Oklahoma has a variety of health insurance companies offering plans to residents.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is one of the largest health insurers in the state.
UnitedHealthcare is another major player in Oklahoma's health insurance market.
Oklahoma's individual health insurance market is regulated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
You can purchase ACA-compliant health insurance plans through the HealthCare.gov marketplace.
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Health Insurance Plans in Oklahoma
Navigating Oklahoma health insurance plans can be overwhelming, but it's essential to consider factors such as comprehensive coverage and a plan that fits everyone's needs.
In Oklahoma, open enrollment for individual and family health coverage runs from November 1 to January 15. If you enroll before December 15, your coverage will start on January 1.
277,436 people enrolled in private individual market plans through Oklahoma's exchange during the open enrollment period for 2024 coverage, marking the sixth year in a row that Oklahoma's exchange enrollment had hit a record high.
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You can enroll in an ACA-compliant plan in Oklahoma during open enrollment, and your coverage will start on January 1 if you enroll before December 15. If you apply between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1.
A special enrollment period is necessary to enroll or make changes to your coverage outside of open enrollment, typically linked to a specific qualifying life event.
Insure Oklahoma offers limited health services subject to medical necessity, such as inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, prescription drugs, and physician services.
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Dental and Vision Coverage
Dental and vision insurance can cover routine cleanings and fillings at a low premium.
Routine cleanings and fillings are essential for maintaining good oral health, and having them covered by insurance can be a huge relief.
Many dental insurance plans also cover more comprehensive procedures, such as crowns and root canals.
These procedures can be expensive, but having insurance can help make them more affordable.
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In addition to dental coverage, some insurance plans also cover annual eye exams.
Annual eye exams can help detect vision problems early on, and some insurance plans may even cover the cost of contact lenses or glasses.
This can be especially helpful for people who wear corrective lenses or glasses, as it can help reduce the overall cost of their eye care.
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Medicare and Government Programs
Medicare insurance can be a lifesaver for those 65 and above, helping to reduce costs associated with Part A and Part B.
OKC Medicare has been helping thousands of Oklahoma City residents get access to their insurance policies since 2009.
Medicare coverage and enrollment in Oklahoma is a complex process, but using a guide can make it easier to learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap coverage available in the state.
OKC Medicare partners with many insurance providers, including Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Mutual of Omaha, to offer customers a wide range of Medicare plans, such as Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap.
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Costs and Coverage
You'll pay a premium payment monthly or annually for your health insurance plan, which covers a portion of your healthcare bills.
The average cost of health insurance in Oklahoma is lower than the national average. Employees pay an average of $1,293 per year for single coverage, while Oklahoma residents pay an average of $5,306 per year for a family plan.
Here are the most common types of health coverage and what you can expect from each:
- HMO: A health maintenance organization (HMO) keeps costs down by having a network of providers.
- PPO: A preferred provider organization (PPO) also has a network, allowing you to see a specialist without a referral.
- POS: A point-of-service (POS) plan has qualities of an HMO and a PPO, with a network and out-of-network options.
- HDHP: A high-deductible health plan (HDHP) has a high deductible, meaning you pay a lot out of pocket before the plan coverage starts.
Remember to look at both premiums and out-of-pocket costs to choose the best plan for your budget and healthcare needs.
Costs to Expect
You'll need to pay a premium for your health insurance policy, which can be monthly or annually. This is the cost of having insurance, and it's typically a fixed amount each month.
Employees in Oklahoma pay an average of $1,293 per year for single coverage, which is lower than the national average of $1,427.
There are also out-of-pocket costs to consider, such as deductibles and copays. You'll need to pay these costs when you receive medical care, and they can add up quickly.
A deductible is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. In Oklahoma, you can expect to pay a significant amount for a family plan, with an average annual cost of $5,306.
Copays, on the other hand, are a fixed amount you pay for each medical service, such as a doctor's visit or prescription medication. The cost of copays can vary depending on the plan you choose, but you can expect to pay around $20-$50 per visit.
