Cheapest Health Insurance in Rhode Island (2024 Plans)


Health insurance costs in Rhode Island differ by metal tier. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island offers the most affordable Bronze, Silver and Gold plans. Meanwhile, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island provides the lowest-cost Platinum policy.

If you're looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek examined the best health insurance in Rhode Island.

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2024

Most Affordable Health Insurance in Rhode Island

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Rhode Island directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

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Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.

24Plans Analyzed
 
4Providers Compared

Cheapest Health Insurance in Rhode Island by Metal Tier

Rhode Island's most cost-effective option in the Silver tier is the Neighborhood COMMUNITY plan by Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, which is $380 per month. For those aiming to minimize monthly expenses even further, despite potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, Bronze plans are another viable choice.

Health insurance premiums are impacted by the chosen metal tier, with a trade-off between higher monthly premiums and reduced out-of-pocket expenses, including lower deductibles.

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

  • Bronze: Neighborhood INNOVATION from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($281 per month)
  • Silver: Neighborhood COMMUNITY from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($380 per month)
  • Gold: Neighborhood PLUS from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($395 per month)
  • Platinum: VantageBlue Direct Plan 750/1500 Modified from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island ($670 per month)

Interested in finding more options for cheap health insurance? Consider these affordable plans to match your coverage needs and budget.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
BronzeNeighborhood INNOVATIONNeighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$281$8,975
SilverNeighborhood COMMUNITYNeighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$380$7,500
GoldNeighborhood PLUSNeighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$395$7,550
PlatinumVantageBlue Direct Plan 750/1500 ModifiedBlue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$670$2,000
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WHAT ARE METAL TIERS?

In the Rhode Island health insurance marketplace, consumers can choose from various metal tiers, including Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each tier represents a different level of coverage and cost-sharing structure. Bronze plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest out-of-pocket expenses when receiving care. Conversely, Platinum plans come with the highest monthly premiums, yet they significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs during medical events. Gold plans strike a balance between moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

For individuals earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line, cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are available on Silver plans. CSRs lower the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket for deductibles, co-insurance and copayments, making health care more accessible and affordable.

Cheapest Silver Plans in Rhode Island

The most affordable Silver plan in Rhode Island is the Neighborhood COMMUNITY plan offered by Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, with a monthly cost of $380.

The three most affordable Silver health plans in Rhode Island are:

  • Neighborhood COMMUNITY from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($380 per month)
  • Neighborhood VALUE from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($400 per month)
  • BlueCHiP Direct Advance 4950/9900 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island ($410 per month)

Silver plans are typically a good choice for customers who expect moderate health care usage, as they balance monthly premium costs with out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays. Customers with lower incomes might qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, which lower the amount you have to pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. These reductions make health care more accessible and affordable, reducing the total costs significantly for eligible people.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$380$7,500Neighborhood COMMUNITY
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$400$9,000Neighborhood VALUE
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$410$7,200BlueCHiP Direct Advance 4950/9900
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$475$7,500BlueCHiP Direct 5000/10000
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$486$6,200BlueSolutions for HSA Direct 4100/8200
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$508$9,400VantageBlue Direct Plan 6000/12000
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$522$7,800BasicBlue Direct 5500/11000

Cheapest Gold Plans in Rhode Island

The most cost-effective Gold tier health plan in Rhode Island is the Neighborhood PLUS plan from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, available at a monthly rate of $395.

The top three most affordable Gold health plans in Rhode Island include the following:

  • Neighborhood PLUS from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($395 per month)
  • Neighborhood ESSENTIAL from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($406 per month)
  • BlueCHiP Direct Advance 2300/4600 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island ($438 per month)

Gold plans are ideal for customers expecting higher health care usage, which can offset the more expensive monthly premium through lower copays and deductibles. They offer comprehensive coverage, favoring those who want the reassurance of broader health services without high out-of-pocket costs. Gold plans typically appeal to individuals or families with ongoing medical needs who wish to minimize out-of-pocket expenses throughout the year.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$395$7,550Neighborhood PLUS
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$406$5,650Neighborhood ESSENTIAL
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$438$3,900BlueCHiP Direct Advance 2300/4600
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$509$3,900BlueCHiP Direct 2300/4600
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$543$5,900BasicBlue Direct 2500/5000
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$544$5,200BlueSolutions for HSA Direct 1700/3400
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$568$8,000VantageBlue Direct Plan 1500/3000

Cheapest Bronze Plans in Rhode Island

The most affordable Bronze health plan in Rhode Island is the Neighborhood INNOVATION plan from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, with a monthly cost of $281.

The three most affordable Bronze plans in Rhode Island are:

  • Neighborhood INNOVATION from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($281 per month)
  • Neighborhood ECONOMY from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($287 per month)
  • BlueSolutions for HSA Direct 6300/12600 Modified from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island ($345 per month)

Bronze plans are generally suitable for younger individuals who expect low medical costs or those who primarily want coverage for major health incidents. They offer the lowest monthly premiums among Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans but come with higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. Customers opting for a Bronze plan are typically those willing to risk higher expenses for routine care in exchange for lower monthly insurance payments.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$281$8,975Neighborhood INNOVATION
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$287$7,225Neighborhood ECONOMY
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$345$8,050BlueSolutions for HSA Direct 6300/12600 Modified
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$345$8,050BlueSolutions for HSA Direct 6300/12600

Cheapest Platinum Plans in Rhode Island

The most economical Platinum health plan in Rhode Island is the VantageBlue Direct Plan 750/1500 Modified plan offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, with a monthly cost of $670.

