A Guide to Health Insurance Companies in Montana

If you're looking for health insurance in Montana, you've got several options. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is one of the most well-known providers in the state.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana offers a range of plans, including individual and family plans, as well as group plans for small businesses. They also offer Medicare supplement plans for seniors.

Montana Health Co-op, on the other hand, is a non-profit health insurance cooperative that offers affordable plans to individuals and families. Their plans are designed to be more comprehensive and cost-effective than traditional health insurance plans.

Aetna is another health insurance company that operates in Montana, offering a variety of plans to individuals, families, and businesses.

Montana has a relatively small number of insurance companies offering Marketplace coverage. Three private insurance companies offer Marketplace health insurance coverage in Montana, and all three have statewide coverage areas.

One of these insurers, Montana/Mountain Health CO-OP, is a notable example of a CO-OP still in operation nationwide.

These three private insurance companies provide vital options for Montanans seeking health insurance through the Marketplace.

Medicare coverage and enrollment in Montana are available, but it's worth noting that the state's Medicare supplement regulations are in place.

You can sign up for an ACA-compliant individual or family health plan in Montana during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from November 1 through January 15.

For coverage to take effect on January 1, you must complete your enrollment by December 15.

If your application is submitted between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will take effect on February 1.

Enrollment in Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids (CHIP) is available year-round.

Montana's health insurance marketplace has an open enrollment period that generally runs from November 1st to December 15th of each year.

This is when enrollees may join a new plan or modify their existing coverage.

The cost of health insurance can be overwhelming, but understanding what to expect can help you make informed decisions. You'll pay a premium, which is a monthly or annual fee for your insurance coverage. This is the amount you pay to have health insurance, and it can vary greatly depending on your location and plan choices.

The average cost of individual health insurance in Montana is around $479 per month for an adult in their 40s. However, this cost will change significantly depending on the metal tier of coverage you select and your age. The older you are, the more expensive it will be.

You'll also have to pay out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copays. A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance coverage kicks in, and copays are a fixed amount you pay for each doctor visit or prescription. These costs can add up quickly, but there are ways to lower your healthcare costs in Montana. Joining a gym or enrolling in a fitness program, quitting smoking, raising your deductible/co-pays, and always using in-network providers can all help you save money.

Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect to pay:

Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on your specific plan and circumstances. It's essential to carefully review your plan options and understand the costs involved before making a decision.

There are three private insurance companies that offer Marketplace health insurance coverage in Montana, with all three having statewide coverage areas.

You can choose from five distinct kinds of health insurance in Montana, including HMOs, PPOs, POS plans, EPO plans, and HSA plans.

To ensure you get the right coverage, make sure your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the plan's network to avoid higher out-of-network costs.

In Montana, you have three private insurance companies to choose from for Marketplace health insurance coverage. All three of these insurers have statewide coverage areas.

You might be surprised to learn that one of Montana's insurers, Montana/Mountain Health CO-OP, is among just three ACA-created CO-OPs still in operation nationwide.

If you're looking for more options, you might want to consider other types of health insurance plans available in Montana, such as HMOs, PPOs, POS plans, EPO plans, and HSA plans.

Here are the three private insurance companies offering Marketplace health insurance coverage in Montana:

These three insurers offer a range of plan options to fit your needs and budget.

Dental and vision insurance can cover everything from routine cleanings and fillings to more comprehensive procedures, usually at a low premium.

This type of insurance may cover annual eye exams, which can help identify potential issues before they become major problems.

A low premium is a significant advantage of dental and vision insurance, making it an affordable option for those who want to protect their oral and ocular health.

In some cases, dental and vision insurance may also reduce the cost of contact lenses or glasses, making it a great option for those who rely on corrective eyewear.

Navigating the different health insurance plans in Montana can be overwhelming, but understanding the plan details and tiers can make a big difference.

There are five distinct kinds of health insurance to select from, including HMOs, PPOs, POS plans, EPO plans, and HSA plans.

The Silver plan's monthly premium is reasonable, and the expenses incurred when you need care are moderate, making it an excellent choice if you qualify for additional savings or are willing to pay a little more each month in premiums.

Deductibles on the Silver plan are usually smaller than those on the Bronze plan, which is a significant factor to consider when choosing a plan.

The Gold plan will have a high monthly premium, but low costs when you need care, and the deductibles are usually low, making it a good choice if you're willing to pay more each month to cover more costs when you get medical treatment.

Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. This can range from $0 to $10,000 per year.

The smaller the deductible, the higher the monthly premium. On the other hand, the Silver plan's deductibles are usually smaller than those on the Bronze plan.

If you use a lot of care, a plan with lower deductibles, like the Gold plan, could be a good value. However, the Gold plan will have a high monthly premium.

You're still responsible for some costs, like deductibles and copays, even with insurance. A deductible is not the same as a co-pay, which is the amount you'll pay to see your doctor.

The Maximum Out-of-Pocket Cost is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a health insurance plan. It's the most you can spend out of your pocket in a year without going completely uninsured.

Each plan has an out-of-pocket annual maximum, which is determined by your deductible, co-insurance, and prescription costs. This amount is outlined in your plan policy.

You'll want to review your plan's details to understand how the out-of-pocket maximum works. This will help you avoid unexpected medical expenses.

Keep in mind that the out-of-pocket maximum is separate from your premium payments, which you pay monthly or annually to maintain your insurance coverage.

Montana's individual/family health insurance market has seen significant changes in premiums over the years. In 2025, approved average premium changes for insurers in Montana range from a 5.03% increase for BCBS of Montana to a 13.4% increase for Montana Health CO-OP.

The good news is that 89% of Marketplace enrollees in Montana receive premium tax credits that cover some or all of their monthly premium costs. These subsidies are adjusted each year to match changes in the benchmark plan in each area.

Here's a look at how average full-price premiums have changed in Montana's individual/family health insurance market over the years:

Some factors can't affect health insurance premiums in Montana. Insurers may not charge women and men different rates for the same policy, and they can't consider your present health status or past medical history when determining prices.

If you're looking for resources to help you navigate health insurance in Montana, you're in luck. HealthCare.gov is a great place to start, where you can enroll in individual/family health coverage and even receive income-based subsidies.

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is another valuable resource, licensing and regulating health insurance companies, agents, and brokers. They can also provide assistance to consumers who have questions or complaints.

Montana Primary Care Association is the state's federally funded Navigator organization, offering guidance and support to help you make informed decisions about your health insurance.

If you're a Medicare beneficiary, you may want to reach out to the Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which provides local assistance and enrollment counseling for you and your caregivers.

Montana Medicaid and Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plus are also available to provide health insurance coverage to eligible residents.

Here are some key contacts to keep in mind:

The average cost of health insurance in Montana is $479 per month or $5,748 per year for one person in their 40s, though this can vary based on the metal tier of coverage you select and your age.

Medicaid offers free and inexpensive healthcare to eligible people in Montana, but not everyone will qualify and many don't know they're eligible.

A catastrophic plan with a high deductible and high maximum out-of-pocket expenses is the cheapest health insurance option in Montana, but it only covers emergency situations and doesn't include preventive care or prescription drugs.

Medicaid is a federal government-sponsored insurance program that provides medical coverage to low-income people and families, with the cost split between the state and federal governments.