
BCBS health insurance can vary significantly in cost each month. The monthly premium for BCBS can range from around $200 to over $1,000 per person, depending on the plan and age of the policyholder.
Factors that affect the cost of BCBS health insurance include age, location, and the level of coverage chosen.
The cost of BCBS health insurance can also vary depending on whether you choose a bronze, silver, gold, or platinum plan.
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Understanding BCBS Costs
BCBS offers five plan tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These plans have varying levels of coverage, with less coverage costing less but making you pay more when you get medical care.
The average monthly cost of BCBS plans varies depending on the plan tier. For example, the Catastrophic plan costs $369 on average, while the Platinum plan costs $1,099.
The cost of BCBS plans also depends on your age and the plan you choose. A 40-year-old with a Silver plan pays an average of $603 per month.
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Here's a breakdown of the average monthly costs for BCBS plans:
The cost of BCBS plans can also be affected by your income level. If you buy coverage on a marketplace and meet income requirements, you may be able to lower your rate with premium tax credits.
Silver Plans and Pricing
Silver plans are a good option if you want to balance your monthly premium and out-of-pocket expenses. They have moderate out-of-pocket costs when you receive medical care.
The monthly premium for Silver plans is generally higher than Bronze plans. However, you can expect to pay a lower percentage of costs when you receive medical care, which is around 30%.
Blue Cross Blue Shield's Silver plan is one of the more expensive options, with an average monthly rate of $603 for a 40-year-old individual. This is higher than some of its competitors, such as Aetna, which has an average monthly rate of $502.
Here's a comparison of the costs of different plan categories:
Silver Plans
Silver plans offer a balance between monthly premium and out-of-pocket expenses. They generally have higher monthly premiums than Bronze plans.
If you're considering a Silver plan, you can expect moderate out-of-pocket costs when you receive medical care. This means you'll pay some costs, but not as much as with lower-tier plans.
The average monthly cost of a Silver plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield is $603, based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. This is a significant investment, but it might be worth it for the added coverage.
A Silver plan is a good option if you want to balance your monthly premium and out-of-pocket expenses. It's not the cheapest option, but it provides more comprehensive coverage than lower-tier plans.
Here's a comparison of the average monthly costs for different plan tiers from Blue Cross Blue Shield:
Cross Shield Silver Monthly Cost
Blue Cross Blue Shield Silver plan monthly cost is a significant factor to consider when evaluating health insurance options. The average monthly rate for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan is $603.
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Compared to other major health insurance companies, Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the most expensive options. This is according to the average monthly rates, which show that Aetna's average monthly rate is $502 and Cigna's is $566 for the same level plan.
The cost of a Silver plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield is relatively high, but it's essential to consider the overall value of the plan, including the coverage and benefits it provides. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you may want to explore other health insurance companies.
Here's a comparison of the average monthly rates for different health insurance companies:
Keep in mind that the actual costs you pay will vary depending on your individual circumstances and the specific plan you choose. It's always a good idea to review the plan details and ask questions before making a decision.
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Comparing Individual Health Insurance Costs
Comparing individual health insurance costs can be a daunting task, but it's essential to make an informed decision. You'll want to consider the average cost of different health insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS).
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BCBS is generally more expensive than its competitors, with an average monthly rate of $603 for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. This makes it one of the most expensive options among major health insurance companies.
To give you a better idea of the costs, here's a comparison of BCBS with some of its competitors:
Keep in mind that these costs are based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan, and actual costs may vary depending on your specific situation.
The cost of BCBS health insurance plans also varies depending on the plan tier. For example, a Catastrophic plan costs an average of $369 per month, while a Platinum plan costs $1,099 per month.
Plan Types and Features
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers two main types of plans: HMO and PPO. HMO plans require you to choose a primary care doctor, get a referral for specialists, and stay within a network of doctors, while PPO plans don't have these restrictions.
BCBS HMO plans are typically cheaper, with an average cost of $539 per month for a 40-year-old with a Silver health plan. This is in contrast to PPO plans, which cost $685 per month on average.
Here's a brief comparison of the two plan types:
- HMO plans: cheaper, but with more restrictions
- PPO plans: more expensive, but with more flexibility
Ultimately, the choice between an HMO and PPO plan depends on your individual needs and priorities. If budget is a concern, an HMO plan may be the way to go. But if you value having more flexibility in your healthcare choices, a PPO plan might be worth the extra cost.
