Updated: May 22, 2024
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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.
CheapestHealth InsuranceNorth DakotaMost Affordable Health Insurance in North Dakota
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for North Dakota 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 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:
For more details on affordable coverage options, explore cheap health insurance plans.
| Catastrophic | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $9,450 | CompanySanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$183 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Expanded Bronze | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $7,500 | CompanySanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$283 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 |
| Bronze | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Bronze Standard | CompanyMedica | Monthly Cost$293 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 |
| Gold | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $1,750 | CompanySanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$405 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,450 |
| Silver | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 | CompanySanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$410 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 |
Consumers can select from multiple metal tiers in the North Dakota health insurance marketplace: Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic plans. Each tier reflects a different balance between monthly premiums and the costs you pay when you need care. As a rule of thumb, Bronze and Catastrophic plans typically offer lower monthly costs but higher out-of-pocket expenses when seeking medical care. On the other hand, Gold plans involve higher monthly premiums but significantly lower out-of-pocket costs. This feature can benefit those anticipating more health care services as it reduces the cost burden per incident of care.
Silver plans strike a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, Silver plans offer opportunities for cost-sharing reductions for those below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line. This means lower deductibles, copayments and a lower out-of-pocket maximum limit. These reductions effectively increase the plan's value, providing better coverage and saving money when accessing health care services, which is crucial for those with limited financial resources.
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:
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.
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$410 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$436 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $4,750 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$444 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $3,500 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$459 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,050 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Enhanced $3,700 HSA Qualified |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$464 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Silver Copay $0 PCP |
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:
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.
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$405 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,450 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $1,750 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$418 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $1,500 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$427 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,450 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $2,800 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$441 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,500 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Enhanced Care Plan $1,250 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$444 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanDakotaBlue Trinity Gold 70 |
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:
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.
| Medica | Monthly Cost$293 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Bronze Standard |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$318 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanAltru Prime by Medica Bronze Standard |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$411 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanMedica Individual Choice Bronze Standard |
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:
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.
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$283 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $7,500 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$292 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $7,000 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$294 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $6,000 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$305 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $7,100 HSA Qualified |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$321 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,400 | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Expanded Bronze Standard |
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:
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.
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$147 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $9,450 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | Monthly Cost$161 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBlueEssential 100 |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$176 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Catastrophic |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$178 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanSanford Individual Simplicity $9,450 |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$192 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanAltru Prime by Medica Catastrophic |
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:
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.
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$410 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$436 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $4,750 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$444 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $3,500 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$459 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,800 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Enhanced $3,700 HSA Qualified |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$464 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$1,700 | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Silver Copay $0 PCP |
Cost-sharing reductions are discounts that lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance on Silver health insurance plans. Individuals must earn between 100% and 250% of the FPL to qualify.
The following example illustrates the potential savings available. For the Sanford Health Plan's Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 Silver plan for a 40-year-old, those with a 94% actuarial value (AV) level Silver Plan face a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $1,800; at a 73% AV Level, the max out-of-pocket is $7,200, revealing substantial savings with more CSRs.
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:
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$410 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$436 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $4,750 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$444 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE $3,500 |
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$459 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,050 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Enhanced $3,700 HSA Qualified |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$464 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Silver Copay $0 PCP |
In North Dakota, the most common health insurance plan type is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Other types of health plans available in North Dakota include Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO).
Differences between these plan types include:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMOs usually offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. These plans focus on integrated care and preventative services and require members to choose a primary care physician (PCP) to coordinate their health care. However, HMO plans limit coverage to care from doctors who work for or contract with the HMO. They generally do not cover out-of-network care except in an emergency. Additionally, a referral is needed to see a specialist, which can delay treatment.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): PPO plans provide more flexibility when selecting a health care provider than HMO plans. They offer a network of preferred providers but also cover some of the costs of seeing out-of-network doctors. However, PPO plans tend to have higher premiums than HMOs and may also come with higher out-of-pocket costs. Members do not have to choose a PCP, but seeing providers outside the network can be significantly more expensive.
In North Dakota, the cheapest health insurance plan for the state's largest and smallest counties (Cass and Slope, respectively) is the same.
The following table shows all available plans in each county in North Dakota.
| Sanford Health Plan | Monthly Cost$410 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,100 | PlanSanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 |
| Medica | Monthly Cost$423 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanEssentia Choice Care with Medica Silver Copay $0 PCP |
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.
The cheapest silver plan in North Dakota in 2024 is the Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized $5,900 by Sanford Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $410. The cheapest gold plan in North Dakota is the Sanford Individual TRUE $1,750 — also provided by Sanford Health Plan — at a monthly cost of $405.
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.
