
Medicare is a federal health care program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, but also for certain younger people with disabilities. Medicare is divided into different parts: A, B, C and D. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care services. Part B covers outpatient care, doctor's services, preventive services and medical supplies. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative that bundles A, B, and often D, providing extra benefits through private insurers. Part D covers the cost of prescription drugs.
MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Kentucky for individuals seeking comprehensive coverage.
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 Kentucky to help you learn more.
The cheapest silver plan in Kentucky is the Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free from Passport by Molina Healthcare at $426 per month. The cheapest gold plan in Kentucky is the Everyday Gold from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. at a monthly cost of $472.
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 has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick 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.
