Updated: May 22, 2024
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The metal tier you choose for your health insurance plan will impact your premiums and overall health care expenses. In Washington, Coordinated Care Corporation offers the most affordable Bronze and Gold plans, while Community Health Plan of Washington has the cheapest Silver tier option.
If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Washington.
CheapestHealth InsuranceWashingtonMost Affordable Health Insurance in Washington
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Washington 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.
Health insurance prices depend on the metal tier, with trade-offs between higher monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket expenses.
The most affordable Silver plan in Washington is the Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Silver plan, offered by*Community Health Plan of Washington at a monthly cost of $394. Silver is the most common plan type, balancing monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. For individuals aiming to minimize their monthly expenses at the expense of higher potential costs when seeking care, the Bronze tier can be an appealing option.
Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:
For information on cheap health insurance plans across various tiers, consider the listed options.
| Bronze | PlanAmbetter Essential Care 1 | CompanyCoordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$282 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,000 |
| Gold | PlanAmbetter Clear Gold | CompanyCoordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$385 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 |
| Silver | PlanCommunity Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Silver | CompanyCommunity Health Plan of Washington | Monthly Cost$394 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 |
In the Washington health insurance marketplace, different metal tiers are available to consumers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These tiers help categorize plans based on the average percentage of health care costs they cover.
Bronze plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses when you need care. Silver plans offer a balance between the two, while Gold and Platinum have the most expensive premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs.
For individuals with incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Line, cost-sharing reductions are available on Silver plans. These reductions can lower the amount paid out of pocket for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, making health care more affordable.
The most affordable Silver plan in Washington is the Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Silver offered by Community Health Plan of Washington, with a monthly cost of $394.
The three most cost-effective Silver plans available in Washington are:
Silver plans are typically well-suited for individuals or families who expect to use moderate health care services. Those who qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) can benefit from lower deductibles, copays and an overall reduced out-of-pocket maximum, making health care more accessible and affordable.
| Community Health Plan of Washington | Monthly Cost$394 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanCommunity Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Silver |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$395 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,150 | PlanAmbetter Balanced Care 4 |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$397 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Silver |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$416 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Silver |
| Kaiser WA | Monthly Cost$445 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,175 | PlanVirtual Plus Silver |
The most affordable Gold tier health insurance plan in Washington is the Ambetter Clear Gold from Coordinated Care Corporation, with a monthly cost of $385.
Here are the three most cost-effective Gold plans available in Washington:
Gold plans cover a higher percentage of medical expenses, making them a good option for those with consistent prescription needs or who anticipate needing significant health care services.
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$385 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,700 | PlanAmbetter Clear Gold |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$408 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,500 | PlanAmbetter Secure Care 5 |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$414 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,100 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Gold |
| Community Health Plan of Washington | Monthly Cost$427 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,100 | PlanCommunity Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Gold |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$434 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,100 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Gold |
The most affordable Bronze plan in Washington is the Ambetter Essential Care 1 offered by Coordinated Care Corporation, with a monthly cost of $282.
Here are the three most affordable Bronze plans in Washington:
Bronze plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care. They are a good fit for individuals who want to keep their monthly expenses low and are comfortable with the idea that they will pay more when they access medical services.
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$282 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,000 | PlanAmbetter Essential Care 1 |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$290 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Bronze |
| Community Health Plan of Washington | Monthly Cost$296 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanCommunity Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Bronze |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$304 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Bronze |
| LifeWise WA | Monthly Cost$347 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanLifeWise Cascade Select Bronze |
The most affordable Catastrophic plan in Washington is the Basics Plus Catastrophic offered by Kaiser WA, with a monthly cost of $267. This is the only Catastrophic plan available in the state.
Catastrophic plans are designed for young adults under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. They have low premiums but high out-of-pocket costs, making them ideal for people who want to minimize monthly expenses but ensure they have a safety net for major medical events.
| Kaiser WA | Monthly Cost$267 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450 | PlanBasics Plus Catastrophic |
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are discounts that lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals enrolled in Silver health insurance plans. To qualify, a person must earn between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level. CSRs reduce deductibles, co-payments and the maximum amount you pay for healthcare services yearly. For example, without CSR, the plan's MOOP might be $6,500, but with a CSR, that cost could drop to $2,500, significantly lowering potential expenses.