  • VantageBlue Direct Plan 750/1500 Modified from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island ($670 per month)

Platinum health plans are ideal for customers who expect high medical costs and prefer paying more upfront in monthly premiums for reduced expenses at the time of care. Such plans offer the lowest out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services, benefiting individuals with chronic conditions or those frequently visiting health care providers. With their higher premiums, Platinum plans are tailored for consumers who value predictability in health care spending and can afford the more substantial monthly cost for comprehensive coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
age:
age:40
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$670$2,000VantageBlue Direct Plan 750/1500 Modified
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island$673$2,000VantageBlue Direct Plan 750/1500
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WHAT IS A COST-SHARING REDUCTION?

Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are discounts that lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. Specifically for Silver health plans, people with incomes between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level qualify. Depending on the level of CSR, your maximum out-of-pocket costs can vary considerably. For instance, without any CSR, the maximum out-of-pocket for a Silver plan might be $7,350, while a high-level CSR could decrease the amount to $2,400, illustrating significant potential savings.

Cheapest Health Insurance in Rhode Island by Plan Type

In Rhode Island, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the most popular. Other options in the state include Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Point of Service (POS) plans.

The most affordable Silver health plans for each plan type are as follows:

  • HMO: Neighborhood COMMUNITY from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($380 per month)
  • POS: BlueCHiP Direct Advance 4950/9900 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island ($410 per month)
  • PPO: BlueSolutions for HSA Direct 4100/8200 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island ($486 per month)

While HMO plans are the most popular in Rhode Island, residents can also choose POS plans, which offer a balance of in-network care coordination with the flexibility to see out-of-network providers, and PPO plans, which provide great flexibility in choosing health care providers without the need for a primary care physician referral.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Plan Type:
Plan Type:HMO
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$380$7,500Neighborhood COMMUNITY
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$400$9,000Neighborhood VALUE
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WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAN TYPES?

The most common plan type in Rhode Island is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Other plan types available in the state include the Point of Service (POS) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.

Here are the main differences between these plan types:

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMO plans often provide integrated care and focus on prevention and wellness. They typically require members to choose a primary care provider (PCP) who manages their care and provides referrals to specialists. These plans usually come with lower out-of-pocket expenses and premiums. However, out-of-network care is generally only covered in emergencies, and there is less freedom to see specialists without a referral.

  • Point of Service (POS): POS plans combine features from HMO and PPO plans. Like an HMO, participants may need to choose a PCP who will refer them to in-network specialists when necessary. POS plans offer more flexibility than HMOs by allowing out-of-network care, although at a higher cost. Nevertheless, if you go out-of-network without a referral, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs and more paperwork.

  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): PPO plans provide more freedom to see doctors and specialists without a referral, including those outside the plan's network, although for a higher fee. These plans offer greater flexibility to see any health care provider without a referral and a wider network of doctors and hospitals. However, these plans often have higher premiums, deductibles and co-insurance for out-of-network care.

Cheapest Health Insurance in Rhode Island by County

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans sometimes vary by location, directly impacting the options and premiums residents can expect to encounter. However, MoneyGeek found that Rhode Island's most affordable Silver plan stayed the same regardless of county, whether you're in Providence or Bristol.

  • Neighborhood COMMUNITY from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island ($380 per month)

The following table outlines the cheapest available plans in each county in Rhode Island.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
County Name:
County Name:Providence
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$380$7,500Neighborhood COMMUNITY
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island$400$9,000Neighborhood VALUE

Health Insurance Costs in Rhode Island by Age and Metal Tier

In Rhode Island, age plays a big role in how much you pay for health insurance. A Silver plan for an 18-year-old costs $319 per month on average, but for a 60-year-old, it's $967. That's a $648 difference. The older you are, the more you might pay each month.

Different metal tiers mean different prices, too. For example, a Bronze plan for a 40-year-old costs a monthly average of $315, but a Gold plan is $475. Moving from Bronze to Gold can cost $160 more each month.

Health Insurance Costs in Rhode Island by Age and Metal Tier

What to Know About Health Insurance in Rhode Island

MoneyGeek recently analyzed all the health insurance options available in Rhode Island. We provide a clear look at private insurance plans in the marketplace and explain the different metal tiers, including Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. We also cover details on Medicaid and Medicare. We aim to give users the information they need to choose their best health care plan.

Private Health Insurance in the Rhode Island Marketplace

In Rhode Island, the Open Enrollment Period for private health insurance typically runs from November 1 to December 15. During this time, individuals can shop for, compare and enroll in health insurance plans via the state's marketplace. If you miss the December 15 deadline, you may still be able to enroll if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life events such as marriage, having a baby or losing other coverage. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the next Open Enrollment Period to obtain private health insurance coverage.

Medicaid in Rhode Island

Medicaid is a health care program in the United States offering medical services to qualifying individuals and families. In Rhode Island, eligibility for Medicaid depends on factors including income, family size and disability status. For instance, children, pregnant women, older adults, adults with dependent children and those with disabilities may qualify. Income thresholds for eligibility are set as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level and can vary annually. Additionally, Rhode Island has adopted the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, which allows for broader coverage of low-income adults without children. The Rhode Island Department of Human Services determines eligibility.

Medicare in Rhode Island

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, certain younger individuals with disabilities and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Rhode Island residents who meet these criteria are eligible. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient care, skilled nursing facility care and hospice. Part B provides medical insurance that covers doctor's visits and outpatient services. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B), offering additional benefits through private insurers. Part D covers prescription drugs.

MoneyGeek identified the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Rhode Island and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Rhode Island to help you find additional coverage options tailored to your needs.

Rhode Island Health Insurance FAQ

You may have questions about cost and availability when looking for health insurance. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Rhode Island to help you learn more.

What are the cheapest Silver and Gold plans in Rhode Island for 2024?
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He 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.


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