10 Best Low-Cost Health Insurance Plans for 2024
As we have entered 2024 people are looking for affordable health insurance plan for the family. As healthcare costs continue to rise, it becomes increasingly important that you have a plan in place to cover your medical needs without going broke. In this article, we list the 10 best cheap health insurance packages for individuals in 2024, focusing on coverage options and their rates.
Interacting with Health Insurance
Before we go into the details of each plan type, it is important to know a few basics about health insurance. A type of insurance coverage that pays for medical and surgical expenses incurred by the insured. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care, and prescription drugs.
Health Insurance Plan Variants
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Members must select a primary care physician and obtain specialist referrals.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)This is another type of plan that offers more choices when it comes to where you go for care and does not require you see primary care physicians before getting needed specialty healthcare.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization): Like a PPO but covers no out-of-network care except when you need emergency services.
Point of Service (POS): This is a hybrid for HMOs and PPOs, that require your see a PCP, will some amount of out-of-network coverage.
These plans are generally High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), which have lower monthly premiums, but higher deductibles in exchange for low or no copayments being the norm and usually comes with a Health Savings Account( HSA).
10 Insured (and Affordable) Health Care Plans for 2024
1. Provider: Blue Cross of Family (BCBS) — Basic Plan
Summary: The organization offers a number of low-cost plans, but the Basic plan is one of them.
Coverage: Preventive health care services, hospitalization and inpatient care, psychological therapy
Average monthly premium: $250 to 350 per month, depending on the state
Pros: Widest network of providers throughout the U.S.; comprehensive coverage.
Cons: More out-of-pocket than other plans.
2. Kaiser Permanente – Silver Tier
Summary: Kaiser Permanente is recognized for its coordinated care, and the Silver Plan offers a good mix of affordable pricing versus coverage.
Coverage: Doctor visits, hospital stays and preventive care with a low copay.
Cost: Average premiums run about $300 per month.
Positive Side: Focus on preventive care, wide range of health services.
Cons: State-limited; non-emergency care must be rendered by Kaiser facilities.
3. Bronze Plan from UnitedHealthcare
Summary: The UnitedHealthcare Bronze Plan appeals to those of us who are OK with saving money on monthly premiums.
Coverage: Less coverage than a Gold plan but more generous benefits than Standard.
Price: Typical premium is around $250/month.
Best Pros: Large provider network, strong selection of advanced health tools.
Downsides: A bigger bite out of your pocket when you get care.
4. Cigna – Connect Plan
What it is: The Connect Plan from Cigna covers the basics at a very low cost, and includes telehealth services.
Coverage: Nearly full coverage for primary care and emergency services.
Cost: From $275 month for a premiumcurl up
Pros Solid customer service Good telehealth features
Cons: Out-of-network coverage is limited.
5. Aetna — Health Network Only Plan
Summary: The Health Network Only Plan from Aetna gives users a lower-cost option for those who like to stay within the network.
Coverage: All essential health benefits, emphasis on preventive care.
Cost: $260 average monthly premium.
Pros: Reduced costs on in-network services, heavy emphasis on preventive care.
Con — Zero Coverage Out-of-Network
6. Humana – Wellness Plan
Humana Wellness Plan Highlights allowances for the healthy and affordable coverage
Coverage: All-inclusive wellness programs and preventive care.
Average monthly premiums: $280.
Pros: Health incentives, expansive provider network.
Cons: services have limited coverage.
7. Molina Healthcare-Marketplace Plan
Summary: Molina Healthcare Cheap plans in the marketplace for families lower on income.
What’s covered: Mental health and substance use treatment.
It Costs an average of $230 p/month
Pros: Affordable options for qualifying members, great coverage.
Cons: Narrow network in some regions.
8. Oscar Health – Simple Plan
General Info: Simple Policy is the one plan when it comes to being user-friendly and integrating technology, but Oscar Health differentiates itself on this front.
Proving: essential health benefits including telemedicine.
Expense: The average monthly premium is $275.
Pros: Easy-to-use app, includes telehealth services.
Cons: Availability is limited in some states.
9. Get health insurance through Ambetter with the Essential Care plan
In a Nutshell: Ambetter Essential Care Plan offers great value coverage for those in need of core health benefits.
Visits to the Doctor, ER Visits and Preventive Services).
Price: Typical month-to-month charges around $240.
Pros: Competitive Pricing, Wide Provider access.
Cons: Limited coverage for some services.
10. National General – Accident & Health ProductGovt. Plan
In this National General review, we focus their Accident & Health Plan that can cover the costs of unexpected injuries.
Accident :It covers accidents.But you also have the option of few more health beneifits due to accident.
Price: Monthly premiums from $220
Pros: Accidents-only coverage is available, customizable plan options
Cons: Limited health insurance in general.
Qualities to look for in a Health Insurance Plan
Factors to keep in mind while choosing a health insurance plan
Premiums — the money you pay each month for your plan.
Deductibles – The amount you pay before insurance kicks in
Out-of-Pocket Maximums: The most you have to pay in a year.
Provider: Describes the network in which there are doctors and hospitals near your geographical area.
Coverage: Types of services covered, such as preventive care.
It offers something called Prescription Drug Coverage, which pays itself for medications.
