Cheapest Health Insurance in Pennsylvania (2024 Plans)

Premium costs on Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace vary by Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver or Gold tier. In Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the most affordable Bronze and Catastrophic plans, while UPMC Health Plan and Jefferson Health Plans provide the lowest-priced Gold and Silver plans, respectively.

If you're seeking health care that balances cost and coverage, MoneyGeek also found Pennsylvania's best health insurance plans.

Health insurance costs fluctuate by metal tier, with higher tiers like Gold typically offering lower out-of-pocket expenses in exchange for higher monthly premiums.

The most affordable option in the Silver tier in Pennsylvania is the Together Blue EPO Premier Silver 2900 offered by Jefferson Health Plans at $362 monthly. While Silver plans are known for their cost-sharing benefits, those seeking lower monthly premiums at the expense of higher out-of-pocket costs might consider Bronze plans.

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

• Catastrophic: Together Blue Major Events EPO Catastrophic 9450 - 3 Free PCP Visits from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ($166 per month for a 26-year-old)
• Bronze: Together Blue EPO Bronze 8900 from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ($244 per month)
• Silver: Jefferson Health Plans + Total + Silver + HMO Plus from Jefferson Health Plans ($362 per month)
• Gold: UPMC Advantage + Partner Network + Gold $2,500 + EPO + HSA Eligible from UPMC Health Plan ($311 per month)

Note that Catastrophic plans are only available to adults under age 30 or those with qualifying medical exemptions.

If you're looking to find more options for cheap health insurance, MoneyGeek's resources can offer a starting point for finding coverage that balances services and costs within each metal tier.

The most affordable Silver plan in Pennsylvania is the Jefferson Health Plans + Total + Silver + HMO Plus offered by Jefferson Health Plans, with a monthly cost of $362. The three most affordable Silver health plans in Pennsylvania are:

• Jefferson Health Plans + Total + Silver + HMO Plus from Jefferson Health Plans ($362 per month)
• Jefferson Health Plans + Balanced + Silver + HMO + On Exchange from Jefferson Health Plans ($374 per month)
• Together Blue EPO Silver 7000 from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ($377 per month)

Silver plans are particularly well-suited for individuals and families who expect moderate health care usage. They balance monthly premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses when services are used. Customers with lower incomes may qualify for CSRs on Silver plans, which can lower deductibles, copayments and overall out-of-pocket maximums, making health care more affordable.

With a monthly cost of $311, the most affordable Gold tier health plan in Pennsylvania is the UPMC Advantage + Partner Network + Gold $2,500 + EPO + HSA Eligible offered by UPMC Health Plan. The three cheapest Gold plans in Pennsylvania include:

• UPMC Advantage + Partner Network + Gold $2,500 + EPO + HSA Eligible from UPMC Health Plan ($311 per month)
• UPMC Advantage + Select Network + Gold $2,500 + EPO + HSA Eligible from UPMC Health Plan ($324 per month)
• Together Blue EPO Gold 1700 HSA from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ($328 per month)

Gold plans are ideal for people who expect to need moderate to high amounts of health care services. These plans come with higher premiums than less valuable metal tiers but offer lower out-of-pocket costs when receiving medical care.

The most affordable option in the Bronze tier for Pennsylvania residents is the Together Blue EPO Bronze 8900 plan provided by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, costing just $244 monthly. The three lowest-cost Bronze health plans available in Pennsylvania are:

• Together Blue EPO Bronze 8900 from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ($244 per month)
• UPMC Advantage + Partner Network + Bronze $6,700/$30 from UPMC Health Plan ($254 per month)
• UPMC VirtualCare + Partner Network + Bronze $4,900/$0 from UPMC Health Plan ($264 per month)

Bronze plans are often best for people wanting to keep their monthly premiums low and are comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs when receiving care. This tier is ideal for people who are relatively healthy and don't expect to need frequent medical services.

The most affordable Catastrophic health plan in Pennsylvania is the Together Blue Major Events EPO Catastrophic 9450.0 offered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield at a monthly cost of $166. The three lowest-cost plans in the state for 26-year-olds are:

• Together Blue Major Events EPO Catastrophic 9450 - 3 Free PCP Visits from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ($166 per month)
• UPMC Advantage + Partner Network + Catastrophic $9,450 + EPO from UPMC Health Plan ($192 per month)
• UPMC Advantage + Select Network + Catastrophic $9,450 + EPO from UPMC Health Plan ($200 per month)

Catastrophic plans are only available to people who are under 30 or have a hardship exemption. This tier is characterized by low premiums and high out-of-pocket costs. Catastrophic plans are best suited to individuals who want a safety net in case of major medical expenses but don't expect to need much health care coverage otherwise.

In Pennsylvania, the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) is the most popular plan type. Those seeking alternative options can choose from Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.

The most affordable plans by plan type in Pennsylvania are:

• HMO: Jefferson Health Plans + Total + Silver + HMO + 7000 from Jefferson Health Plans ($362 per month)
• EPO: Together Blue EPO Silver 7000 from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield ($377 per month)
• PPO: my Priority Blue Flex PPO Silver 7000 from Highmark Inc. ($569 per month)

The cost of health insurance coverage and the availability of certain plans vary by county, reflecting the localized nature of health care markets in Pennsylvania. Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population reveals the following differences:

• Philadelphia: Jefferson Health Plans + Total + Silver + HMO from Jefferson Health Plans ($362 per month)
• Cameron: Geisinger Marketplace All-Access HMO 30/60/5500 from Geisinger Health Plan ($656 per month)

The table below outlines all available plans in each county in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, age affects how much health insurance costs. For example, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays $395. A 60-year-old with the same Silver plan pays $1,175 — that's a $780 difference every month.

Different metal tiers also have different prices. For instance, a 40-year-old with a Bronze plan typically pays $394 monthly, while the same person with a Gold plan pays $527.

Using health insurance rates from 2023, the chart below demonstrates how health care premiums vary by age and metal tier in the state.

MoneyGeek broke down the different health insurance options available in Pennsylvania, including private insurance in Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, and Medicaid and Medicare for those who qualify. We aim to give you the information you need to choose the best health care for you and your loved ones.

In Pennsylvania, the open enrollment period typically runs from November 1 to December 15 annually. Individuals can shop for private health insurance coverage through the state's marketplace or through private insurers during this timeframe. If you don't sign up for health insurance during this period, you won't be able to get coverage unless you're eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). SEPs are triggered by events like getting married, having a baby or losing other coverage. If you miss the open enrollment deadlines and don't qualify for SEP, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply for health insurance.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state health care program that provides medical assistance to low-income individuals, ensuring they receive essential health services. In Pennsylvania, eligibility for Medicaid is based on factors like income, family size and disability status. The program covers a range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays and long-term care. Eligibility requirements are detailed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and applicants must meet specific criteria to receive benefits.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older and younger people with certain disabilities. The program is comprised of several parts. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility and some home health care services. Medicare Part B includes medical insurance covering certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, combines A and B and often includes prescription drug coverage (Part D). Part D adds coverage exclusively for prescription medications.

MoneyGeek identified the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Pennsylvania for those 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 Pennsylvania to help you learn more.