Cheapest Health Insurance in Connecticut (2024 Plans)

Your health insurance plan's metal tier affects your costs and coverage. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers Connecticut's most affordable Bronze, Gold and Silver plans.

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

The most affordable option in the Silver tier for Connecticut residents is the Silver PPO Standard Pathway offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield at a monthly cost of $620. For those willing to accept higher out-of-pocket costs for a lower monthly premium, Bronze plans are an alternative.

As elsewhere, health insurance costs in Connecticut depend on the metal tier of the plan selected, with the general trade-off being between higher premiums for lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs versus lower premiums for higher out-of-pocket expenses.

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

• Catastrophic: Catastrophic HMO Pathway Enhanced from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($245 per month for a 26-year-old)
• Bronze: Bronze HMO Pathway Enhanced with Added Dental & Vision from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($546 per month)
• Silver: Silver PPO Standard Pathway from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($620 per month)
• Gold: Gold PPO Pathway from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($600 per month)

For more options for cheap health insurance, consider your individual needs and preferences carefully.

The Silver PPO Standard Pathway from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the most affordable Silver plan in Connecticut, with a monthly cost of $620.

Here are the three most affordable health Silver plans in Connecticut:

• Silver PPO Standard Pathway from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($620 per month)
• Choice Silver Standard POS from ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. ($656 per month)
• Value Silver Standard POS from ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc. ($719 per month)

Silver plans are particularly suitable for individuals who expect moderate health care services and prefer a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Those who qualify for cost-sharing reductions can significantly lower their deductibles, copayments and co-insurance with a Silver plan, which is especially beneficial for families with lower incomes. By applying for these reductions, eligible consumers can obtain health care at more manageable rates while still accessing a broad range of services.

The Gold PPO Pathway is the cheapest Gold tier health insurance plan in Connecticut by monthly cost, provided by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, priced at $600.

The three most affordable Gold health plans available in Connecticut are:

• Gold PPO Pathway from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($600 per month)
• Gold HMO Pathway Enhanced with Added Dental and Vision from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($604 per month)
• Gold PPO Pathway with Added Dental and Vision from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($624 per month)

Gold plans are ideal for consumers who anticipate needing moderate to high levels of medical care. These plans provide a good balance between premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses, offering a prudent choice for individuals who visit health care providers frequently or have ongoing medical prescriptions.

The most affordable option in Connecticut’s Bronze tier is the Bronze HMO Pathway Enhanced with Added Dental & Vision 8700 plan from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, costing $546 monthly.

The three cheapest Bronze plans in Connecticut are as follows:

• Bronze HMO Pathway Enhanced with Added Dental & Vision 8700 from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($546 per month)
• Bronze PPO Standard Pathway for HSA from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($549 per month)
• Bronze PPO Pathway from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($559 per month)

Bronze plans are a solid choice for individuals who want to keep their monthly premiums low and are in good health, typically with few medical expenses. These plans are especially suited for consumers prioritizing lower upfront costs while providing essential health coverage and protection against high medical expenses. Remember that while the monthly payments are more affordable, out-of-pocket costs will be higher when you need care.

Connecticut's most affordable Catastrophic health insurance plan is the Catastrophic HMO Pathway Enhanced plan, offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, available at a monthly cost of $245 for 26-year-olds.

• Catastrophic HMO Pathway Enhanced from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($245 per month)
• Choice Catastrophic POS with Dental from ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. ($248 per month)

Catastrophic plans serve adults under 30 or those with a hardship exemption. These plans have low premiums but high out-of-pocket costs, making them suitable for consumers who want to minimize monthly expenses while still having a safety net for major medical events. People who expect regular medical visits or need frequent prescriptions will likely benefit from more comprehensive coverage.

POS (Point of Service) plans are Connecticut's most popular plan type. Consumers not interested in POS plans can also find PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans.

The most affordable Silver health plans in Connecticut by plan type include:

• POS: Choice Silver Standard POS from ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. ($656 per month)
• PPO: Silver PPO Standard Pathway from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield ($620 per month)

PPO plans provide an alternative with a different network and referral structure, catering to individuals seeking more flexibility in choosing health care providers. Meanwhile, POS plans typically offer both in-network services and out-of-network coverage under certain conditions.

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in Connecticut, reflecting the state's diverse demographics and health care needs.

Comparing the most affordable Silver plans in the most populous and least populous counties shows this variation:

• Fairfield: Choice Silver Standard POS from ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. ($709 per month)
• Windham: Choice Silver Standard POS from ConnectiCare Benefits, Inc. ($655 per month)

The following table displays the cheapest plans in each county in Connecticut.

In Connecticut, age affects how much you pay for health insurance. For example, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays $467 monthly on average, while a 60-year-old with the same Silver plan pays $1,387. The cost for the 60-year-old is $920 more each month.

Metal tiers inform you of different health plan prices and coverage. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays an average of $572 monthly. The same person with a Gold plan pays $765. So, the Gold plan costs $193 more each month than the Bronze plan.

MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options in Connecticut. We explain private insurance plans you can buy in the marketplace, which come in metal tiers with varying costs and coverage amounts. We also explore your options for Medicaid and Medicare. We aim to help you understand your choices so you can make informed decisions about your health care.

In Connecticut, the open enrollment period typically occurs from November 1 through January 15, during which residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through Access Health CT, the state's health insurance marketplace. If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events like getting married, having a baby or losing other coverage. Otherwise, you would need to wait until the next open enrollment period unless you qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which have no enrollment deadlines.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program designed to provide health care coverage to individuals and families with low income. In Connecticut, eligibility for Medicaid, known as HUSKY Health, is determined based on factors such as income, family size and age. Groups that may qualify include children, pregnant women, adults without dependent children, seniors and people with disabilities. The state adjusts income eligibility thresholds periodically, so residents must meet specific criteria, which can also vary depending on individual circumstances such as medical needs or disability status. The Connecticut Department of Social Services assesses each case to determine eligibility.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older, though it also covers individuals under 65 with certain disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease. In Connecticut, residents who meet these criteria are eligible. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care services. Part B covers outpatient care, medical supplies and preventive services. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, includes all benefits and services covered under Parts A and B, often with additional benefits like vision, dental and hearing. Part D adds prescription drug coverage.

For consumers seeking comprehensive health coverage, MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Connecticut and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Connecticut.

You may have questions about cost and availability when looking for health insurance. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Connecticut to help you learn more.