Updated: May 22, 2024
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Choosing different metal tiers affects health insurance costs. In Montana, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the lowest Bronze and Expanded Bronze premiums, while Mountain Health CO-OP has the cheapest Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic plans.
If you're looking to balance affordability with high quality and ample coverage options, MoneyGeek also analyzed the best health insurance in Montana.
CheapestHealth InsuranceMontanaMost Affordable Health Insurance in Montana
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Montana 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.
The most affordable option in the popular Silver tier is ROCKY MOUNTAIN SILVER offered by Mountain Health CO-OP at a monthly cost of $422. The Silver plan is a common choice for its balance of monthly premiums and coverage. For individuals willing to accept higher out-of-pocket costs, the Blue Focus Bronze POS℠ 705 from Blue Cross Blue Shield provides a more affordable monthly rate.
Health insurance costs are influenced by the metal tier selected, with a general pattern of higher premiums for plans offering lower out-of-pocket expenses and lower deductibles.
Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:
For more information on finding cheap health insurance that fits your needs, visit MoneyGeek.com.
| Catastrophic | PlanConnect Catastrophic | CompanyMountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$277 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Bronze | PlanBlue Focus Bronze POS℠ 705 | CompanyBlue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$323 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Expanded Bronze | PlanBlue Focus Bronze POS℠ 205 | CompanyBlue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$341 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Silver | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN SILVER | CompanyMountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$422 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,000 |
| Gold | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN GOLD HDHP | CompanyMountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$484 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$3,500 |
Consumers can choose from various metal tiers in the Montana health insurance marketplace, including Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic plans. These tiers help indicate the general balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for covered health care services.
Generally, the more valuable the metal, such as Gold, the higher the monthly premium but the lower the out-of-pocket costs when seeking medical care. For instance, a Gold plan may have a higher monthly cost than a Bronze plan. Still, it offers lower deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket limits, reducing the financial burden when accessing health care services. Bronze plans have lower monthly premiums but entail higher out-of-pocket spending, making them suitable for individuals who do not expect significant medical expenses.
For those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line, there's an additional benefit available on Silver plans in the form of cost-sharing reductions (CSRs). CSRs lower the deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance, effectively enhancing the plan's coverage beyond the standard Silver level without increasing the premium. Therefore, eligible individuals can afford better health care services with less financial strain. This supports the health and financial stability of low-income households.
The ROCKY MOUNTAIN SILVER from Mountain Health CO-OP is the most affordable plan in the Silver tier for Montana residents at a monthly cost of $422.
The three most affordable Silver health plans in Montana are:
Silver plans are ideal for individuals who expect to use moderate health care services as they offer a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. For those who qualify, cost-sharing reductions can significantly decrease the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance, making care more affordable. Enrollees with a lower income but not eligible for Medicaid might find Silver plans particularly cost-effective due to these potential additional savings.
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$422 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,000 | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN SILVER |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$423 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,500 | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN SILVER HDHP |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$454 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanRocky Mountain Silver Standard |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$466 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,000 | PlanRocky Mountain Silver |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$469 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Focus Silver POS℠ 206 |
The most affordable Gold tier health plan in Montana is the ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOLD HDHP from Mountain Health CO-OP, costing just $484 per month. It is the only Gold plan offered under this cost, making it a uniquely economical choice for comprehensive coverage.
The top three most economical Gold health plans available in Montana are:
Gold plans are ideal for individuals who expect to need medical care frequently, as these plans typically have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses when accessing health care services. They are also beneficial for those wanting peace of mind, knowing that most of their health care costs are covered. Lastly, these plans may be preferable for customers seeking a balance between reasonable monthly premiums and manageable out-of-pocket costs for care.
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$484 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$3,500 | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN GOLD HDHP |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$495 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,500 | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN GOLD |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$512 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanRocky Mountain Gold Standard |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$520 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Focus Gold POS℠ 207 |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$520 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,500 | PlanRocky Mountain Gold |
The most affordable Bronze plan in Montana is the Blue Focus Bronze POS™ 705 offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield at $323 per month. This is the cheapest plan available in that metal tier.
The three most economical Bronze health plans in Montana include:
Bronze plans are typically most suitable for individuals who want lower monthly premiums and are in relatively good health. These plans are a good choice for those who do not expect to need frequent medical care or high-cost treatments. Beneficial for customers who want to ensure they are covered for major health events, Bronze plans offer a balance between affordability and the security of health insurance coverage.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$323 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Focus Bronze POS℠ 705 |
| PacificSource Health Plans | Monthly Cost$415 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanNavigator Bronze 9400 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$441 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Preferred Bronze PPO℠ 301 |
The most affordable option in the Expanded Bronze tier in Montana is the Blue Focus Bronze POS℠ 205 from Blue Cross Blue Shield, at a monthly cost of $341.
The three most affordable Expanded Bronze plans in Montana are:
Expanded Bronze plans are an excellent choice for individuals looking for coverage that balances monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums than higher metal tiers, making them suitable for those who are healthy and want to keep their monthly expenses down. However, they also come with higher out-of-pocket costs, which is a key factor if unexpected medical services are needed. Expanded Bronze plans provide essential health benefits and are ideal for those who are generally healthy and looking for basic coverage.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$341 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Focus Bronze POS℠ 205 |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$347 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanRocky Mountain Bronze Standard Expanded |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$351 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanBlue Focus Bronze POS℠ 708 |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$378 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN BRONZE |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$381 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500 | PlanROCKY MOUNTAIN BRONZE HDHP |
The most affordable option in the Catastrophic tier in Montana is the Connect Catastrophic plan from Mountain Health CO-OP, costing just $222 per month.
