Cheapest (and Best) Health Insurance in Jacksonville, FL (2023)


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Updated: November 22, 2024

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Health insurance premiums vary depending on location along with individual factors such as age, plan type and health care needs.

MoneyGeek reviewed marketplace data to find the cheapest health insurance companies in Jacksonville, Florida. We also analyzed monthly costs, maximum-out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs, plan options and claim denial rates to determine the best providers for different profiles.

The availability of some plan types or metal tiers can vary depending on the provider. It is best to shop around and compare your options. If there is only one insurer in your area, choose the plan or tier that suits your needs best.

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2024

Best Health Insurance in Jacksonville (2023)

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data directly from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

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Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October for the 2023 enrollment period.

6Companies Compared
 
158Quotes Analyzed

Best Overall Health Insurance in Jacksonville

MoneyGeek analyzed insurers in Jacksonville based on cost, plan options and customer service to find the best companies. The best health insurance company in Jacksonville is Ambetter at $457 monthly for a Silver plan with an average MOOP of $4,401. Aetna ranks second at $474 monthly for a Silver plan with a MOOP of $5,194.

When shopping for the best health insurance, apart from cost, factors like plan options, cost-sharing choices and customer service should be considered.

Ambetter

Ambetter

pros

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Lowest average MOOP compared to competitors

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Most affordable provider analyzed

cons

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Higher than average claims denial rate

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Limited plan types

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Ambetter has the most affordable rates for a Silver plan, averaging $457 per month. It also offers the lowest average MOOP at $4,401. However, these rates are based on averages, so the actual cost of your plan may vary.

Ambetter offers policyholders access to various membership perks, including healthy discounts for membership at select gyms, healthy eating services and mental wellness services. This provider also offers health management programs to help those with chronic conditions through educational tools, telephone support and behavioral health services.

Care management services are also available to help you if you need extra support. Ambetter’s care managers work closely with your physician to coordinate services and find community services that will help you manage your condition better.

Aetna

Aetna Medicare

pros

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Lower-than-average claims denial rate

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One of the most affordable companies in the city

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High MOOP costs

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Limited plan options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Aetna is our runner-up pick for the best health insurance company in Jacksonville. The average cost of an Aetna Silver plan is $474 per month, with an average MOOP of $5,194. Note that these are average rates. Actual costs may vary depending on individual factors.

Aetna’s rates are relatively affordable compared to the other providers, but its MOOP costs can be high. This provider also has the best claims denial rate in the group, meaning it’s the least likely to deny a claim out of the insurers analyzed.

Aetna’s plans feature 24/7 virtual care. Policyholders also get access to in-network walk-in clinic visits nationwide for minor injuries, allergies and screenings. Plan benefits even include $0 preventive care and walk-in clinic care with extended hours.

Aetna’s coverage is ideal if you travel or live abroad since they have a global medical network of providers.

Best Cheap Health Insurance in Jacksonville

The best cheap health insurance company in Jacksonville is Ambetter, costing an average premium of $457 per month for a Silver plan and an average MOOP of $4,401.

Health insurance premiums vary based on how you split the costs of care with your health insurance provider. The location also impacts costs.

The cheapest company is not always the best provider. If you are looking for low-cost health insurance, understanding how the metal tier system works and how premiums and MOOPs are related will help you identify the cheapest options. Deductibles, copays and co-insurance will also impact your health insurance costs.

Ambetter

Ambetter

pros

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Lowest average MOOP in the city

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Affordable rates

cons

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Lower than average claims score

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Limited plan options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

If you are on a budget, Ambetter is the best cheap health insurance company in Jacksonville. Silver plans cost an average of $457 monthly. It also has the lowest average MOOP among the insurers analyzed at $4,401. These rates are averages, so actual plan costs may vary.

Although Ambetter scores well in affordability, it is worth noting that it has a lower-than-average claims rating. This means it does not have the best record in claims management. Policyholders who opt for Ambetter plans get access to membership perks, which include discounted rates for gym memberships, healthy eating services and mental wellness services.

If you have a chronic condition, you can also take advantage of Ambetter’s health management programs. This features telephone support, educational tools and other resources to help you manage your condition better.

Cheapest Provider by Metal Tier

Ambetter offers the cheapest Silver plan in Jacksonville at $457 monthly. This analysis is done at a provider level and is based on average rates.

The cheapest plans might not always be the best. If you prioritize affordability, Silver plans are a good option since they offer a balance of premiums and MOOP costs.

Health plans are categorized into metal tiers ranging from Bronze through Platinum, with Bronze being the cheapest. Catastrophic plans are cheaper than Bronze, but they have age requirements and limited coverage.

Plans with low premiums have high MOOP costs, so they protect you in case of disaster but offer limited coverage for routine health care. The table below shows the cheapest providers in Jacksonville by metal tier (excluding Catastrophic) with their average plan costs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
AmbetterBronze$346
AetnaExpanded Bronze$371
AmbetterGold$455
AmbetterSilver$457
Blue Cross Blue ShieldPlatinum$995
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WHICH METAL TIER IS RIGHT FOR ME?

The best metal tier for you will depend on your profile and health care needs.

