Cheapest Health Insurance in North Dakota (2024 Plans)

Health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs change with different metal tiers. In North Dakota, Medica offers the most affordable Bronze plan, and Sanford Health Plan provides the cheapest Catastrophic, Expanded Bronze, Gold and Silver options.

If you're looking to balance monthly premiums with high-quality, diverse coverage options, MoneyGeek also found the best health insurance in North Dakota.

The most cost-effective option in the Silver tier in North Dakota is the Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 offered by Sanford Health Plan, priced at $410 monthly. The Silver plan tier is notably the most popular due to its balance of monthly costs and coverage. For those who prioritize lower monthly premiums despite potential higher out-of-pocket expenses, Bronze plans are an alternative option.

Health insurance premiums can fluctuate significantly by metal tier, balancing between higher monthly payments for reduced out-of-pocket expenses and vice versa.

Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:

• Catastrophic: Sanford Individual TRUE $9,450 ($147 per month). Note that this plan is only available to individuals under 30 or those with certain exemptions, and this sample rate is for a 26-year-old.
• Bronze: Essentia Choice Care with Medica Bronze Standard ($293 per month)
• Expanded Bronze: Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $7,500 ($283 per month)
• Silver: Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 ($410 per month)
• Gold: Sanford Individual TRUE $1,750 ($405 per month)

For more details on affordable coverage options, explore cheap health insurance plans.

The most affordable plan in the Silver tier in North Dakota is the Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 offered by Sanford Health Plan with a monthly cost of just $410. The three least expensive Silver health plans in North Dakota by monthly premium are:

• Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 from Sanford Health Plan ($410 per month)
• Sanford Individual TRUE $4,750 from Sanford Health Plan ($436 per month)
• Sanford Individual TRUE $3,500 from Sanford Health Plan ($444 per month)

Silver plans are particularly suitable for individuals or families who expect to use moderate health care services. Customers who qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) based on income can significantly lower their out-of-pocket costs when enrolled in a Silver plan, leading to reduced deductibles, copayments and co-insurance.

The most affordable Gold plan in North Dakota is the Sanford Individual TRUE $1,750 from Sanford Health Plan, costing $405 monthly. The three most affordable Gold plans in North Dakota are:

• Sanford Individual TRUE $1,750 from Sanford Health Plan ($405 per month)
• Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $1,500 from Sanford Health Plan ($418 per month)
• Sanford Individual TRUE $2,800 from Sanford Health Plan ($427 per month)

Gold plans are ideal for customers who anticipate needing substantial medical care. These plans typically feature lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing medical services. If you visit the doctor frequently or take expensive or brand-name medications, Gold plans offer better cost-sharing terms than standard Bronze or Silver plans, which can lead to savings over time.

The Essentia Choice Care with Medica Bronze Standard plan from Medica stands out as the most affordable in the Bronze tier in North Dakota, with a monthly cost of $293. The top three most affordable Bronze health plans in North Dakota are:

• Essentia Choice Care with Medica Bronze Standard from Medica ($293 per month)
• Altru Prime by Medica Bronze Standard from Medica ($318 per month)
• Medica Individual Choice Bronze Standard from Medica ($411 per month)

Bronze plans are typically ideal for individuals who want to keep their monthly premiums low and are comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs if they need significant medical care. These plans are a good fit for those who are generally healthy and don't anticipate needing frequent medical services. Additionally, Bronze plans can provide a safety net for serious medical emergencies while remaining cost-conscious.

The most affordable option in the Expanded Bronze tier in North Dakota is the Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $7,500 plan from Sanford Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $283. The three most affordable Expanded Bronze plans in North Dakota are:

• Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $7,500 from Sanford Health Plan ($283 per month)
• Sanford Individual TRUE $7,000 from Sanford Health Plan ($292 per month)
• Sanford Individual TRUE $6,000 from Sanford Health Plan ($294 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans are ideal for those seeking coverage with lower monthly premiums while still having protection from very high medical costs. These plans are a solid middle-ground option for those who want slightly more coverage than Bronze plans typically offer.