Here's a breakdown of the costs you can expect to pay for your health insurance plan:
Keep in mind that these costs are averages, and your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific plan and medical needs.
What's Excluded
Health insurance plans have their limitations, and it's essential to understand what's excluded from coverage. Most health insurance plans don't include dental care for adults, so you may need to purchase a separate dental plan.
Routine vision care for glasses and contacts is also typically not covered. This means you'll need to budget for vision care expenses separately. Some health insurance plans may offer a standalone vision plan to help offset these costs.
Hearing aids are another expense that's usually not covered by health insurance plans. This can be a significant out-of-pocket cost, especially if you're in need of multiple devices.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture may have limited or no coverage, depending on your insurance plan. It's crucial to review your policy to understand what's included and what's not. Cosmetic surgery is also typically not covered by health insurance plans, unless it's related to essential medical care.
Here are some common exclusions to be aware of:
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hearing aids
- Alternative therapies
- Cosmetic surgery
- Fertility treatments (coverage varies by state)
Insurance Companies in Oklahoma
Some of the major insurance carriers in Oklahoma include Aetna, Celtic Ins. Co., Coventry Health Care of Oklahoma Inc., Humana, IHC Group, and UnitedHealthcare.
Bright Health is a notable health insurance provider that offers individual and family plans with accessible care and impressive extras like debit cards with cash rewards for wellness activities and rides to and from appointments.
Here are some of the insurance companies mentioned in the article:
- Aetna
- Celtic Ins. Co.
- Coventry Health Care of Oklahoma Inc.
- Humana
- IHC Group
- UnitedHealthcare
- Bright Health
- Blue Cross
- Delta Dental
Navigating Plans
Navigating plans can be a daunting task, but understanding your options is key. With over 277,436 people enrolled in private individual market plans through Oklahoma's exchange in 2024, it's clear that many Oklahomans are taking advantage of affordable health insurance options.
The type of plan you choose will significantly impact your costs. For instance, HMO plans keep costs down by having a network of providers, while PPO plans allow you to see providers outside of your network for a fee.
Here are the most common types of health insurance plans:
- HMO: A health maintenance organization (HMO) keeps costs down by having a network of providers.
- PPO: A preferred provider organization (PPO) also has a network. You can typically see a specialist without a referral.
- POS: A point-of-service (POS) plan has qualities of an HMO and a PPO.
- HDHP: A high-deductible health plan (HDHP) can be any of these types of plans.
Remember, the best plan type for you depends on your budget and healthcare needs. Consider your out-of-pocket costs, how often you use your health insurance, and your prescription needs when choosing a plan.
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Short-Term Coverage
In Oklahoma, short-term health plans can provide temporary health insurance for consumers who may find themselves without comprehensive coverage.
These plans are designed to be a stopgap measure, offering a temporary solution for people who are between jobs, waiting for their new insurance to kick in, or experiencing a gap in coverage.
Short-term plans are available in Oklahoma, and you can learn more about them by visiting the relevant resources.
They typically offer lower premiums than major medical plans, but often come with higher deductibles and limited benefits.
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Marketplace and Enrollment
To enroll in a health plan through the Oklahoma Marketplace, you must live in Oklahoma, be lawfully present in the United States, not be incarcerated, and not be enrolled in Medicare.
You'll need to meet certain income requirements to qualify for financial assistance, such as premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions. To qualify, you cannot have access to affordable health coverage offered by an employer.
To be eligible for financial assistance, you must not be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, and not be eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. If you're married, you must file a joint tax return, and you cannot be claimed by someone else as a tax dependent.
In Oklahoma, open enrollment for individual and family health coverage runs from November 1 to January 15. Your coverage will start on January 1 if you enroll before December 15.
If you apply between December 16 and January 15, your coverage will begin on February 1. For 2025 coverage, the deadline to enroll in a policy with a January 1 effective date was extended to December 18.