In Washington, HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are the most popular option. Aside from HMO plans, Washington residents also have access to EPO and PPO plans.
The most affordable health plans in Washington by type are:
HMO: Ambetter Balanced Care 4 from Coordinated Care Corporation ($395 per month) EPO: Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Silver from Community Health Plan of Washington ($394 per month) PPO: Navigator Silver 5000 from PacificSource ($534 per month)
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$395 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,150 | PlanAmbetter Balanced Care 4 |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$397 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Silver |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$416 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Silver |
| Kaiser WA | Monthly Cost$445 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,175 | PlanVirtual Plus Silver |
| Molina | Monthly Cost$457 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,725 | PlanConstant Care Silver 1 |
The most common plan type in Washington is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Other plan types available in Washington include Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans.
Here are the differences between these plan types:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMO plans require members to select a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals to see specialists. They often have lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than other plans but offer less freedom to see out-of-network doctors, which could result in higher costs or denial of service outside the HMO network.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): EPO plans offer a network of providers that members are required to use, except in emergencies, similar to an HMO, but do not usually require choosing a PCP or getting referrals to see specialists. These plans can offer a balance between cost and provider choice, providing more flexibility than HMOs but typically less than PPOs. They often have costs similar to or slightly higher than HMOs, depending on the specific plan.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): PPO plans provide the most flexibility in choosing health care providers, allowing members to see both in-network and out-of-network providers without a referral, but seeing out-of-network providers will typically result in higher out-of-pocket costs. They often have higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs than HMOs and EPOs, reflecting the increased flexibility and wider choice of providers, which can benefit those who need or prefer more options in their health care services.
Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county. For example, consider the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties in Washington:
The following table shows all available plans in each county in Washington.
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$380 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Silver |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$380 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Silver |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$380 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Silver |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$380 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Silver |
| Coordinated Care Corporation | Monthly Cost$380 | Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,200 | PlanAmbetter Cascade Select Silver |
In Washington, age affects health insurance rates. A Silver plan for an 18-year-old costs $362, while a 60-year-old pays $846 for the same tier — a difference of $484. Health insurance prices increase with age in each metal tier due to higher health risks as one gets older.
Metal tiers indicate the level of cost-sharing between the insurer and the insured, which also impacts the cost. For example, Bronze plan for a 40-year-old costs $385, but upgrading to a Gold plan raises the price to $549. The $164 difference gets a 40-year-old broader coverage and lower out-of-pocket expenses with the Gold plan than with the Bronze plan.
MoneyGeek analyzed every health insurance option in Washington, including Bronze, Silver and Gold plans on the private insurance in the marketplace, as well as Medicaid and Medicare.
The open enrollment period in Washington State typically runs from November 1st through January 15th. During this time, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Individuals can compare plans and select the one that best fits their needs and budget. If you miss the January 15th deadline, you might have to wait until the next open enrollment unless you experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, having a child or losing other coverage, which makes you eligible for a special enrollment period. During this special period, you can enroll or change your health insurance plan outside the usual open enrollment window.
Medicaid is a health care program in the United States providing medical assistance to low-income individuals and families. In Washington State, eligibility depends on factors such as income, family size, disability and pregnancy status. The program is jointly funded by the federal government and the state, with Washington administering its own Medicaid program to meet the needs of its residents within federal guidelines. Eligibility requirements and benefits can vary, so residents must apply to determine if they qualify for coverage under the program.
Medicare is a federal health care program primarily for individuals who are 65 or older, as well as for younger people with certain disabilities or conditions. In Washington, residents who meet these criteria are eligible for Medicare. The program is divided into parts: Part A provides hospital insurance covering inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health services. Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctor visits, preventive services and medical equipment. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, includes all benefits and services covered under Parts A and B, often with additional benefits like dental, vision or prescription drugs, provided through private insurers. Part D offers prescription drug coverage, also through private insurance companies.
MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Washington.
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 Washington to help you learn more.
The cheapest silver plan in Washington for this year is offered by Community Health Plan of Washington, named Community Health Plan of Washington Cascade Select Silver. The cheapest gold plan in Washington is the Ambetter Clear Gold, provided by Coordinated Care Corporation.
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.
