The Cheapest (and Best) Health Insurance in Bakersfield, CA (2024)

Your location, age, plan type, personal health and health care needs and the number of people on your plan all impact the cost of your coverage. MoneyGeek analyzed marketplace information to identify the most affordable health insurance companies in Bakersfield.

We also found the best overall health insurance companies by looking at customer service data and plan offerings, as well as cost value.

Not all plan types are offered by each company in your area. Shop around to find the best plan. If there is only one company in your city, pick the tier that is best for you.

According to the scoring methodology used by MoneyGeek, Blue Shield of California is the best overall health insurance in Bakersfield. It received a score of 83.5 out of 100. Blue Shield of California provides its members with high-quality services while offering the most affordable health insurance in Bakersfield and excellent customer service. However, the ideal option for you will depend on your health care needs.

Health Net, which MoneyGeek ranked as the second-best health insurance provider in Bakersfield, received a score of 70.5 out of 100. This insurer received high marks for affordability and overall customer satisfaction.

Health insurance premiums are typically determined by how you want to share health care spending with your insurance company. Costs also vary based on the city or state.

Keep in mind that the best insurer is not necessarily the one that offers the lowest rates. Nevertheless, if cost is a major consideration, it is necessary to understand the marketplace metal tier system and how insurance rates and other expenses correlate. Your health care expenditures are affected by a number of variables, including your deductible, maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) expenses, copays and your co-insurance.

Bronze is the most affordable metal tier. Nevertheless, even if you have this Catastrophic coverage, it is possible that it will not be enough to pay for your regular medical bills.

The following table from MoneyGeek offers samples of Bakersfield plan rates for various metal tiers.

Expanded Bronze plans are available in various locations but generally not in Bakersfield. Expanded Bronze plans differ from standard Bronze plans in that they provide marginally greater coverage and pay for at least one major service before the deductible is met.

Age is a crucial element in influencing the cost of health insurance, regardless of your location. Monthly premiums for insurance coverage tend to increase with age in order to accommodate for the increased need for health care.

Bronze or Expanded Bronze plans are among the most affordable health insurance options. Check to see if the insurer's network provides the services and providers you require in order to avoid paying out-of-pocket for care.

The table below does not include Catastrophic plans in Bakersfield since they have strict eligibility requirements.

There is no one-size-fits-all health insurance plan. You need to find a plan in Bakersfield that fulfills your coverage needs while remaining affordable.

You could save money on your costs by buying a high-deductible or Catastrophic plan. While you’ll probably pay out of pocket during the year, this might be more affordable than costlier premiums.

If you need more care, lower-deductible plans that cost more could be better.

The income bracket you fall into may impact your eligibility for financial help or health insurance subsidies. Health insurance subsidies are provided to individuals with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Normally, this level is set at 400% of the FPL. However, the American Rescue Plan removed this rule in 2022.

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may also be feasible solutions. Depending on your state, if your income falls between 100 and 150% of the FPL, you could be eligible for Medicaid.

It might be appealing to search for the cheapest health insurance policies in Bakersfield. However, due to low monthly premiums and high deductibles, you may incur higher out-of-pocket expenses. This may occur if you require regular medical care or frequent doctor visits.

Shopping for health insurance can be confusing. MoneyGeek answered the most frequently asked questions about health insurance in Bakersfield.