There are seven insurers offering health plans through the Oklahoma exchange for 2025. Insurer participation varies significantly from one area to another, with some counties having just a single insurer, while others have five or more insurers offering plans.
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Here are the basic requirements to enroll in a Marketplace health plan in Oklahoma:
- Live in Oklahoma
- Be lawfully present in the United States
- Not be incarcerated
- Not be enrolled in Medicare
Note that you'll need to meet additional requirements to qualify for financial assistance, such as income requirements and eligibility for other health coverage options.
Options
If you're looking for affordable health insurance in Oklahoma, there are several options to consider. You can enroll through HealthCare.gov, the federally run exchange/Marketplace for individual market plans.
The Affordable Care Act provides premium tax credits (subsidies) that can bring the average net premium down to just $79/month. In 2024, 97% of Oklahoma Marketplace enrollees saved money on their premium payments, with an average subsidy of $574/month.
Insure Oklahoma is another option, offering limited health services subject to medical necessity, such as inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, and prescription drugs.
Consumers Direct Insurance Services and Oklahoma Health Options are also health insurance agencies serving clients in Oklahoma City, offering a range of products including supplemental health, dental, vision, long-term care, and group health insurance plans.
You can choose from different types of health insurance plans, including HMO, PPO, POS, and HDHP. Each type has its own network and rules, so it's essential to review each plan's coverage carefully.
Here are some common types of health insurance plans:
- HMO: A health maintenance organization that keeps costs down by having a network of providers.
- PPO: A preferred provider organization that allows you to see specialists without a referral.
- POS: A point-of-service plan that has qualities of an HMO and a PPO.
- HDHP: A high-deductible health plan that can be any of these types of plans.
Insurance Providers and Services
If you're looking for a reliable insurance provider in Oklahoma, Insure Oklahoma (IO) is a great option. They offer limited health services subject to medical necessity, such as inpatient hospital services and prescription drugs.
Consumers Direct Insurance Services is another great choice, with insurance specialists and customer advocates offering financial solutions through health insurance. They assist families and seniors in Oklahoma City in selecting the health insurance options that meet their specific needs.
Allison Insurance Agency, Inc. is an Oklahoma City-based agency specializing in health insurance services, offering individual health insurance that covers medical, hospitalization, and surgery expenses.
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Provider Network
It's essential to ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are included in the plan's network to avoid higher out-of-network costs.
Allison Insurance Agency, Inc., specializes in health insurance services and can help you find a plan that covers your medical needs.
To find a plan with a good network, you can compare different health insurance quotes and plan benefits. This will show you that a good coverage doesn't have to cost so much.
Consumers Direct Insurance Services also offers financial solutions through health insurance, including individual and family coverages, and short-term health insurance plans.
Insure Oklahoma (IO) provides limited health services subject to medical necessity, such as inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, and prescription drugs.
It's worth noting that Oklahoma health insurance providers are prohibited from terminating coverage due to a health condition, and small businesses are allowed to purchase any group plans being offered in the state.
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Global
GlobalHealth is the top-rated health insurance plan according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
It offers plans through Oklahoma employers, giving them a convenient option for employee benefits.
GlobalHealth also offers plans to consumers who are on Medicare, which can be a big help for seniors and those with disabilities.
Its Medicare Advantage plans don't require referrals when you see in-network providers, making it easier to get the care you need.
Its plans have dental, vision, and hearing benefits, which is a nice bonus for overall health and wellness.
And the best part? No deductibles, which means you can get the care you need without breaking the bank.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest health insurance in Oklahoma?
The cheapest health insurance in Oklahoma is offered by Ambetter, with a monthly premium of $443 before discounts. Find out more about Ambetter's affordable health insurance plans and how to save even more.
Sources
- https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/oklahoma-health-insurance/
- https://www.healthinsurance.org/states/health-insurance-oklahoma/
- https://www.forhealthinsurance.com/oklahoma-health-insurance/
- https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-oklahoma-health-insurance
- https://www.expertise.com/insurance/health-insurance/oklahoma/oklahoma-city
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