Different Forms Of Health Insurance Plans
Types of Health Insurance Plans to Know
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) : Puts members into a network of doctors and facilities, who you must see your primary care physician first before going to any specialists. While this plan promotes a team-based approach, there are no out-of-network benefits.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): A plan that allows the use of any health care provider, and does not require a referral for specialist medicine. Members may see any provider, though with a higher out-of-pocket cost when using an outside network provider.
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): Much like a PPO but you probably won’t receive any care outside the network unless it’s an emergency. A premium that is usually lower with All Risk plan.
Point of Service (POS): An mix between an HMO and a PPO Plan. Members select a primary care doctor and require referrals for specialists, although they can utilize out-of-network providers at a more expensive tier.
High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP); HDHP plans have lower monthly premiums, but you pay more when care is received with higher deductibles. They are typically married with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), which let individuals save pre-tax money for medical care costs.
10 Budget Friendly Health Insurance Solutions for the Year 2024
1. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) – Standard Plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is renowned as one of the largest health insurance providers in the US, which also has some great coverage options available. And the Basic Plan is more specifically a favorite of bargain hunters. BCBS Basic Plan : The BCBS provides essential health benefits, that meet requirements for coverage such as preventive services,hospitalization and mental health care. Your preventive, like an annual well check and shots are covered at 100%. Cost: Monthly premium for the Basic Plan can average $250 to $350 depending on state and specific plan design Pros:
Widely Available BCBS: You can find doctors and hospitals that accept your insurance because they are more likely to be part of the large network in all 50 states.
The plan is comprehensive: It includes a standard array of services, such as maternity care and preventive health.
Cons:
High Out-of-Pocket Costs: The plan’s out of pocket costs for services may be steep compared with other plans, even though premiums are low.
2. Kaiser Permanente HMO – Silver Plan
Kaiser PermanenteOverview Kaiser Health News — A health policy news service301 Kaiser Avenue, Vallejo CA 94592USAKHNlogo.pngActivityStart20160420 EndTemporarily open to readersPublicationTypeNews servicePublished languageEnglishOfficial Websitehttp://khn. Silver: Middle of the RoadThe Silver Plan…walking a fine line between coverage and price. Costs: This plan pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, preventive care and essential health benefits. Our members are provided with a slew of health resources and wellness programs. Cost: Premiums for the Silver Plan are approximately $300 per month at this point. Pros:
Everyday Health Strong Preventive Focus: Kaiser is known for its emphasis on prevention, which should result in better health.
Collaborative Care Model: The plan helps providers work together to help make it easier for people receiving care at different places.
Cons:
Network: Kaiser members have access to a limited network of providers and facilities, so this may not be the best plan for folks who want more choice in provider options.
3. Bronze Plan: UnitedHealthcare
Overview: A UnitedHealthcare Bozen Plan is intended for individuals who value low premiums higher than most protection. Cost: Bronze plans have lower monthly premiums, while silver and gold plans cover a higher percentage of total medical care costs. Price: Around $250 a month for the monthly average premium. Pros:
Large Provider Network: With a large network of providers, UnitedHealthcare also provides its members with numerous healthcare options.
Innovative Health Tools:Digital tools and resources from the company allow members to better manage their health and get care when they need it.
Cons:
Increased Out-of-Pocket Costs: Members could experience high costs when receiving care, particularly before surpassing their deductible.
4. Cigna – Connect Plan
At a glance: Affordable and easy to access, Cigna’s Connect Plan is ideal for anybody looking for basic coverage along with some telehealth services. Coverage: This plan offers broad coverage for in-network primary care visits, a range of emergency services and preventive screenings plus telemedicine with Cigna. Cost: Monthly premiums begin at about $275. Pros:
Good customer service: Cigna has strong customer service, and provides better care than most running a health insurance plan.
Telehealth: Remote telehealth services that save time and money for the members.
Cons:
Unlimited Out-of-Network Coverage: The flip side of the limited out-of-network coverage is that members will have lots more (i.e. unlimited) dollars to use, which could be a game changer for members who need highly specialized care from specialists outside the network — another intriguing wrinkle worth further investigation going forward….
5. Aetna – Health Network Only (HNOnly)
Summary: The Aetna Health Network Only Plan is a offering that has lower premiums but only allows use of their in-network providers. Coverage beyond the basics: The plan offers essential health benefits such as preventive care, hospitalization and mental health services. Fee: Almost all month to monthspeed is over$260. Pros:
Reduced Costs on In-Network Services: Members receive all in-network care at a drastically reduced cost.
Aetna offers Strong Preventive Care: Aetna focuses heavily on preventive care to the detriment of coverage for catastrophic illness.
Cons:
Limited Out-of-Network Use: For example, you may have no out of network coverage which can limit care choices if specialty care is needed.
Conclusion
With the cost of healthcare on rising increasingly, it is important to get a health insurance that will ensure you and your family are protected. The above list of top 10 plans will give you the options based on varying need as well as budget. Factor in your health needs and financial circumstances take a look at the specific benefits that each plan offers. This is how you manage to be covered and thus healthy as well financially secure in 2024 — god save if anyone actually gets sick prior.
So you can make up your own mind on health insurance choices for 2024, we bring to you somewhat of a biblically comprehensive guide. Keep in mind, the ideal strategy for you is one that stabilizes low cost with your particular protection needs.