Cheapest Health Insurance in Kentucky (2024 Plans)

Health care expenses vary depending on your plan's metal tier. In Kentucky, Anthem BCBS offers the most affordable Bronze plan. WellCare has the cheapest Expanded Bronze and Gold plans, and Passport by Molina Healthcare charges the lowest Silver premiums.

If you want to balance monthly premiums with quality coverage, MoneyGeek also found the best health insurance in Kentucky.

Health insurance costs vary by metal tier, with each tier balancing monthly premiums and health care costs differently.

The Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits from Passport by Molina Healthcare is the most affordable Silver plan in the state at a monthly cost of $426. Silver plans are the most common choice due to their balance of premium costs and health care coverages. Those seeking to reduce their monthly premium even more might consider Bronze plans, which offer lower rates at the expense of higher out-of-pocket expenses.

The most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier are:

• Bronze: Anthem Bronze Pathway X Transition HMO 9450 from Anthem BCBS ($404 per month)
• Expanded Bronze: Everyday Bronze from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($375 per month)
• Silver: Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits from Passport by Molina Healthcare ($426 per month)
• Gold: Everyday Gold from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($472 per month)

For those searching for cheap health insurance, explore MoneyGeek's resources to view a range of coverages and associated costs to fit various needs and budgets.

Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free from Passport by Molina Healthcare is the cheapest Silver plan available in Kentucky, with a monthly cost of $426. The most affordable Silver health plans in Kentucky are:

• Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free from Passport by Molina Healthcare ($426 per month)
• Silver 1 250 from Passport by Molina Healthcare ($436 per month)
• Focused Silver from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($439 per month)

Silver plans balance monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs and are ideal for individuals who anticipate needing moderate health care services. Individuals with lower incomes may qualify for CSRs that make Silver plans even more affordable.

The Everyday Gold plan from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. is the most cost-effective Gold plan in Kentucky, available at a monthly cost of $472. The three most affordable Gold health plans available in the state are:

• Everyday Gold from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($472 per month)
• Everyday Gold + Vision + Adult Dental from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($490 per month)
• Complete Gold from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($492 per month)

Gold plans are best suited for customers who expect to need moderate to high levels of care. Monthly payments tend to be higher than Silver or Bronze plans, but out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services are lower.

At a monthly cost of $404, the most affordable Bronze plan in Kentucky is the Anthem Bronze Pathway X Transition HMO 9450 ($0 Virtual PCP + $0 Select Drugs + Incentives) from Anthem Health Plans of KY (Anthem BCBS). The cheapest Bronze plans in Kentucky are:

• Anthem Bronze Pathway X Transition HMO 9450 ($0 Virtual PCP + $0 Select Drugs + Incentives) from Anthem Health Plans of KY (Anthem BCBS) ($404 per month)
• Anthem Bronze Pathway X HMO 9450 ($0 Virtual Primary Care + 3 Free PCP Visits) from Anthem Health Plans of KY (Anthem BCBS) ($425 per month)

Bronze plans are generally well-suited for individuals who desire lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs when utilizing health care services. These plans are particularly beneficial for those who are healthy and do not anticipate needing frequent medical care.

The most affordable plan within the Expanded Bronze tier in Kentucky is the Everyday Bronze offered by WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. at a monthly cost of $375. The top three least expensive Expanded Bronze plans in Kentucky are:

• Everyday Bronze from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($375 per month)
• Choice Bronze HSA from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($379 per month)
• Everyday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($389 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans are designed for customers seeking coverage with moderate monthly premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs than Silver plans.

In Kentucky, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the only plan type available. The most affordable HMO health plan in Kentucky for individuals seeking cost-effective coverage is:

• HMO: Silver 12 250 with First 4 Primary Care Visits Free from Passport by Molina Healthcare ($426 per month)

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county, affecting options for Kentucky residents. For example, the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population are offered by the same provider at a slightly different cost:

• Jefferson: Focused Silver from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($400 per month)
• Robertson: Focused Silver from WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. ($388 per month)

The following table shows all available plans in each of Kentucky's counties.

In Kentucky, age significantly affects health insurance rates. For example, the average 18-year-old pays $366 for a Silver plan, while a 60-year-old is charged $1,088 for the same plan — a $722 difference.

Metal tiers also impact cost, with Bronze typically having the lowest premiums and Gold the highest. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays $420 and $597 for a Gold plan, showing a $177 increase for more comprehensive coverage.

There are a few primary options for health insurance coverage in Kentucky, including private insurance in Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers, Medicaid and Medicare. Learn more about each below to pick the best health care for you.

The open enrollment period in Kentucky typically aligns with the federal Healthcare.gov schedule, running from November 1 to December 15. During this window, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the state's exchange or directly from insurers. You won't be able to enroll in a health insurance plan outside this window unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Examples of life events that could trigger a Special Enrollment Period include marriage, the birth of a child or loss of other coverage.

Medicaid is a public health care assistance program in the United States jointly funded by federal and state governments that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. In Kentucky, eligibility for Medicaid is determined based on income, family size and other factors. Income eligibility is typically measured against the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. The Affordable Care Act allowed for an expansion of Medicaid eligibility, which Kentucky adopted, extending coverage to a broader range of low-income adults.

Medicare is a federal health care program primarily for individuals aged 65 and older, but also for certain younger people with disabilities. Medicare is divided into different parts: A, B, C and D. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care services. Part B covers outpatient care, doctor's services, preventive services and medical supplies. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative that bundles A, B, and often D, providing extra benefits through private insurers. Part D covers the cost of prescription drugs.

MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Kentucky and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Kentucky for individuals seeking comprehensive coverage.

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 Kentucky to help you learn more.