Kansas Health Insurance Companies and Plans

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A blue bicycle stands in a lush field with a serene Kansas countryside backdrop at sunset.
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Kansas has a competitive market for health insurance, with several companies offering a range of plans to fit different budgets and needs.

Some of the top health insurance companies in Kansas include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare. These companies offer a variety of plans, including individual and family plans, as well as group plans for small and large businesses.

Kansas residents can choose from a range of plan types, including HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs, each with its own set of benefits and limitations. For example, HMOs typically require patients to choose a primary care physician and get referrals for specialist care, while PPOs offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers.

Government Programs

Kansas offers Medicaid expansion, which means more residents can access affordable healthcare.

Medicaid enrollment in Kansas is available to eligible individuals and families.

To qualify for Medicaid in Kansas, you'll need to meet certain eligibility requirements.

Medicare is also available in Kansas, providing coverage for those 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities.

Medicaid

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Medicaid is a vital government program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Kansas has expanded its Medicaid program, making it easier for more people to access healthcare.

The state's Medicaid enrollment has increased significantly since the expansion.

To be eligible for Medicaid in Kansas, you must meet certain income and family size requirements.

Medicaid covers a wide range of healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

Medicare

Medicare is a vital government program that provides health insurance to millions of Americans, including those in Kansas. In Kansas, you can learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap coverage through a guide specifically designed for the state.

Medicare insurance can help reduce costs associated with Part A and Part B, and cover doctors and prescriptions. This can be a huge relief for those who are eligible.

Kansas has a significant number of people insured through Medicare, with 1,127,828 individuals covered as of the latest data. This is a testament to the program's importance in the state.

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There are 10 insurance carriers in Kansas that offer Medicare plans, giving you options to choose from. This can be helpful when selecting a plan that meets your needs.

Here are some key statistics about Medicare in Kansas:

Short-term Coverage

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

In Kansas, short-term plans are available for those who need temporary coverage. Short-term plan availability in Kansas can be learned more about by visiting a specific website or resource.

If you're considering short-term coverage, it's essential to understand the temporary nature of these plans. They are designed to provide coverage for a limited time, usually up to 12 months.

When Can I Enroll in an ACA Plan?

In Kansas, you can enroll in an ACA-compliant plan during open enrollment, which runs from November 1 to January 15. This is the main window for signing up for individual or family health insurance.

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If you miss the open enrollment deadline, you can still get coverage through the Marketplace, but only if you have a qualifying life event that triggers a special enrollment period (SEP). Examples of qualifying life events include loss of health coverage, getting married, or permanent relocation.

Subsidy-eligible applicants can enroll in a Marketplace health plan at any time during the year if their household income doesn’t exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.

You can enroll in a Marketplace plan in Kansas throughout the year if you're eligible, thanks to special enrollment periods. However, if you want your coverage to start on January 1, you need to enroll by December 15.

If you're an American Indian or Alaska Native, you can enroll in an ACA exchange plan year-round, without any restrictions. This means you can get the coverage you need at any time.

Here's a summary of the enrollment periods in Kansas:

Laws and Regulations

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Kansas has strict laws when it comes to health insurance, and it's essential to understand them before making a decision.

Insurers can't deny your application for renewal, thanks to the state's guaranteed renewable law.

Pre-existing conditions can be excluded from coverage, but the exclusion period is limited to six months to two years.

Unborn or adopted children are covered for up to 31 days, a requirement that's unique to Kansas health insurance plans.

Insurers can't terminate a policy due to health reasons, but they can deny your application.

Premium rates may be influenced by factors like age, health condition, or risk factors.

Health Insurance Options

If you're looking for affordable health insurance in Kansas, you can find individual and family plans through HealthCare.gov, the ACA Marketplace. Nearly 94% of the 165,000 people enrolled in the Kansas Marketplace in early 2024 were receiving premium subsidies that averaged $561/month.

To qualify for these subsidies, your household income must be no more than 250% of the federal poverty level. You'll also need to select a Silver-level plan in the Marketplace. Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) can help reduce deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses if you're eligible.

You can enroll in a Marketplace plan online through HealthCare.gov, by phone at (800) 318-2596, or with the help of an agent/broker, navigator, or certified application counselor.

Marketplace Buyers

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To be eligible for an ACA Marketplace plan in Kansas, you must meet certain criteria, such as living in Kansas and being lawfully present in the U.S. You also can't be incarcerated, enrolled in Medicare, or eligible for affordable employer-sponsored health insurance.

Most Kansas residents can use the Marketplace, but eligibility for financial assistance is also an important factor. To be eligible for income-based subsidies, you must not be eligible for KanCare (Medicaid/CHIP) or premium-free Medicare Part A.

In Kansas, nearly 94% of people who had effectuated coverage through the Marketplace in early 2024 were receiving premium subsidies, which averaged $561/month. After the subsidies were applied, the average Kansas Marketplace enrollee was paying about $103/month for their coverage.

If you're eligible for an ACA Marketplace plan, there are several ways to enroll, including online through HealthCare.gov, by phone at (800) 318-2596, or with the help of an agent/broker, navigator, or certified application counselor.

Coverage Needs

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When considering your health insurance options, it's essential to evaluate what types of medical services you or your family use most frequently.

Regular doctor visits are a common necessity for many people, especially those with ongoing health conditions or chronic illnesses.

Specialist care is also crucial for those who need to see a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a cardiologist.

Prescription medications can be a significant expense, especially for those who take multiple medications daily.

Dental and vision insurance can be a cost-effective way to cover routine cleanings and fillings, as well as more comprehensive procedures.

Annual eye exams can also be covered, reducing the cost of contact lenses or glasses.

