UPDATED: SEPTEMBER 05, 2023 | 1 MIN READ
Choosing health insurance in Kansas doesn’t have to be confusing. Unfortunately, navigating the health insurance Marketplace in Kansas is sometimes frustrating. So how do you choose between the variety of policies? Below we walk you through what you need to know.
Kansas Open Enrollment Dates For Health Insurance
In Kansas, health insurance Open Enrollment runs annually from November 1st to January 15th.
Kansas Health Insurance Demographics
Demographics come into play when it comes to the types of policies that are available to you. Depending on your income and where you live, you may qualify for different plans.
- Average Household Income: The average household income in Kansas is $82,103. The median household income is $61,091.
- Median Age Range: The median age range is 36.9 years.
- Education: In Kansas, 91.4% of residents have a high school or higher education. There is 33.9% of residents have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
What Type Of Health Insurance Marketplace Does Kansas Have?
Kansas uses the federally run health insurance exchange. Seven insurers are offering 2022 plans in the exchange. This allows residents to obtain health insurance in Kansas.
How many people are insured through the Kansas health insurance Marketplace?
In 2021, 88,627 residents in Kansas enrolled in private individual market plans through the Kansas exchange.
Did Kansas implement the ACA’s Medicaid expansion?
Many residents gained health insurance in Kansas through the ACA’s Medicaid expansion program. In 2012, the Supreme Court decided to expand Medicaid optional for states. However, Kansas is one of 17 states that has not expanded the program.
When can you purchase ACA health insurance in Kansas?
The open enrollment for 2022 coverage ran from November 1, 2021, to January 15, 2022. A qualifying event is necessary to enroll or make coverage changes outside open enrollment.
Types of ACA Plans In Kansas
There are many different types of plans for health insurance in Kansas. Depending on your location and what kind of coverage you want, great options are available.
What carriers offer ACA health insurance in Kansas?
There are seven insurers as of 2022 that offer exchange plans in Kansas. It’s a record high for the Kansas exchange. Plans may vary depending on location:
- US Health & Life Insurance Company
- Medica
- Oscar
- Cigna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
- Ambetter from Sunflower Health Plan/Celtic
- Blue KC
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost In Kansas?
Health insurance in Kansas for private markets divides into five metal tiers. There are different advantages to each tier. The lowest tier had the lowest premiums but the highest out-of-pocket expenses. Low out-of-pocket expenses have higher premiums which are in the higher tiers.
Cheapest Health Insurance By Metal Tier In Kansas
Coverage, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses vary between metal tiers, and the cost of the plans reflect that. Below are the least expensive individual plans for each tier.
| Metal Tier | Cheapest Plan | Monthly Premium | Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catastrophic | Medica | $290 | $8,700 | $8,700 |
| Bronze | Ambetter Essential Care 1 | $340 | $8,600 | $8,600 |
| Bronze Expanded | Ambetter Essential Care 2 | $370 | $6,900 | $6,900 |
| Silver | Ambetter Balanced Care | $450 | $6,500 | $8,400 |
| Gold | Ambetter Secure Care | $455 | $750 | $7,500 |
Cheapest Health Insurance By County
The cheapest individual and family health insurance plan is the same across the state’s five largest counties, so the cost is the same. However, health insurance plans consider location when determining rates, so plans in other areas of the state may cost more or less.
| County Name | Cheapest Plan | Individual, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 | Couple, Age 40 & Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas | Ambetter Balanced Care | $450 | $895 | $1,165 |
| Johnson | Ambetter Balanced Care | $450 | $895 | $1,165 |
| Sedgwick | Ambetter Balanced Care | $450 | $895 | $1,165 |
| Shawnee | Ambetter Balanced Care | $450 | $895 | $1,165 |
| Wyandotte | Ambetter Balanced Care | $450 | $895 | $1,165 |
Are Subsidies Available In Kansas?
The average premium subsidies in Kansas were $472 per month. Subsidies typically go up every year.
Can You Purchase Off-Exchange Insurance Coverage In Kansas?
Individual market plans were unavailable for off-exchange in Kansas. As of 2021, a dozen states have not expanded Medicaid, including Kansas.
Can You Purchase Short-Term Insurance In Kansas?
Short-term Kansas health insurance is available from one month to one year. Each state has its regulations, so limitations may vary.
Health Coverage Options For Low-Income People In Kansas
There is health insurance in Kansas available for low-income people. Both Medicare and Medicaid are great options that offer the coverage you need.
What Medicare Options Are Available In Kansas?
Kansas’s Medicare Advantage offers four types of plans: Special Needs Plan (SNP), Health maintenance organization (HMO), Preferred provider organization (PPO), and private fee-for-service (PFFS). There are different levels of flexibility in your networks of care providers.
Medicaid In Kansas
Medicaid offers no-cost or low-cost health coverage for eligible children in Kansas. The programs allow children coverage for immunizations, routine check-ups, and dental care. Medicaid also offers coverage for pregnant women, disabled people, seniors, and caregivers.
Cheapest Health Insurance Plans In Kansas
There are many family and individual health insurance options available that are affordable. There are excellent choices below if you are looking for low-out-of-pocket costs or low premiums.
Cheapest health plan in Kansas with low out-of-pocket maximums
If you have high medical costs opting for more expensive plans with lower deductibles are a great choice. The premiums are larger monthly, but your bills get covered sooner, as you’ll reach your maximum out-of-pocket limit sooner. On average, high out-of-pocket maximums run between $4,250-4,500.
Cheapest health plan in Kansas with high out-of-pocket maximums
For young residents of Kansas who don’t have a lot of medical expenses, you have the option of high out-of-pocket costs. It means you have a low monthly premium, and you only have to pay the high out-of-pocket fees in the case of a medical emergency. On average, monthly premiums are $222, with an out-of-pocket maximum of $8,250.
Cheapest health plan in Kansas with an HSA option
HSA (Health Savings Accounts) are for people with minimal healthcare needs. It allows you to build tax-free savings for medical or non-medical-related expenses. The monthly costs are, on average, $392 monthly.
Cheapest HMO/PPO/POS health plans in Kansas
There are two types of health insurance plans in Kansas: EPOs and HMOs. Which one you choose depends on your preferences and healthcare needs. The most affordable HMO health insurance is Ambetter Balanced Care 12, with a monthly premium of $471. The most affordable EPO is Oscar Silver Saver 2 at $459.
FAQs
How much is Obamacare in Kansas?
In 2020, the average monthly premium decreased in Kansas to $426 for a single adult and $1660 for a family of two.
Do I have to have health insurance in Kansas?
The Affordable Care Act is Kansans’ responsibility to have health insurance that meets a minimum standard of coverage. However, residents aren’t required by law to have health insurance in Kansas.
How do I get Obamacare in Kansas?
You apply for Obamacare in Kansas by going on HealthCare.gov and filling out the application during the open enrollment.
Who can get KanCare in Kansas?
KanCare is available to adults, non-elderly parents, caregivers, and children younger than 19. Enrollment for adults is limited to those who meet Medicaid eligibility guidelines.
What is the CHIP program in Kansas?
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides low-cost health coverage for Kansas children. Children have coverage for immunizations, routine check-ups, and dental care.
What health insurance options are available to students in Kansas?
Kansas students attending universities and colleges in the state have access to health insurance options through their schools. They can also use the ACA Marketplace if they choose.
How To Find Cheap Health Insurance In Kansas
It’s easy to obtain cheap health insurance in Kansas. Simply use our health insurance quoting form to compare rates and choose the best plan for you.
