When you buy health insurance, the amount you pay can depend on where you live, how old you are, the kind of plan you have and how many people it covers. In Fort Worth, MoneyGeek researched providers to find the cheapest health insurance plans. We evaluated monthly premiums, maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs and denial rates. Not all companies offer the same plans, so doing your own research is important. If there is only one company where you live, pick the plan that fits you best.
Cheapest (and Best) Health Insurance in Fort Worth, TX (2024)
Updated: October 16, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
BestHealth InsuranceIn Fort WorthBest Health Insurance in Fort Worth (2023)
Best Overall - Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan
Runner-Up - Cigna
Best Cheap - Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October for the 2023 enrollment period.
10Companies Compared
133Quotes Analyzed
Best Overall Health Insurance in Fort Worth
MoneyGeek evaluated the best health insurance companies in Texas and Fort Worth specifically. Ambetter from Superior Health Plan is the best overall company offering a combination of cost, plan options and customer service. Its Silver plans have an average premium of $521 per month and a MOOP of $4,550.
The runner-up is Cigna, with an average premium of $460 per month and a MOOP of $5,045 for Silver plans. However, cost should not be the sole concern when choosing health insurance. Plan selections, cost-sharing options and customer service are also important.
Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan
pros
Low claims denial score
Low MOOP cost
cons
Only offers HMO plans
Rate costs are above average
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Ambetter from Superior Health Plan offers the best health insurance in Fort Worth, according to MoneyGeek's assessment of the city’s health insurance providers. It offers Silver plans with an average premium of $521 per month and a low MOOP cost of $4,550, making it an attractive option for individuals who want protection from major medical expenses. It also has a very low claims denial rate, meaning your claims will likely be approved.
Average costs and MOOPs mentioned are based on data collected, and actual prices may vary. While Baylor Scott and White Health Plan offers the cheapest plans, it has high MOOP maximums and a high denial rate, making it a less desirable option.
In addition to its competitive pricing, Ambetter from Superior Health Plan offers a unique benefit in the form of its My Health Pays program. Through this program, policyholders can earn points that can be converted into money to cover health-related costs and other bills such as utilities, rent and transportation.
Cigna
pros
Affordable rate of $460 per month on average
Offers free online quotes
cons
Offers limited plan types
High MOOP maximums
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you’re looking for cheap health insurance in Fort Worth, the average cost of Cigna's plans is $460 per month with a MOOP of $5,045. This makes it a good fit for healthy individuals who want to lower their monthly premiums.
Cigna has an above-average denial rate, which means there is a higher chance your claims may be denied. Denials can be stressful for a client, as you become responsible for paying for the denied services or treatments out of pocket.
On the other hand, Cigna makes it easy to get a quote and purchase a plan. You can get a quote in just two minutes and buy a plan online in under 10 minutes. This can be useful for individuals who want to quickly and easily find a health insurance plan that fits their needs and budget.
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Fort Worth
MoneyGeek determined that Ambetter from Superior Health Plan offers the best and cheapest medical insurance in Fort Worth. Monthly premiums average $521, with a MOOP of $4,550. However, keep in mind that your health insurance premiums depend on how you share costs with the insurance company, and average health insurance costs can vary based on where you live.
The cheapest health insurance company may not necessarily be the best for everyone. You should also consider deductibles, copays and co-insurance when reviewing health insurance pricing. Understanding the Marketplace metal system can also be helpful. MoneyGeek reviewed the cheapest health insurance in Texas if you want to consider other options.
Ambetter from Superior HealthPlan
pros
Low claims denial rate
Low MOOP cost
Offers telehealth services
cons
Rates are higher than average
Plan types are limited
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
MoneyGeek determined that Ambetter from Superior Health Plan offers the city’s cheapest health insurance. Its Silver plans come with an average premium of $521 per month and a low MOOP cost of $4,550. This makes it an appealing choice for individuals with significant health care needs. Additionally, Ambetter from Superior Health Plan has a very low claims denial rate, which means claims will likely be approved.