Finding Affordable Coverage

Finding affordable health insurance in Kansas can be a challenge, but there are options available. You can find affordable individual and family health insurance through HealthCare.gov, the ACA Marketplace, which offers premium subsidies that can significantly reduce your monthly payments. In fact, nearly 94% of Kansas Marketplace enrollees received premium subsidies averaging $561/month, leaving them to pay around $103/month for their coverage.

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To be eligible for these subsidies, your household income must be at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and you must select a Silver-level plan in the Marketplace. Additionally, you may be eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) to further reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Kansas also offers Medicaid (KanCare) for eligible residents, although the state has not yet implemented the ACA's expansion of Medicaid for low-income adults. However, children may be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP even if their parents aren't.

Enrolling in a Marketplace Plan

You can enroll in a Marketplace plan in Kansas through HealthCare.gov, by phone at (800) 318-2596, or with the help of an agent/broker, navigator, or certified application counselor.

To enroll online, go to HealthCare.gov, where you can browse and compare plans, and apply for coverage.

You can also get assistance with enrolling from a certified application counselor, who can help you navigate the process and answer any questions you may have.

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To qualify for financial assistance, you must meet certain criteria, including not being eligible for affordable, comprehensive employer-sponsored health insurance, not being eligible for KanCare (Medicaid/CHIP), and not being eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A.

If you're eligible for an ACA Marketplace plan, you can enroll between November 1 and January 15 during open enrollment, or outside of open enrollment if you have a qualifying life event that triggers a special enrollment period (SEP).

Here are some key enrollment dates to keep in mind:

  • Enroll by December 15 for coverage to become effective on January 1
  • Enroll from December 16 to January 15 for coverage to start on February 1
  • American Indians and Alaska Natives can enroll in an ACA exchange plan year-round if they meet certain criteria.

Finding Affordable Options

You can find affordable health insurance in Kansas through HealthCare.gov, the ACA Marketplace. Nearly 94% of the 165,000 people who had effectuated coverage through the Kansas Marketplace in early 2024 were receiving premium subsidies that averaged $561/month.

If your household income isn't more than 250% of the federal poverty level, you may also be eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSR), which help reduce deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. CSRs are available if you select a Silver-level plan in the Marketplace.

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To get the best deal, consider the average cost of plans in Kansas: after subsidies were applied, the average Kansas Marketplace enrollee was paying about $103/month for their coverage. You can also explore Medicaid (KanCare) if you're eligible, which may be an affordable option for some families.

Here are some affordable health insurance options available in Kansas:

  • Medicaid (KanCare)
  • HealthCare.gov, the ACA Marketplace
  • Sunflower Health Plan, which offers affordable health insurance plans in Kansas

Remember to compare different plans and consider factors like your lifestyle, medical history, and healthcare needs to find the most economical option for you.

Plan Details

In Kansas, you can choose from various types of health insurance plans, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan requires you to have one primary care physician who covers all your healthcare needs, and you need to get permission from them to see specialists.

PPO plans, on the other hand, offer a wider network of healthcare providers, allowing you to choose any physician within the network without needing a referral.

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If you're someone who rarely visits the doctor, a catastrophic only insurance plan might be a good option for you, as it's available at a low price in Kansas.

However, if you're suffering from a chronic health condition and need to see specialists regularly, a plan with broader coverage might be a better choice.

The more you pay in monthly premiums, the more your insurer will cover towards your medical needs, so it's essential to consider your lifestyle and medical history when choosing a plan.

You can also add more coverage based on affordability and necessity, aside from ensuring you have the basics covered.

Some common health insurance plans in Kansas include HMO, PPO, POS, HSA, HRA, and MSA, each with its own unique features and benefits.

A POS plan combines the benefits of PPO and HMO plans, offering a large network of healthcare providers, but with higher deductibles and copayments if you need to visit a doctor outside of the network.

Non-traditional options like Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA), Medical Savings Accounts (MSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), and Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) also exist in Kansas, allowing you to save money for medical expenses tax-exempt.

Plan Comparison

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Comparing health insurance plans in Kansas can be a daunting task, but it's essential to find the right plan for your needs.

The type of plan you choose will depend on your lifestyle and medical history. If you're healthy and rarely visit the doctor, a low-cost plan like the catastrophic only insurance might be the way to go.

However, if you have a chronic health condition or participate in high-risk activities, you'll want to consider a plan with more comprehensive coverage.

In Kansas, you can choose from various types of plans, including HMO, PPO, POS, HSA, HRA, and MSA. Each type of plan has its pros and cons, so it's essential to do your research.

A PPO plan, for example, offers a wide network of healthcare providers and more flexibility than an HMO plan. On the other hand, a POS plan combines the benefits of both PPO and HMO plans.

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If you're looking for non-traditional options, you might consider a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Medical Savings Account (MSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), or Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA). These accounts allow you to set aside money for medical expenses and are tax-exempt.

To simplify the process, you can use online quotes to compare health insurance options in Kansas. This will help you determine which plan is best for your needs and budget.

Ultimately, the key to finding the right health insurance plan is to consider your lifestyle, medical history, and budget. By doing your research and comparing plans, you can make an informed decision and get the coverage you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is health insurance in Kansas per month?

The average cost of health insurance in Kansas is $642 per month, but eligible individuals may pay as little as $77 per month with income-based discounts.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas good insurance?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas has been upgraded to an A- (Excellent) rating by A.M. Best Co., indicating strong financial stability. This rating suggests that BCBSKS is a reliable and trustworthy insurance provider.

Vanessa Schmidt

Lead Writer

Vanessa Schmidt is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise has led to the creation of articles on a wide range of topics, including Wells Fargo credit card information, where she provides readers with valuable insights and practical advice.

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