Health Insurance Carriers in Missouri Consumer Guide

Missouri has a diverse range of health insurance carriers to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is one of the largest health insurance carriers in Missouri, with a wide network of providers.

The state's insurance market is regulated by the Missouri Department of Insurance, which oversees the sale of health insurance policies. This means consumers have some protections in place, such as the right to appeal a denied claim.

UnitedHealthcare is another major player in Missouri's health insurance market, offering a range of plans to individuals and small businesses. Its network includes many top-ranked hospitals and doctors.

Missourians can also choose from several non-profit health insurance carriers, including Community Health Plan of Greater Milwaukee and Golden Rule Insurance Company.

Missouri has a diverse range of health insurance companies to choose from.

359,369 people signed up for private health plans through Missouri's exchange/Marketplace during the open enrollment period for 2024 coverage. This is a significant new record high.

The top health insurance companies in Missouri are rated by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). These ratings use Consumer Satisfaction, Preventive Care, and Medical treatment options to determine the score.

Humana Health Plan, Inc. is one of the top-rated health insurance companies in Missouri, with a high rating from the NCQA.

Aetna Health Inc. and Aetna Life Insurance Company are also highly rated, with multiple listings in the top 5 health insurance companies in Missouri.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is another top-rated health insurance company in Missouri, with two separate listings.

Here are some of the top health insurance providers in the state, including Cigna, Ambetter/Celtic, Anthem, Medica, Oscar, Cox, SSM/WellFirst, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City. These companies offer both individual and family plans.

A different take: Health Insurance Companies in Kansas

In Missouri, you have several options to enroll in a Marketplace health plan, including directly through HealthCare.gov, by phone, or by contacting agents, navigators, or certified application counselors.

To enroll, you can also mail in a paper application. Many people use the ACA Marketplace, like early retirees, self-employed individuals, and those who work for small businesses without health benefits.

The Marketplace offers various plan types, including bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The average cost for each plan type in Missouri for a middle-aged resident in 2020 was: Plan TypeAverage CostBronze$379Silver$467Gold$593

You may qualify for a catastrophic plan, which has low monthly premiums but a higher yearly deductible of $8,150.

Check this out: Healthcare Gov Marketplace Plans

You can enroll in a Marketplace plan in Missouri through several options. Directly through HealthCare.gov, the ACA exchange, is one way to do so.

You can also enroll by phone at (800) 318-2596 or by contacting agents, navigators, certified application counselors, or an approved enhanced direct enrollment entity.

If you're old-school, you can even mail in a paper application.

If you're looking for a more personalized experience, consider reaching out to a health insurance company directly to explore your options.

You can enroll in a plan through HealthCare.gov or directly from a health insurance company.

Here are the ways to enroll in a plan:

You can enroll in a plan through HealthCare.gov or directly from a health insurance company, as mentioned earlier.

If you own a small business in Missouri with 2-50 full-time-equivalent employees, you can purchase qualifying coverage for your employees through the Small Business Health Option Program (SHOP) or a private insurance broker or agent.

Typical policies are for 4-6 employees.

You may qualify for tax credits worth up to 50% of your premium costs if you use SHOP.

All employers with 50 or more full-time-equivalent employees must offer employees at least one ACA-compliant plan or face fines of $2,000 per employee.

Businesses with 50 or fewer full-time-equivalent employees can purchase qualifying coverage through SHOP or a private broker or agent.

SHOP will be open to employers with up to 100 full-time-equivalent employees beginning in 2016.

On a similar theme: Benefits of Private Medical Insurance

Missouri residents have several options to enroll in a Marketplace health plan. You can enroll directly through HealthCare.gov, the ACA exchange, by phone, or by contacting agents or certified application counselors.

The Missouri Department of Insurance oversees and regulates health plans, brokers, and agents. This ensures that health insurance companies operate fairly and transparently.

To enroll in a Marketplace plan, you can also contact agents, navigators, certified application counselors, or an approved enhanced direct enrollment entity.

You can also enroll by mailing in a paper application or by contacting Missouri SHIP, which helps Missourians with Medicare benefits.

The top 5 insurance companies in Missouri offer ACA-compliant and Medicare plans, all with a star rating based on similar criteria.

Here's a list of resources available to Missouri residents:

In Missouri, you have several options to enroll in a Marketplace health plan, including directly through HealthCare.gov, by phone, or by contacting agents or navigators.

Marketplace plans come in metal tiers: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. More coverage will cost you more in monthly premiums. For example, a gold plan costs about 56 percent more than a bronze plan.

The most significant factor to consider when choosing a health insurance plan is whether you and your family have recurring medical issues or expenses. If so, choose a Metal tier or healthcare plan that pays for more of those expenses. Here's a breakdown of the metal tiers and their average costs for a middle-aged Missouri resident in 2020:

Silver plans have been the most popular in the federal marketplace and state exchanges, often qualifying for Premium Tax Credits and insurance subsidies.

Dental insurance can be a smart addition to your health coverage, especially if you live in Missouri where dental coverage is available.

If you're hoping to improve your smile, dental insurance can help make it more affordable to visit the dentist regularly.

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In Missouri, dental insurance may be a good option to consider if you're looking to improve your oral health.

Dental insurance can help cover the cost of routine cleanings, fillings, and other dental procedures, making it easier to maintain good oral health.

By having dental insurance, you can budget for your dental care and avoid unexpected expenses.