Ambetter from Superior Health Plan offers Telehealth Services, which provide access to doctors for non-emergency health concerns or questions via video or phone, 24/7. When using in-network telehealth providers, you can request a prescription or seek medical advice without a copay. This service provides a convenient and cost-effective way to address health concerns without leaving home.
Cheapest Provider by Metal Tier
Baylor Scott and White Health Plan is the least expensive provider in Fort Worth, TX, with a Silver plan costing an average of $453 per month. However, the least expensive policy may not always be the best. Silver plans are a good middle-of-the-road option that often offers discounts, but keep in mind that lower premiums usually mean higher MOOP costs.
The metal system has four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Bronze plans usually have the lowest monthly premiums. Catastrophic plans are less expensive than Bronze plans, but they're only available to people under 30 and don't cover many services.
The table below shows the average plan costs of the least expensive providers in Fort Worth by metal level, except for Catastrophic plans.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
| Cigna | Bronze | $314 |
| Cigna | Expanded Bronze | $329 |
| Cigna | Gold | $402 |
| Scott and White Health Plan | Silver | $453 |
WHICH METAL TIER SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Each metal tier most suitable for policyholders with specific needs, as follows:
- Catastrophic: Suitable for people who are generally healthy and do not require frequent medical care. It's best for those who need coverage only for emergencies.
- Bronze: A step up from Catastrophic coverage and ideal for people who are healthy and rarely require medical attention.
- Silver: Best for those with moderate income levels who want a balance between services offered and cost. It's also suitable for those who only expect to use health care services occasionally.
- Gold: Ideal for people who require frequent or extensive medical care.
- Platinum: Perfect for people with frequent or extensive medical needs. The higher monthly payments may make it cheaper in the long run than paying out-of-pocket costs in other tiers.
Cheapest Plan by Metal Tier
The BSW Prime Silver HMO 003 plan from Baylor Scott and White Health Plan is the cheapest Silver plan for a 40-year-old, with an average monthly premium of $435. The following table shows the average plan costs of the cheapest providers by metal tier in Fort Worth, excluding Catastrophic plans, which are only available to those under 30.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
| Bronze | Cigna | Cigna Simple Choice 9100 | $313 |
| Expanded Bronze | Cigna | Cigna Simple Choice 7500 | $326 |
| Gold | Cigna | Cigna Simple Choice 2000 | $399 |
| Silver | Scott and White Health Plan | BSW Prime Silver HMO 003 (CMS Standardized Plan with $0 Pediatric PCP copay) | $435 |
How Age Affects Health Insurance in Fort Worth
Age plays a big part in how much you'll pay for health insurance, no matter where you live. As you get older, your expected health care needs increase, and insurance costs go up as a result. If you're after a cheaper plan, Bronze or Expanded Bronze plans are often your best bet. While Catastrophic plans can be less expensive, they're only available to certain age groups. If you're considering a lower-tiered plan, make sure you're comfortable with the network to avoid any surprise costs for out-of-network services. Consult the chart below for some of the best cheap health insurance providers for Silver plans.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Fort Worth by Age
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Metal Level:
Metal Level:Silver
| 18 | Scott and White Health Plan | $324 | $5,167 |
| 26 | Scott and White Health Plan | $363 | $5,167 |
| 40 | Scott and White Health Plan | $453 | $5,167 |
| 50 | Scott and White Health Plan | $633 | $5,167 |
| 60 | Scott and White Health Plan | $962 | $5,167 |
Your age and the metal tier you choose are two of the most significant factors affecting health insurance costs. Generally, older individuals pay more for insurance due to their increased health care needs. To give you a better idea of what to expect, take a look at the graph below, which provides examples of costs by metal tier and age.
MEDICAID AND MEDICARE
If you're looking for low-cost health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare and Medicare Advantage are some options. These government programs provide health insurance to people with specific eligibility requirements. Medicaid is typically for people with low income, while Medicare is for individuals who are 65 years or older. However, there are strict eligibility requirements, and not everyone can qualify. If you’re looking for more coverage, Medigap plans can also fill in the gaps Medicare doesn’t cover.