The most affordable Catastrophic plan in North Dakota is the Sanford Individual TRUE $9,450 from Sanford Health Plan, which costs $147 monthly. The three most affordable health Catastrophic plans in North Dakota are:

• Sanford Individual TRUE $9,450 from Sanford Health Plan ($147 per month)
• BlueEssential 100 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($161 per month)
• Essentia Choice Care with Medica Catastrophic from Medica ($176 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans are designed for adults under 30 or individuals with hardship exemptions. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums than higher-tier plans, making them a good choice for customers who are generally healthy and do not expect to need regular medical visits or medications. While they have higher out-of-pocket expenses when services are used, they protect against the total cost of unexpected major illnesses or accidents.

Individuals in North Dakota earning 250% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans. These cost-sharing reductions help by lowering deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

The most affordable Silver plan for those with an annual income between $14,580 and $21,870 is the Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 from Sanford Health Plan, with a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) cost of $1,800. The Silver plans with the lowest maximum out-of-pocket expenses are:

• Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 from Sanford Health Plan ($410 per month; $1,800 MOOP)
• Sanford Individual TRUE $4,750 from Sanford Health Plan ($436 per month; $1,800 MOOP)

CSRs are available in North Dakota only with the purchase of a Silver plan. The income figures mentioned apply to single individuals and vary for different household sizes.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the most popular plan types among health insurance options in North Dakota. Those seeking an alternative choice can obtain a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, which allows for more flexibility in choosing health care providers.

The most affordable options for both plan types available in North Dakota are:

• HMO: Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 from Sanford Health Plan ($410 per month)
• PPO: DakotaBlue Trinity Silver 60 from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($477 per month)

In North Dakota, the cheapest health insurance plan for the state's largest and smallest counties (Cass and Slope, respectively) is the same.

• Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 from Sanford Health Plan ($410 per month)

The following table shows all available plans in each county in North Dakota.

Age affects health insurance rates in North Dakota, with older adults paying more for coverage. For example, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays $375, while a 60-year-old with a Silver plan pays $1,114. The difference between these two is $739, making insurance much more expensive for the older adult.

Metal tiers also impact the cost of coverage. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays $326, whereas the same person would pay $513 for a Gold plan. The Gold plan, offering more coverage, costs $187 more each month than the Bronze plan.

The chart below demonstrates how insurance costs vary between different tiers and ages, with older adults typically paying the most across all plan types.

MoneyGeek recently analyzed the broad range of health insurance choices available in North Dakota. We explain private insurance options you can find in the marketplace, including the different levels like Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, as well as government programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

In North Dakota, the open enrollment period for purchasing private health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace typically runs from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this time, residents can shop for, compare and enroll in health insurance plans. If you miss this deadline, you generally must wait until the next open enrollment unless you experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, divorce or loss of coverage, which would allow for special enrollment period. If you miss both the open enrollment and don't qualify for special enrollment, you may have to wait until the following year to get marketplace insurance. However, you could still explore short-term health insurance or other limited coverage options.

Medicaid is a public health care program that provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. It is jointly funded by the federal government and states. In North Dakota, eligibility is determined by factors including income, family size and disability status, and it adheres to the Affordable Care Act's expansion criteria. Residents who meet specific thresholds — for example, households with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level — may qualify. The program aims to ensure that all qualifying individuals receive necessary health care services.

Medicare is a federal health care program primarily for individuals 65 or older, as well as for some younger people with disabilities or certain chronic conditions. In North Dakota, eligibility is consistent with national Medicare guidelines. Medicare is divided into four parts. Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice and home health services. Part B provides medical insurance for physician services, outpatient care and other medical services that Part A doesn't cover. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, includes all benefits and services covered under Parts A and B, often with additional benefits such as dental, vision and hearing, provided through private insurance companies. Part D adds prescription drug coverage.

MoneyGeek evaluated the best Medicare Advantage plans in North Dakota and the best Medicare Supplement plans in North Dakota to help interested residents secure high-quality 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 North Dakota to help you learn more.