  • Catastrophic: This tier is ideal for emergencies and those who do not require frequent health care.
  • Bronze: This level is affordable, making it a good option if you are in great health and do not need a lot of care.
  • Silver: This tier balances coverage and costs. It is the best option if you have a moderate income but also want sufficient coverage.
  • Gold: This tier is ideal for those who need frequent health care.
  • Platinum: This tier is costly, but it's a good option if you need frequent care and want to limit your out-of-pocket costs.

Cheapest Plan by Metal Tier

Ambetter’s CMS Standard Silver VALUE is the cheapest Silver plan in Jacksonville at $440 per month. This analysis is on a plan level rather than a provider level.

You can look up the cheapest health insurance companies in Jacksonville by metal with their average plan costs in the table below. This table does not include Catastrophic plans since they are limited to those under the age of 30.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
BronzeAmbetterClear Bronze$340
Expanded BronzeAmbetterCMS Standard Expanded Bronze VALUE$347
GoldAmbetterCMS Standard Gold VALUE$412
SilverAmbetterCMS Standard Silver VALUE$440
PlatinumBlue Cross Blue ShieldBlueSelect Platinum 1451 ($0 Virtual Visits / Rewards $$$)$713

How Age Affects Health Insurance in Jacksonville

Age is a major factor in the cost of health insurance, regardless of location. Premiums typically increase with age since as you get older, your health care needs increase.

Bronze or Expanded Bronze plans typically offer the cheapest rates. Catastrophic plans can be more affordable, but they are only available if you meet the eligibility requirements.

When you opt for a low-tier plan, check that you are comfortable with the plan’s network of providers to avoid paying for out-of-network services. You can use the table below to look up the cheapest Silver plan providers.

Cheapest Health Insurance in Jacksonville by Age
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Metal Level:
Metal Level:Silver
18Ambetter$327$4,401
26Ambetter$366$4,401
40Ambetter$457$4,401
50Ambetter$639$4,401
60Ambetter$971$4,401

Metal tier and age are the factors that have the biggest impact on your health insurance costs. Premiums are more expensive for high-tier plans like Gold and Platinum. You will also pay more for health insurance the older you get.

You can compare how costs vary by metal and age in the graph below.

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MEDICAID AND MEDICARE

For those who meet the eligibility requirements, Medicaid and Medicare are the cheapest health insurance plans. These plans are sponsored by the federal government and are only available to those who are 65 or older for Medicare or low-income for Medicaid.

If you qualify for Medicare, you can get additional coverage through Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. You need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for Medicare Advantage plans before applying.

How to Find the Best Cheap Health Insurance in Jacksonville

When shopping for the cheapest health insurance plans in Jacksonville, it’s important to consider your health care needs along with providers’ rates, MOOP costs and coverage options. You can use these steps to find a plan that suits your needs.

  1. 1
    Know Where to Look

    Based on factors like age and whether you are employed, it’s important to know where you can find appropriate plans. For instance, health insurance for 18-year-olds is cheaper through a parent’s plan, while health insurance for 26-year-olds can be available through the marketplace or an employer. Older folks could be eligible for government plans like Medicare.

  2. 2
    Budget Based on Your Health Care Needs

    Your health care needs will help you figure out what plan is the best option for you. Cheap health insurance is a good option if you are in relatively good health and do not need frequent care. Premiums are typically low, but MOOP costs are quite high.

    For those with frequent health care needs, a more expensive plan offers better protection in terms of coverage, provider network and low MOOP costs.

  3. 3
    Check for Premium Tax Credits

    Premium tax credits can help you lower your monthly health insurance costs. These credits are available if your income is at least 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and you don’t qualify for other publicly assisted health insurance programs (like Medicare or Medicaid).

  4. 4
    Check Government Program Eligibility

    If you are a senior citizen or looking for the best health insurance while unemployed, you could be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid programs. These government plans are affordable options for health insurance if you meet the eligibility criteria based on age, disability for Medicare or income for Medicaid.

  5. 5
    Choose Your Plan

    Once you have evaluated all the options available to you, you can then go with the cheapest plan if it meets your needs. Keep in mind that, aside from premiums, deductibles, copays and co-insurance will also impact your overall health insurance costs.

Health Insurance Subsidies and Income-Based Assistance

If your income falls within a specific bracket, you may qualify for financial assistance for your health insurance premiums.

Health insurance subsidies were previously available to those whose income falls between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act reviewed income limits for health insurance subsidies for 2022–2025, allowing people whose income is over 400% of the FPL to also access subsidies.

If you do not qualify for subsidies, you can still get assistance through Medicaid and CHIP. If your income falls between 100% and 150% of the FPL, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Although Medicaid and Medicaid are both sponsored by the government, eligibility requirements differ by state.

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SHORT-TERM HEALTH INSURANCE

If you have a gap in coverage, you can shop for the best short-term health insurance in Florida.

  • Short-term plans can help you get coverage before enrollment or until you start a new job. However, these plans differ from marketplace plans in the following ways:
  • They don’t always cover essential benefits and can deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.
  • They may offer low premiums but feature high copays/co-insurance, making the cost of treatment high.
  • Subsidies and tax credits are not available with these plans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Jacksonville

MoneyGeek answered commonly asked questions to help you learn more about cheap medical insurance in Jacksonville.

How do I get health insurance in Jacksonville?
What’s the best health insurance in Jacksonville?
What’s the cheapest health insurance in Jacksonville?

About Brenna Kelly


Brenna Kelly headshot

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.


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