Cheapest Health Insurance in Wisconsin (2024 Plans)

In Wisconsin, Dean Health Plan presents the most cost-effective choices in the Bronze, Catastrophic, Expanded Bronze and Gold categories. Group Health Cooperative-SCW offers the most affordable Platinum plans, while Security Health Plan provides the most budget-friendly Silver options.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Wisconsin.

The Enrich $5,500 - 30% Copay offered by Security Health Plan stands out as the most affordable option in the popular Silver tier, with a monthly cost of $400. Silver plans are the most common choice due to their balance of monthly premiums and coverage costs. For those willing to risk higher out-of-pocket expenses for lower premiums, Bronze plans are an alternative.

Health plan costs depend on their associated metal tiers, which represent different balances of premium rates with out-of-pocket payments and deductibles.

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

• Catastrophic: Dean Focus Network Catastrophic Safety Net from Dean Health Plan ($183) — Only available to individuals under 30 or with a qualifying exemption.
• Bronze: Dean Focus Network Bronze Standard 9100X from Dean Health Plan ($284)
• Expanded Bronze: Dean Focus Network Bronze Copay PCP 8000X from Dean Health Plan ($309)
• Silver: Enrich $5,500 - 30% Copay from Security Health Plan ($400)
• Gold: Dean Focus Network Gold HSA HDHP 2000X from Dean Health Plan ($450)
• Platinum: Select Platinum 1000 Ded/4000 MOOP Primary Care Preferred with Vision from Group Health Cooperative-SCW ($531)

For more details on cheap health insurance options in Wisconsin, check out the available plans.

The most affordable Silver plan available in Wisconsin is the Enrich $5,500 - 30% Copay from Security Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $400.

The three most affordable Silver plans in Wisconsin are:

• Enrich $5,500 - 30% Copay from Security Health Plan ($400)
• Enrich $3,500 - 30% from Security Health Plan ($417)
• Enrich $5,000- 20% HDHP from Security Health Plan ($418)

Silver plans are particularly suitable for individuals or families who expect moderate health care use and want a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Those who qualify for cost-sharing reductions can benefit from cheaper copays, deductibles and a lower maximum out-of-pocket limit, which can make these plans even more cost-effective. Cost-sharing reductions are available to individuals and families earning between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level and can significantly decrease overall health care expenses.

The most affordable Gold plan in Wisconsin is the Dean Focus Network Gold HSA HDHP 2000X offered by Dean Health Plan at a monthly cost of $450. This plan stands out for its competitive pricing in the Gold tier.

The three least expensive Gold health plans in Wisconsin are:

• Dean Focus Network Gold HSA HDHP 2000X from Dean Health Plan ($450)
• Dean Focus Network Gold Copay PCP 3000X from Dean Health Plan ($454)
• MercyCare HMO Gold Standard from MercyCare Health Plans ($461)

Gold plans are well-suited for consumers who expect to need a fair amount of care. The higher monthly premiums of Gold plans are often outweighed by lower out-of-pocket costs when services are received, making these plans cost-efficient for those who regularly visit doctors or take prescriptions. They provide a good balance for individuals who want more predictable costs and are willing to pay a bit more in monthly premiums for that peace of mind.

The Dean Focus Network Bronze Standard 9100X is the most affordable Bronze plan for Wisconsin residents, offered by Dean Health Plan at a monthly cost of $284.

Here are the three cheapest Bronze plans in Wisconsin:

• Dean Focus Network Bronze Standard 9100X from Dean Health Plan ($284)
• Dean Bronze Standard 9100X from Dean Health Plan ($317)
• MercyCare HMO Bronze Option B from MercyCare Health Plans ($326)

Bronze plans generally suit individuals who prioritize lower monthly premiums while still wanting protection against high-cost medical events. They are particularly apt for those who are young, healthy and have fewer medical expenses. The plans typically come with higher out-of-pocket costs, making them a good fit for those who prefer paying less upfront and can handle more significant costs when receiving medical care.

The cheapest plan in the Expanded Bronze tier in Wisconsin is the Dean Focus Network Bronze Copay PCP 8000X offered by Dean Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $309.

The top three most affordable Expanded Bronze plans in Wisconsin are:

• Dean Focus Network Bronze Copay PCP 8000X from Dean Health Plan ($309)
• Dean Focus Network Bronze Copay Plus 9400X from Dean Health Plan ($316)
• Dean Focus Network Bronze Standard 7500X from Dean Health Plan ($320)

Expanded Bronze plans are tailored for individuals who are generally healthy and do not typically require extensive medical care but are seeking security for unforeseen health issues. These plans usually offer lower premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs as compared to Gold or Silver plans, making them suitable for those who are willing to take on a greater share of their health care costs to save on monthly premiums.

Leading the Catastrophic tier with the lowest monthly cost in Wisconsin is the Dean Focus Network Catastrophic Safety Net from Dean Health Plan, available at $183 per month.

