Cheapest Health Insurance in Minnesota (2024 Plans)

Choosing a health plan from a specific metal tier can inform your premium costs and coverage. Medica offers Minnesota's most affordable Bronze and Gold plans, while UCare Minnesota has the best-priced Silver tier plan.

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

The UCare M Health Fairview Silver HSA plan by UCare Minnesota stands out as the cheapest plan in the Silver tier in Minnesota at just $302 per month. Silver plans are the most popular with consumers due to their balance between costs and coverage. Those aiming to reduce monthly expenses, albeit at the cost of higher out-of-pocket payments, may consider Bronze plans instead. Remember that the selected metal tier influences health insurance costs, indicating a balance between premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.

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

• Catastrophic: Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Catastrophic from Medica ($129 per month for 26-year-olds)
• Bronze: Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Bronze Copay ($270 per month)
• Silver: UCare M Health Fairview Silver HSA ($302 per month)
• Gold: Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Gold Copay ($372 per month)

For those seeking cheap health insurance, these plans represent the lowest monthly rates within their respective categories.

The most cost-effective Silver plan in Minnesota is the UCare M Health Fairview Silver HSA plan offered by UCare Minnesota, with a monthly cost of $302.

The three most affordable Silver health plans available in Minnesota are:

• UCare M Health Fairview Silver HSA from UCare Minnesota ($302 per month)
• Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Silver Copay from Medica ($311 per month)
• UCare M Health Fairview Silver from UCare Minnesota ($312 per month)

Silver plans are ideal for consumers seeking a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They're particularly suitable for individuals and families who expect moderate health care needs. For eligible people, cost-sharing reductions can significantly decrease deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, making health care more accessible and affordable.

The most affordable Gold tier health plan in Minnesota is the Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Gold Copay plan offered by Medica at a monthly cost of $372.

Here are the three most affordable Gold health plans in Minnesota:

• Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Gold Copay from Medica ($372 per month)
• North Memorial Acclaim by Medica Gold Copay $0 Plus HSA from Medica ($378 per month)
• UCare M Health Fairview Gold from UCare Minnesota ($379 per month)

Gold plans suit consumers who expect high medical expenses and prefer lower out-of-pocket costs when receiving care. They are great for individuals who want the security of comprehensive coverage with predictable payments. Gold plans often appeal to customers willing to pay higher monthly premiums for lower costs when accessing health care services.

The most affordable Bronze health plan in Minnesota is the Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Bronze Copay plan from Medica, with a monthly cost of $270.

The three most affordable Bronze plans available in Minnesota include:

• Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Bronze Copay from Medica ($270 per month)
• Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Bronze Share Plus Metro from Medica ($270 per month)
• Select $7,800 HSA Bronze from HealthPartners ($271 per month)

Bronze plans typically offer lower monthly premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. These plans may be suitable for individuals who want to keep their monthly expenses minimal and are relatively healthy, expecting to need less medical care throughout the year. Bronze plans are also popular with consumers who wish to have coverage for major health events and are comfortable with a higher deductible.

The Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Catastrophic plan from Medica emerges as the cheapest Catastrophic tier option available in Minnesota with a monthly cost of $129 for a 26-year-old policyholder.

The cheapest Catastrophic plans in Minnesota include the following:

• Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Catastrophic from Medica ($129 per month)
• North Memorial Acclaim by Medica Catastrophic from Medica ($131 per month)
• UCare M Health Fairview Core from UCare Minnesota ($137 per month)

Affordable Catastrophic health plans serve individuals who want protection from worst-case medical scenarios without a substantial monthly premium. They are a good fit for young adults under 30 or those who qualify for a hardship exemption, offering minimal coverage for routine health care but safeguarding against extreme financial loss due to serious illness or injury. These plans have the advantage of low premiums, making them a cost-effective choice for those who are generally healthy and primarily concerned with having coverage for catastrophic events.

In Minnesota, HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans are the most popular for health care coverage. The most affordable HMO plan in Minnesota is the UCare M Health Fairview Silver HSA plan from UCare Minnesota, at $302 per month.

Minnesota's cheapest available Silver plans by plan type include the following:

• HMO: UCare M Health Fairview Silver HSA from UCare Minnesota ($302 per month)
• EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Bold by M Health Fairview and Medica Silver Copay from Medica ($310 per month)
• PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations): Select $3,800 HSA Silver from HealthPartners ($316 per month)

Besides HMO plans, Minnesotans can also choose EPO and PPO plans. These plan types cater to different needs and preferences, providing multiple health care solutions within the state.

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans can often vary by county. Comparing the most affordable Silver plans in the largest and smallest Minnesota counties by population shows this variation:

• Hennepin: UCare M Health Fairview Silver HSA from UCare Minnesota ($302 per month)
• Traverse: UCare Silver HSA from UCare Minnesota ($374 per month)

You can explore the following table to view Minnesota's most affordable Silver plans by county.

In Minnesota, age is a significant factor in health insurance pricing within metal tiers. For example, an 18-year-old with a Silver plan pays about $288 a month, while a 60-year-old with the same plan pays about $880. That's a $592 difference each month.

Metal tiers represent different levels of coverage and costs. A 40-year-old with a Bronze plan pays around $357 monthly, but it would cost them around $485 if they choose a Gold plan. This means selecting a Gold plan costs an additional $128 each month.

MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options in Minnesota. We explain the private insurance available in the marketplace and the different levels, like Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver and Gold. We also cover Medicaid and Medicare. Our goal is to help you understand your choices so you can make smart decisions about your health care.

In Minnesota, the open enrollment period for private health insurance typically runs from November 1 to December 15 each year. During this time, residents can shop for or change their health insurance plans through the state's marketplace, MNSure. Those who miss the enrollment deadline may have to wait until the next open enrollment unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) due to life events such as marriage, childbirth or loss of other coverage. They can enroll outside the standard open enrollment dates if eligible for SEP. Otherwise, they may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply for insurance coverage.

Medicaid is a health care program providing medical and health-related services to eligible low-income individuals and families. In Minnesota, eligibility for Medicaid is determined by factors including income, age, pregnancy, disability status and other criteria. It covers groups such as children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and seniors. The specific income thresholds and criteria vary and are adjusted annually. Minnesota also offers expanded coverage through the Affordable Care Act, allowing a broader range of individuals to qualify based on a higher income limit. Eligibility is assessed through state-specific guidelines that consider the Federal Poverty Level.

Medicare is a federal health care program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older, though some younger people with disabilities or End-Stage Renal Disease are also eligible in Minnesota. It consists of multiple parts: Part A covers hospital insurance, while Part B provides medical insurance. Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, includes all benefits and services covered under Parts A and B, sometimes including prescription drug coverage and other benefits. Part D covers prescription drugs.

For those looking for comprehensive coverage options, MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage plans in Minnesota.

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 Minnesota to help you learn more.