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Medicare is a government-funded program that provides health coverage to seniors 65 and older. It's a vital resource for many people in Missouri.

There are several options within the Medicare program, including parts A, B, C, D, and supplemental coverage plans. These options can help cover a range of healthcare expenses.

Medicare is designed for individuals 65 and older, but there are income limits to qualify for certain Medicare Savings Programs. For example, individual monthly income must be below $1,456, and married couples must have a monthly income below $1,960.

These income limits can help make Medicare more accessible to those who need it most.

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Short-term health plans provide temporary health insurance for consumers who may find themselves without comprehensive coverage. They can be a valuable option for those in need of quick coverage.

Missouri restricts enrollment on short-term health insurance plans to an initial period of 6 months. This means you can't stay on a short-term plan forever, but it can give you some breathing room.

Short-term plans are not bound to include the 10 essential health benefits of the ACA. This is a major difference from comprehensive plans, so make sure you understand what's covered.

Missouri operates through the federally facilitated exchange, which may affect your options for short-term plans. Be sure to check the exchange for more information.

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Gold plans are a great option for individuals or families with regular, ongoing healthcare needs. They have higher monthly payments, but an even lower deductible than Silver plans.

With a Gold plan, you can expect to pay more in monthly premiums, but you'll have lower out-of-pocket expenses for routine healthcare costs. Gold plans cover most routine healthcare costs, making them ideal for people who need regular check-ups, prescriptions, or other ongoing care.

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Here's a breakdown of the costs for each metal tier, including Gold plans:

As you can see, Gold plans have higher monthly payments than Bronze and Silver plans. However, they offer lower deductibles and more comprehensive coverage, making them a good choice for people who need regular healthcare services.

As a member of Anthem, you'll have access to a wide range of benefits designed to support your overall health and well-being. You can choose from a variety of health plans that cater to different budgets and healthcare needs, making it easier to manage your benefits.

Anthem plans support your healthcare with a range of choices of doctors, care centers, and hospitals. You also have the flexibility of choosing a video visit with a doctor or therapist on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Preventive care is covered at no cost to you when you see a doctor in your plan's network. This includes checkups, screenings, and vaccines. Some commonly-used prescription drugs are also available at no cost to you.

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Here are some of the 10 core health services mandated for all ACA-compliant plans:

You may qualify for financial assistance in the form of tax credits to help with monthly premiums and subsidies to help with out-of-pocket costs. Tax credits can be applied to any of the four metal plans to lower your monthly premiums.

Your pharmacy needs are covered under your Anthem health plan. Most generic and many brand-name prescription drugs are included in your coverage.

You can get some commonly-prescribed drugs starting as low as $0. This can be a big help if you're on a budget or have a lot of prescriptions to fill.

The cost of other medications will depend on the coverage tier or class of drug. This means you'll pay a certain amount, but it's still a more affordable option than not having insurance at all.

In Missouri, you can enroll in a Marketplace health plan through various options, including directly through HealthCare.gov, by phone, or by contacting agents or navigators.

To choose the right plan, consider your medical needs and expenses. If you or a family member has a chronic condition or takes expensive medication, a Silver plan might be a good fit, as it often qualifies for Premium Tax Credits and insurance subsidies.

If you're shopping for cheap health insurance in Missouri, don't just focus on the lowest monthly payment. Consider factors like lower deductibles, co-pays, and premium tax relief, which can lower your total medical expenses.

Here's a breakdown of the four metal tiers, which define how you and your insurance company split health care costs:

By understanding your medical needs and expenses, and considering factors like metal tiers and out-of-pocket expenses, you can make an informed decision when choosing a health insurance plan in Missouri.

If you're looking for a health insurance plan that fits your budget and meets your needs, you've got options. You can choose from a variety of plans, including those offered by Anthem, which cover doctor visits, hospital care, and mental health benefits.

Prescription drug coverage is also available, with some commonly-used drugs as low as $0. This can be a huge cost-saver for those with ongoing medical expenses.

Many people in Missouri have found affordable health insurance plans through TrueCoverage, which offers over 50,000 plans to choose from. Their technology filters these plans to provide the "best value" options based on your specific needs.

It's worth noting that the lowest cost monthly payment (premium) may not always be the best option. Lower deductibles, co-pays, and other factors like premium tax relief and state contributions can lower your total medical expenses.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of plans and who they might be best for:

Ultimately, the best plan for you will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. Take the time to explore your options and consider factors like your medical expenses, age, and risk factors to find the plan that's right for you.

Choosing the right metal tier is crucial in determining how much you'll pay out of pocket for medical expenses. Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum are the four main metal tiers, each with its own level of coverage.

The most significant factor to consider is whether you and your family have recurring medical issues or expenses. If so, choose a metal tier that pays for more of those expenses. For example, if you or a family member has a chronic condition, sees doctors often, or needs expensive medication, a Silver or Gold plan might be a better fit.

Silver plans have been the most popular in the federal marketplace and state exchanges, with 70% of consumers choosing them. They often qualify for Premium Tax Credits and insurance subsidies. However, the best way to plan is to think about last year's medical expenses and select the situation that matches yours most closely.

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Here's a breakdown of the metal tiers and their estimated out-of-pocket costs:

Keep in mind that these are averages and your actual costs will vary. It's essential to review the specifics of each plan and consider your individual needs before making a decision.