The three least expensive Catastrophic plans in Wisconsin are:

• Dean Focus Network Catastrophic Safety Net from Dean Health Plan ($183)
• SimplyOne Protection from Security Health Plan ($202)
• Dean Catastrophic Safety Net from Dean Health Plan ($204)

In Wisconsin, Catastrophic plans are ideal for individuals who want to ensure financial protection against extreme medical expenses without paying high monthly premiums. These plans generally come with lower monthly costs but higher out-of-pocket expenses. They're for people under 30 or those with hardship exemptions, often serving as a safeguard against worst-case health scenarios while keeping routine medical costs more manageable.

The most affordable Platinum plan in Wisconsin is the Select Platinum 1000 Ded/4000 MOOP Primary Care Preferred with Vision offered by Group Health Cooperative-SCW at a monthly cost of $531.

For Wisconsin residents seeking premium health coverage, the following three Platinum plans are the most affordable:

• Select Platinum 1000 Ded/4000 MOOP Primary Care Preferred with Vision from Group Health Cooperative-SCW ($531)
• Select Platinum No Ded/2500 MOOP from Group Health Cooperative-SCW ($557)
• Select Platinum 500 Ded/1500 MOOP from Group Health Cooperative-SCW ($560)

Platinum plans are typically well-suited for those who expect to need considerable medical care. They offer the highest monthly premiums but the lowest costs when you receive medical care. Due to their low out-of-pocket expenses and comprehensive coverage, these plans are ideal for individuals who frequently visit doctors, have existing health conditions or require regular prescriptions.

Residents in Wisconsin earning 250% below the Federal Poverty Level qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver health plans that lower deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.

The most affordable Silver plan for those with an income of $14,580 to $21,870 per year is the Anthem Silver Pathway/Lean 5900/40% Standard from Anthem (BCBS) with a maximum out-of-pocket Cost of $1,800.

The two most affordable Silver plans are:

• Anthem Silver Pathway/Lean 5900/40% Standard from Anthem (BCBS) ($433 per month, $1,800 MOOP)
• Anthem Silver Pathway/Lean 5300 from Anthem (BCBS) ($433 per month, $800 MOOP)

Cost-sharing reductions in Wisconsin are exclusively available for Silver plans. The income levels mentioned apply to single individuals, with variations based on household size.

In Wisconsin, HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are the most popular plan type. The most affordable HMO plan in Wisconsin is the Enrich $5,500 - 30% Copay from Security Health Plan with a monthly cost of $400.

In Wisconsin, the cheapest options by plan type are:

• HMO: Enrich $5,500 - 30% Copay from Security Health Plan ($400)
• EPO: CGHC EPO Silver $6000 Deductible/20% - Envision Network from Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative ($420)
• POS: Anthem Silver Blue Preferred/Broad 5900/40% Standard from Anthem (BCBS) ($595)
• PPO: Robin Select $3,800 HSA Silver from HealthPartners ($481)

In addition to HMO plans, Wisconsin residents also have access to EPO, POS and PPO plan options. EPO plans strike a balance between HMOs and PPOs, offering a local network without out-of-network coverage. POS plans blend HMO and PPO features, allowing out-of-network use at a higher cost. PPO plans provide maximum flexibility, allowing policyholders to see any provider without a referral, in or out of network.

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in Wisconsin.

Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows the following variation in terms of monthly rates:

• Milwaukee: Anthem Silver Pathway/Lean 5900/40% Standard from Anthem ($402)
• Menominee: UHC Silver Advantage from UnitedHealthcare ($462)

The following table displays all available plans in each county in Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, your age can impact the price of health insurance. For example, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays $286 each month. In contrast, a 60-year-old with the same type of plan pays $850. That's a difference of $564!

Metal tiers are like categories of health insurance plans. They tell you how much you pay versus how much the plan pays. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan will pay about $284 a month. But if they choose a Gold plan, they spend about $450 per month. The Gold plan costs $166 more than the Bronze.

MoneyGeek comprehensively analyzed health insurance options in Wisconsin, including private insurance (Bronze to Platinum), Medicaid and Medicare. Our goal is to simplify the decision-making process, enabling you to make informed choices for yourself and your family. Our information is presented in a clear and straightforward manner, ensuring everyone feels confident in selecting the right insurance plan.

In Wisconsin, the open enrollment period for private health insurance typically occurs from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this time, residents can shop for or change their health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you may only enroll or change plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to certain life events, such as losing health coverage, moving, getting married, having a baby or adopting a child. Otherwise, you must wait until the next open enrollment period to obtain or adjust your coverage.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed to provide health care coverage to low-income individuals and families. In Wisconsin, Medicaid eligibility is determined based on income, family size and other factors. The program primarily serves children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. Income limits vary by group — for example, pregnant women can qualify with an income up to 198% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). By offering essential health care services at reduced or no cost, Medicaid aims to improve access to quality health care for vulnerable populations.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities and individuals with illnesses like end-stage renal disease. In Wisconsin, residents are eligible for Medicare under these criteria. Medicare Part A covers hospital insurance, including inpatient care and hospice services. Part B pays for outpatient care, such as doctor visits and preventive services. Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and B, often with additional benefits like dental or vision, and is offered by private insurance companies. Part D covers prescription drug plans, which are also provided by private companies and help lower the cost of medications.

MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Wisconsin and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Wisconsin.

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 Wisconsin to help you learn more.