CareFirst provides the cheapest overall health insurance in the district, with an average monthly premium of $582. Availability can vary, so check out Kaiser Permanente, Health First, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare for affordable health plans.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Washington, D.C.
Updated: June 4, 2025
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Key Takeaways
CareFirst provides the district's most affordable health insurance, saving policyholders an average of $110 per month compared to the district average.
Kaiser Permanente offers top-rated full coverage Platinum plans, with affordable pricing starting at $772 monthly.
Finding the cheapest health insurance starts with selecting a coverage level within your budget, checking your subsidy eligibility and comparing plans from several companies.
Most Affordable Health Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
| CareFirst | $582 | $110 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who aren't considered low-income.
Cheapest Washington, D.C., Health Insurance Plans by Profile
While we've summarized the cheapest companies for most in the district, the most affordable plan for you will differ widely depending on your desired coverage tier and age. Below are the cheapest companies by category for most in the area:
- Cheapest for Young Adults: Kaiser Permanente ($392 monthly)
- Cheapest for Seniors: Health First ($1,132 monthly)
- Cheapest Catastrophic Plan: CareFirst ($215 monthly)
- Cheapest Extended Bronze Plan: CareFirst ($483 monthly)
- Cheapest Bronze Plan: CareFirst ($483 monthly)
- Cheapest Silver Plan: Kaiser Permanente ($526 monthly)
- Cheapest Gold Plan: Kaiser Permanente ($608 monthly)
- Cheapest Full Coverage (Platinum Plan): Kaiser Permanente ($772 monthly)
While these are a good measure of the most affordable plans, they represent only the cheapest for 40-year-olds (26-year-olds for young adults and 60 for seniors), and your cheapest company and plan may differ for your profile. Below, is a filterable table you can modify by plan tier and age to find your lowest rate match.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Plan Level:Silver
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Age:40
| Kaiser Permanente | KP DC Silver Virtual Forward 3500 Ded | $526 | $47 | $8,000 |
How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in Washington, D.C.
Follow these steps to find affordable health insurance in Washington, D.C.:
- 1
Determine coverage plan needs and affordability
Your coverage plan type and tier will differ widely depending on your personal health circumstances and income. Calculate how much income you can set aside for monthly premiums, considering your current health and risk for injury or disease based on location, age and lifestyle.
- 2
Find out your subsidy eligibility
People earning between $14,580 and $54,000 may qualify for premium tax credits, reducing costs by 40% to 100%. Those with incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level ($36,450) can access cost-sharing reductions, decreasing out-of-pocket expenses up to 73%.
- 3
Consider federal programs for eligible age groups
If you're of suitable age, explore Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These plans may offer more affordable and flexible alternatives to traditional plans.
- 4
Review prescription formularies
Check insurers' prescription coverage for medications you regularly take. Choosing plans with lower-tier placements and reduced copays for your medications can optimize savings and ensure consistent and affordable access to necessary prescriptions, saving you hundreds of dollars each year.
- 5
Compare plans during Open Enrollment
Take advantage of Open Enrollment from November 1 to January 15, or Special Enrollment under certain conditions, like job loss or changes in family size. Evaluate plan types, costs, customer reviews and network availability to find the most suitable and affordable coverage for your circumstances.
MONEYGEEK TIP: MAKE SURE TO APPLY PROMPTLY
To avoid technical issues, apply for coverage at least five days before the enrollment deadline. Prepare your income verification, Social Security numbers and immigration documents to ensure a smooth application process.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Washington, D.C.: Bottom Line
The district's most affordable health insurance companies are CareFirst, Kaiser Permanente and Health First. While we recommend these affordable options, you should compare as many plan types and tier quotes as possible from multiple companies to get the best deal.
Cheap Washington, D.C., Health Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about finding affordable health insurance in the district:
What is the cheapest health insurance in Washington, D.C.?
CareFirst offers the cheapest health insurance in Washington, D.C., with Silver plans starting at $582 monthly for 40-year-olds. Your ideal option may vary, so consider exploring other providers based on your income and coverage preferences.
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
Compared to higher-priced plans, cheap health insurance has higher out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copays. More expensive plans reduce out-of-pocket expenses and offer more extensive health care coverage.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
MoneyGeek obtained data directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on available health insurance plans in Washington, D.C., based on consumers aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60.
We considered the cheapest overall to be those with the lowest monthly premium costs for 40-year-olds, as most in the district are near this age demographic, and for simplicity. However, cheaper plans tend to have higher out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles, meaning you may pay more if you receive care.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.