How to Find the Best Cheap Health Insurance in Fort Worth
You can find a plan in Fort Worth that meets your needs without breaking the bank by taking a few simple steps.
- 1
Know Where to Start
There are plenty of health insurance options for 18-year-olds and 26-year-olds in Fort Worth. You can explore options through your employer, parents (if you're under 26), the government, insurance companies or the Marketplace.
- 2
Budget Based on Your Health Care Needs
There is a tradeoff between cost and coverage when shopping for health insurance. It's up to the buyer to find the best balance for them. Cheaper plans may have less coverage, but if you stay healthy, you could save money. However, you'll have to pay your entire deductible if you have a health crisis. More expensive plans offer more comprehensive coverage, larger networks and greater flexibility, but you'll pay more monthly.
- 3
Check for Premium Tax Credits
Premium tax credits can significantly reduce your monthly health insurance premiums. These credits are available for Silver plans to those whose income falls within 100% to 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL), which is around $20,385 to $33,975 per year for an individual. The American Rescue Plan Act extended premium tax credits to those within 400% of the FPL until 2025.
- 4
Check Government Program Eligibility
Medicare and Medicaid offer affordable health insurance with strict eligibility requirements. Medicare is available to those 65 or older, while Medicaid is available to those with low incomes. In some cases, unemployed people can get health insurance with Medicaid.
- 5
Choose Your Plan
Choosing a health insurance plan is a big step. It's important to read the fine print and review all details to ensure you get the coverage you need. Understand deductibles, copays and networks, and don't hesitate to clarify any issues with your provider.
Health Insurance Subsidies and Income-Based Assistance
Financial assistance is available for those who need help paying for health insurance, especially those with low incomes. Usually, this assistance is available for those earning between 100% and 400% of the FPL. However, the income limits for health insurance subsidies in 2023 have been expanded, so those earning more than 400% of the FPL can get financial assistance.
Medicaid and CHIP are also options for those who do not qualify for a subsidy but have low incomes. Medicaid eligibility depends on your state and income, while CHIP is for children from families with too much income to qualify for Medicaid.
SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE
Short-term health insurance offers a quick and affordable way to maintain some level of coverage when there is a gap between jobs or while you wait for open enrollment.
Use these plans with caution as they are not equivalent to Marketplace plans in terms of coverage. Short-term plans may not cover essential benefits and can deny coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as cancer.
While the monthly premiums may be low, the high copays and co-insurance can result in significant out-of-pocket costs for treatment. Subsidies and tax credits are also not available with these plans.
MoneyGeek created a list of the best short-term health insurance providers in Texas to help you choose the right provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Fort Worth
We answered commonly asked questions about the best way to find affordable health insurance in Fort Worth.
How do I get health insurance in Fort Worth?
In Fort Worth, Texas, you can get health insurance during open enrollment through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace, as Texas does not have a state-run Marketplace. You may qualify for a special enrollment period if you experience life events such as getting married, having a baby, or losing your job-based health coverage.
What’s the best health insurance in Fort Worth?
Ambetter from Superior Health Plan is MoneyGeek’s top choice due to its low claims denial rate and affordable MOOP. Silver plans have an average monthly premium of $521 and a MOOP cost of $4,550.
What’s the cheapest health insurance in Fort Worth?
Ambetter from Superior Health Plan offers the cheapest health insurance in Fort Worth based on MoneyGeek’s ranking, with an average MOOP of $4,550 and a monthly premium of $521 for a Silver plan.
About Brenna Kelly
Brenna Kelly, the former Health Insurance Content Manager at MoneyGeek, is a licensed health insurance agent and real estate associate. She is qualified to provide expert insight and advice on medical insurance, disability, long-term care, critical illness, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans.
Kelly has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Central Florida. She uses her content production experience and health insurance expertise to deliver informative articles.
sources
- Ambetter From Superior HealthPlan. "My Health Pays Reward Program." Accessed March 11, 2023.
- Cigna health care. "Truly Global Health Solutions." Accessed May 11, 2023.