For individuals seeking a balance between coverage and cost, Expanded Bronze plans can be an excellent choice. These plans are for those who want low monthly premiums while still having protection against high medical costs from unexpected illnesses or accidents.
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$222 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanConnect Catastrophic |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$323 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Preferred Security PPO℠ 200 |
Montanans earning up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can access cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) for Silver plans, lowering their health-related costs, including deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
The most affordable Silver plan for those earning between $14,580 and $21,870 annually is the Rocky Mountain Silver Standard from Mountain Health CO-OP, with a Maximum Out-of-Pocket Cost (MOOP) of $1,800. The cheapest plans with their respective out-of-pocket costs are:
CSRs in Montana are available only through purchasing a Silver plan. The mentioned income figures are for single individuals and vary with household size.
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$454 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanRocky Mountain Silver Standard |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$466 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$900 | PlanRocky Mountain Silver |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$469 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$700 | PlanBlue Focus Silver POS℠ 206 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$478 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanBlue Focus Silver POS℠ 706 |
| Mountain Health CO-OP | Monthly Cost$522 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanPlus Silver Standard |
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments, and co-insurance on Silver health insurance plans for those earning between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level. For instance, with Mountain Health CO-OP's Rocky Mountain Silver Standard, without CSRs, the maximum out-of-pocket is $7,200. However, for those qualifying for the 94% AV Level Silver Plan, the maximum out-of-pocket is significantly reduced to $1,800.
In Montana, the POS (Point of Service) plan type is the most popular choice for health insurance.
The most affordable POS plan in Montana is the Blue Focus Silver POS℠ 206 from Blue Cross Blue Shield at $469 per month.
Montanans can choose from PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans, which offer more flexibility in selecting health care providers, as well as the leading POS plan options.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$469 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Focus Silver POS℠ 206 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$478 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanBlue Focus Silver POS℠ 706 |
The most common plan type in Montana is the Point of Service (POS) plan. Other available plan types in Montana include the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan.
Differences between the plan types:
Point of Service (POS): POS plans combine features of both HMO and PPO plans, such as allowing policyholders to choose between in-network and out-of-network providers. These plans usually require a referral from a primary care physician to see a specialist, which can ensure coordinated care. Using out-of-network providers typically results in higher out-of-pocket costs, and getting referrals for every specialist visit can be inconvenient for some people.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): PPO plans offer flexibility by not requiring a primary care physician's referral to see specialists, and they allow for a wider network of providers, decreasing the likelihood of out-of-network fees. Monthly premiums for PPO plans are generally higher compared to HMO or POS plans, and there may be higher out-of-pocket costs for seeing out-of-network providers.
In Montana, health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county. Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population reveals a distinction in monthly rates:
The following table details all available plans in each county in Montana.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$404 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlue Focus Silver POS℠ 206 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$412 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanBlue Focus Silver POS℠ 706 |
Age is a big deal regarding how much you pay for health insurance in Montana. For example, an 18-year-old with a silver plan pays $358, but a 60-year-old with the same plan pays $1,063. That’s a whopping $705 more each month.
Metal tiers tell you about the cost and quality of different health plans. A 40-year-old with a bronze plan spends $379 a month, but if they choose a gold plan, they pay $565. That means the gold plan costs $186 more each month. Gold plans cost more because they cover more of your medical bills.
MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options in Montana. We explain private insurance you can find in the marketplace, including the different metal tiers like bronze, silver, gold and platinum. We also cover details about Medicaid and Medicare. Our goal is to help you understand your choices so you can make smart decisions about your health care.
In Montana, the Open Enrollment Period for health insurance typically runs from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this time, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This is when individuals can enroll in a new plan, change their current plan, or renew their existing coverage. If you miss the deadline, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to certain life events like marriage, childbirth, or loss of other coverage. Without such qualifying events, you would need to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to sign up or make changes to your insurance plan.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program providing health care assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families. In Montana, eligibility is based on income, family size, and specific requirements such as age, pregnancy, disability status, or being a parent of a dependent child. Eligibility guidelines also consider U.S. citizenship or qualifying immigration status. Medicaid covers various health care services, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and preventive care. The coverage aims to ensure that the most vulnerable populations can access necessary medical services without incurring insurmountable debt.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 or older, but also available to certain younger people with disabilities and individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease. In Montana, residents who are U.S. citizens or legal residents for at least five consecutive years are eligible. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and home health services. Part B includes outpatient care, doctor services, and other medical services and supplies. Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), offered by private insurance companies, that often includes additional benefits. Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
Best Medicare Advantage plans in Montana and best Medicare Supplement plans in Montana were found by MoneyGeek.
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 Texas to help you learn more.
The cheapest silver plan in Montana is the ROCKY MOUNTAIN SILVER from Mountain Health CO-OP at $422 per month. Meanwhile, the cheapest gold plan in Montana is the ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOLD HDHP, offered by the same company, costing $484 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 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.