Cross Shield HMO and PPO Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers both HMO and PPO plans, which can vary in terms of number and quality depending on your location.
You'll likely have access to at least one HMO and one PPO plan from BCBS. HMO plans require you to choose a primary care doctor and get a referral before seeing a specialist, and you're restricted to a network of doctors.
PPO plans, on the other hand, don't require a primary care doctor and allow you to see a doctor outside of your network, although you'll pay more for out-of-network care.
A typical HMO plan from BCBS costs $539 per month on average for a 40-year-old with a Silver health plan, while a BCBS PPO plan costs $685 per month on average.
This difference in cost is significant, with a $1,752 per year difference between the two plans.
What Is Premium?
The premium is the ongoing amount you or your employer pay for your health insurance plan to maintain your health coverage. You're responsible for paying it whether you use medical services or not.
In most cases, premiums are paid monthly, but they can also be paid quarterly or yearly.
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Medicare and Competitor Comparison
Medicare Advantage plans can offer lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Original Medicare, with some plans even offering $0 premium options.
On average, Medicare Advantage plans have lower premiums than Medicare Supplement plans. For example, a 65-year-old non-smoker in Arizona might pay around $100 per month for a Medicare Advantage plan, whereas a Medicare Supplement plan could cost upwards of $200 per month.
Cost vs. Competitors

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is one of the most expensive options for individual health insurance among major health insurance companies, with an average monthly rate of $603 for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan.
The cost of BCBS versus its competitors is a significant factor to consider when choosing a health insurance plan. In fact, a comparison of average costs shows that BCBS is more expensive than Molina, Aetna, Ambetter, and UnitedHealthcare.
Here's a breakdown of the average costs for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan:
It's worth noting that BCBS offers all five plan tiers, but specific plan availability depends on where you live. Plans with less coverage cost less but generally make you pay more when you get medical care.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, you may want to consider a Bronze plan, which has an average monthly cost of $470. However, keep in mind that you'll pay more out-of-pocket for medical care with a Bronze plan.
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Medicare
Medicare plans from BCBS offer a range of benefits, including coverage for hearing aids.
The average cost of a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is $38 per month.
Individual plan ratings from BCBS vary widely, but are rated about average by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
BCBS sells separate Part D (drug coverage) plans in addition to Medicare Supplement plans.
If you're eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, BCBS has a plan that can help you get the most value from both programs.
Some BCBS Medicare plans come with large networks of doctors, gym and wellness benefits, and dental and vision benefits, depending on the plan you choose.
Anthem vs BCBS
Anthem is part of the BCBS family of companies, but it's not the same as BCBS everywhere.
In some states, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the BCBS company available, but it's not a universal option.
Anthem was renamed to Elevance in 2022, but its connection to BCBS remains.
BCBS has a complex structure with multiple companies operating under the umbrella, including Anthem in some areas.
Is Cross Blue Shield Costly?
Blue Cross Blue Shield can be a pricey option, with an average monthly cost of $603 for a Silver plan as a 40-year-old individual.
Compared to other major health insurance companies, BCBS is relatively expensive. For example, Aetna's average monthly rate is $502, while Cigna's is $566 for the same level plan.
A typical HMO plan from BCBS will cost $539 per month on average for a 40-year-old with a Silver health plan, which is cheaper than a PPO plan. The average monthly cost of a PPO plan is $685.
The difference between a HMO and PPO plan can be significant, with a $1,752 per year difference. This is a key consideration when choosing a BCBS plan.
Here's a breakdown of the average monthly costs for BCBS plans:
Ultimately, the decision between a HMO and PPO plan will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you value flexibility and don't mind paying more, a PPO plan may be the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest health insurance in Michigan?
The cheapest health insurance in Michigan is Ambetter from Meridian, with a monthly premium of $330. For more information on pricing and coverage options, see our health insurance plans in Michigan.
How much does BCBS Blue Advantage cost?
The monthly premium for the BCBS Blue Advantage plan is $42. Additional costs include a $35 copay for specialist visits.
Sources
- https://www.anthem.com/individual-and-family/insurance-basics/health-insurance/costs
- https://www.bcbsks.com/individual-and-family-plans
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/blue-cross-blue-shield-health-insurance-review
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plans-categories/
- https://publicsitesil.hcsc.net/insurance-basics/understanding-health-insurance/understanding-costs
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