Missouri has had many legislators opposed to the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid expansion, and the health insurance marketplace, where consumers can shop for plans outside their employer-sponsored healthcare coverage.
However, despite this resistance, there is affordable health insurance in Missouri, with comparable healthcare costs in their marketplace compared to the United States. Read on to learn more about what plans are available in Missouri in 2023 and how to qualify for them.
Best health insurance in Missouri in 2023: shortlist
When choosing the best and most affordable health insurance in Missouri, there are several top providers worth considering. Here are three private health insurance providers covered in this article:
- Kaiser – most affordable health insurance in Missouri
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield – best for low-income needs
- Aetna – best customer satisfaction
By considering overall cost, the needs of varied income levels, and customer satisfaction, we aimed to identify the top health insurance providers offering affordable and quality coverage in Missouri. Please note that individual preferences and specific healthcare needs may vary, so it's important to thoroughly research and compare the available options to find the best fit for your circumstances.
Health insurance in Missouri — what you should know
Missouri is the 18th largest U.S. state, located in the Midwestern region of the U.S. Missouri has a population of about 6 million residents, including about 1.5 million children. Affordable Missouri health insurance is available through employer plans, government-sponsored plans, and plans through the Marketplace.
- About 52% of Missouri residents receive health insurance sponsored through their employer.
- In Missouri, almost all businesses with over 50 employees provide insurance options, and about 30% of small businesses (less than 50 employees) provide insurance options.
- About 5.8% of Missouri residents don’t receive health insurance through their employer or government-sponsored programs.
- 31.5% of Missouri residents had incomes below 200% of the Federal Poverty level.
- Total Medicare spending is about $10 billion per year in Missouri.
- About 200k Missouri residents apply for health insurance through the marketplace.
Best health insurance in Missouri: top providers
Affordable insurance is not a myth. The insurance providers mentioned in this article offer plans at a relatively low cost without compromising on the quality of coverage provided.
1. Kaiser Permanente — best health insurance in Missouri overall
Kaiser Permanente is a reputable health insurance provider known for its comprehensive coverage and emphasis on preventive care. They offer a range of health insurance plans in Missouri, catering to individuals, families, and businesses. Kaiser Permanente has a vast network of healthcare providers, ensuring access to quality medical services.
2. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield — best for low income residents
- Available in 50 states and Puerto Rico, with variations based on plan types
- Offers dental, vision, hearing, and transportation coverage
- Rated 4.17 out of 5 by CMS
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a well-established health insurance provider operating across multiple states, including Missouri. They offer various health insurance plans, including individual, group, and Medicare options, to cater to diverse healthcare needs.
3. Aetna — great customer satisfaction
- Available in 50 states and Washington, DC, with variations based on plan types
- Along dental, vision, and hearing coverage, it also offers lifestyle benefits
- Rated 3.87 out of 5 by CMS
Aetna is a reputable health insurance provider offering a range of Missouri plans catering to individuals, families, and businesses. They prioritize customer satisfaction and provide a comprehensive network of healthcare providers.
Comparing the best health insurance companies in Missouri
Explore Missouri's top health insurance providers and compare their offerings to make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage. In the table below, you will find a comprehensive range of options, network sized, customer satisfaction levels, and affordability factors that differentiate these providers from each other.
| Insurance provider | Coverage options | Network size | Customer satisfaction | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Permanente | Comprehensive | Large | Moderate | High |
| Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield | Comprehensive | Large | High | High |
| Aetna | Varied | Large | High | Varied |
How we ranked the best and most affordable health insurance in Missouri
When ranking Missouri's best and most affordable health insurance providers, we considered various factors to assess their value and suitability. These factors included:
-
Overall value. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness and benefits offered by each provider.
- Availability in states. We examined each provider's reach and coverage area.
- Number of in-network providers. We considered the network size and access to healthcare professionals.
- Plan features and coverage. We analyzed the different plan options, including dental coverage, HMO, PPO, metal levels, and more.
- Data sources and ranges. Our rankings were based on reliable data sources, comparing plans and premiums within Missouri.
How to choose the best health plan in Missouri
There are about 110 total plans to choose from in the Missouri marketplace. Marketplace plans are health plans not sponsored by an employer or the government. Open enrollment for the Marketplace is from November 1st through January 15th. The average rate of Marketplace plans in Missouri increased by 11% in 2023. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield lead the price hike with a 20% increase — Cigna trailed close behind with an 18% increase.
The average annual deductible for a family health plan in Missouri is about $4,000, which is higher than the U.S. average of $3,000. Additionally, single-member plan deductibles average around $2,000 annually in Missouri. However, monthly premiums in Missouri fall in line with the U.S. average, which is about $1,600 per month for a family plan.
High-deductible health plan: great option for the young
High-deductible health plan insurance is suited for individuals younger than 30 and is a cost-effective health plan that provides peace of mind and emergency coverage. Any high-deductible health plan (HDHP) offers a low monthly premium, saving you money if you rarely seek medical care. The downside of a high-deductible health plan is that when you do seek care, you’ll be paying more for out-of-pocket costs.
Bronze: best coverage for healthy people
Bronze plans are great for healthy people because they function as a HDHP. For this reason, bronze plans have the benefit of a low monthly premium but the highest cost when you do want to seek care and have to meet your deductible.
Silver: affordable for low-income citizens
Silver plans feature moderate premiums with moderate deductibles. This is an all-around option for affordable Missouri health insurance, especially for low-income citizens that don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. According to healthcare.gov, silver plans are the most common among Marketplace shoppers. In addition, silver plans are the only ones that offer “cost-saving reductions” featuring lower deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance for those that meet income eligibility requirements.
Gold: best for those with high medical costs
Gold plans have the highest monthly premium but the lowest costs when you need care. This plan provides high savings due to low deductibles and coinsurance for those with high medical costs (frequent hospital admissions, emergency room visits, or chronic health conditions).
Platinum: optimal choice for comprehensive coverage
Platinum plans in Missouri offer the highest level of coverage, making them ideal for individuals or families seeking comprehensive healthcare. With extensive coverage for preventive care, specialist visits, hospitalizations, and more, individuals can access necessary services without significant out-of-pocket costs.
Platinum plans have lower deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses than other tiers, making them suitable for those with high medical costs. These plans provide peace of mind and financial security, though they may have higher monthly premiums. Careful evaluation of healthcare needs and research is crucial when considering platinum plans or other options in Missouri.
How much does health insurance cost in Missouri?
Marketplace plans are tiered with bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans. Your personal and family health situation will determine the best plan for your circumstances. Affordable Missouri health insurance family plans are comparable to the national average.
Here are some of the averages for each tier in the Missouri marketplace.*
| Health plan tier | Monthly premium | Deductible | Out-of-pocket maximum | Coinsurance |
| Platinum | $709 per month | $0 annually | $0-$2,500 annually | Insurance pays 90%, you pay 10% |
| Gold | $536 per month | $0–$2,000 annually | $4,000–$8,000 annually | Insurance pays 80%; you pay 20% |
| Silver | $442 per month | $0–$6,000 annually | $5,000–$9,000 annually | Insurance pays 70%; you pay 30% |
| Bronze | $369 per month | $1,500–$9,000 annually | $7,000–$9,000 annually | Insurance pays 60%; you pay 40% |
*Data based on the 63103 zip code for a single 35-year-old.
Cheap health insurance in Missouri - who qualifies?
Discover the eligibility criteria for various health insurance programs in Missouri. Understand the qualification requirements, whether you're considering Medicare, Medicaid, or other specialized programs.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal program for those 65 or older or with qualifying disabilities. To receive Medicare, you must apply during open enrollment. Open enrollment is the window three months before and three months after your 65th birthday. Outside that period, Medicare annual enrollment is from October 15th to December 7th.
Medicaid
Missouri’s state Medicaid program is called Missouri Mo Healthnet. For Missouri residents to qualify for Medicaid, they must live in the state of Missouri and be United States citizens. You must make 138% of the federal poverty level for your income to qualify for Medicaid in Missouri, which is about $18,000 for a single-person household or $38,000 annually for a family of four.
Medicaid is also an affordable health insurance for children in Missouri. For families eligible for Medicaid, the children will also receive coverage. For a child to receive coverage outside the family’s coverage, they must live in Missouri, have a social security number, be a citizen, and live in a household that meets the income requirements determined by Missouri Mo Healthnet.
Other programs
Missouri also offers other programs to help provide health coverage to individuals. These include:
- Show me healthy babies (for pregnant women without pregnancy and birth-related coverage)
- Women without healthcare coverage
- Blind and visually impaired
- Women with breast and cervical cancer
Which companies offer health insurance in Missouri?
The most common way to get insurance in Missouri is through an employer-sponsored plan. This will be a health plan and benefits selection you would make with your employer during open enrollment. If you don’t have an employer, can’t afford your employer’s health insurance plan, and don’t qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, you would need to shop for health insurance through the marketplace. About 250,000 Missouri residents are enrolled in a plan through the Marketplace.
Missouri has ten major health insurers in the Marketplace:
- Aetna
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City
- Centene
- Cigna
- Cox
- Medica
- Oscar
- United Healthcare (new to the Missouri marketplace as of 2023)
- WellFirst/SSM.
Read more about health insurance policies in other states
Best health insurance in Mississippi
Best health insurance in California
FAQ
Can self-employed individuals get health insurance in Missouri?
Self-employed Missouri residents that don’t meet the requirements for Medicare or Medicaid will need to purchase health insurance from the Missouri marketplace. The Marketplace offers bronze, silver, gold, and platinum level insurance plans. You can compare plans at Healthcare.gov. Some self-employed individuals may be eligible for an income tax credit to write off some health insurance costs.
Can I get low-income insurance in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri’s state-funded insurance plans fall under the umbrella of Missouri Mo Healthnet plans. This includes health plans for families, women, children, caregivers, and those with disabilities that meet income eligibility requirements. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Social Services.
What are the best health insurance options for seniors in Missouri?
The best affordable Missouri health insurance options for seniors include Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are bundled with traditional Medicare plans and offer expanded benefits and coverage. Seniors that are low-income can have dual coverage with both Medicare and Medicaid.
Is health insurance mandatory in Missouri?
No. On the federal level, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not require that individuals maintain a health insurance policy. Missouri residents will not incur penalty charges on their tax returns for not being enrolled in a health insurance plan.
- Missouri Department of Social Services. Eligibility Requirements for MO HealthNet Coverage.
- Benefits. Missouri MO HealthNet.
- Healthinsurance. Missouri health insurance marketplace 2023 guide.
- Healthinsurance. View our comprehensive guides to coverage in Missouri.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. State Health Care Snapshots: Missouri.
Show all references
- Healthcare. The health plan categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. Average Marketplace Premiums by Metal Tier, 2018-2023.
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