Best Affordable Health Insurance Plans in 2026

Updated Jun 30, 2026

Kaiser Permanente has the cheapest health insurance plans for 2026. The company's Bronze plans cost an average of $463 per month before discounts.

Best and cheapest health insurance

$463/mo

Cheapest overall: Kaiser Permanente

$529/mo

Cheapest for most people: Oscar

Silver plans: $710/mo

Cheapest Silver plans for most people: Ambetter

Cheapest overall: Kaiser Permanente
Cheapest for most people: Oscar
Cheapest Silver plans: Ambetter

Best affordable health insurance: Kaiser Permanente

Editor's rating

ACA rating

Overall plan quality rating from HealthCare.gov. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best.

5.0/5

Average monthly cost

Average cost for a 40-year-old with a Bronze plan. Read our methodology.

$463

Find Insurers

From the Experts

Kaiser Permanente has the most affordable Bronze health insurance plans for 2026.

Cheapest health insurance for most people: Oscar

Editor's rating

ACA rating

Overall plan quality rating from HealthCare.gov. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best.

2.5/5

Average monthly cost

Average cost for a 40-year-old with a Bronze plan. Read our methodology.

$529

Find Insurers

From the Experts

Oscar has the cheapest Bronze plans for around 5 in 10 Americans.

Cheapest Silver health plans: Ambetter

Editor's rating

ACA rating

Overall plan quality rating from HealthCare.gov. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best.

3.0/5

Average monthly cost

Average cost for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. Read our methodology.

$710

Find Insurers

From the Experts

Ambetter has cheap Silver plans for most Americans.

Ambetter has the cheaper than average Silver health insurance in 22 states and slightly above average rates in Alabama and Arkansas. Ambetter's My Health Pays rewards healthy behaviors such as exercising, eating well and getting annual checkups. After completing qualifying activities, Ambetter will automatically add money to your My Health Pays card, which you can use on costs including your plan's monthly rate, payment you're responsible for when you see the doctor, child care, home utilities, phone bills, transportation and rent.

Ambetter has a poor reputation for customer service in certain states. Ambetter is made up of different companies that sell insurance in different states. That means the organization in your area may offer better or worse service than you would get elsewhere.

For example, Ambetter of North Carolina gets more than five times as many complaints as an average company of its size. In Mississippi, the company gets less than half as many complaints as an average company of its size.

Ambetter sells several different health plan options. Most people will have access to two types: HMOs and EPOs.

HMO (health maintenance organization) plans restrict you to a network of doctors and require that you choose a primary care doctor. You also need to get referrals before you see a specialist. These plans typically have low monthly rates.
EPO (exclusive provider organization) plans don't require that you get a referral before seeing a specialist or choose a primary care doctor, but you can only see doctors in your network unless it's an emergency. These plans tend to cost more than HMOs but less than PPOs.

If you live in California, Arkansas or Oklahoma, you can get an Ambetter PPO (preferred provider organization) plan. Arkansas residents also have the option of buying a POS (point of service) plan. POS plans offer more flexibility when it comes to choosing your doctor, but often at a higher cost.

Cheapest health insurance by state

Blue Cross Blue Shield has the most affordable Bronze health insurance plans in 14 states and the District of Columbia.

Keep in mind that BCBS has cheaper-than-average rates in only 18 of the 50 states where it sells Bronze plans. That means Blue Cross Blue Shield has the absolute cheapest plans in many states, but, in general, the company doesn't offer affordable coverage.

Ambetter only has the cheapest Bronze plans in three states. However, Ambetter is still a good deal for both Bronze and Silver plans because the company has cheaper-than-average rates in most of the states where it sells medical insurance.

Cheapest Bronze

Cheapest Silver

State	Company and plan name	Cost
Alabama	UnitedHealthcare: UHC Bronze Essential	$366
Alaska	Moda Health: Select Alaska Standard Bronze	$648
Arizona	Imperial Insurance Companies: Standard Bronze	$375
Arkansas	BCBS: Octave Bronze Exp Standardized	$447
California	LA Care: Bronze 60 HMO	$347
Colorado	Select Health: Value Bronze	$390
Connecticut	BCBS: Bronze HMO Pathway Enhanced	$557
Delaware	AmeriHealth Caritas Next: Bronze Essential	$542
Florida	BCBS: Gym Access IND Bronze HMO	$427
Georgia	Alliant Health Plans: SoloCare Vitruvian Plus Bronze HMO	$371
Hawaii	Kaiser Permanente: HI Standard Bronze	$414
Idaho	Moda Health: Select Idaho Bronze	$326
Illinois	Oscar: Bronze Simple (Choice)	$325
Indiana	BCBS: Anthem Bronze Essential	$376
Iowa	Oscar: Bronze Classic Standard	$338
Kansas	UnitedHealthcare: UHC Bronze Essential	$442
Kentucky	WellCare: Everyday Bronze	$435
Louisiana	CHRISTUS Health Plan: CHRISTUS Value Bronze	$402
Maine	BCBS: Anthem Bronze X Tiered	$499
Maryland	UnitedHealthcare: UHC Bronze Essential	$283
Massachusetts	WellSense: Standard High Bronze HSA	$375
Michigan	BCBS: Local HMO Bronze Secure	$345
Minnesota	HealthPartners (not Jefferson): Select HSA Bronze	$336
Mississippi	UnitedHealthcare: UHC Bronze Essential	$563
Missouri	Ambetter: Standard Expanded Bronze	$405
Montana	BCBS: Blue Focus Bronze POS 705	$354
Nebraska	BCBS: HeartlandBlue Bronze Blueprint Health	$494
Nevada	Imperial Insurance Companies: Imperial Standard Bronze	$372
New Hampshire	WellSense: Clarity NH Bronze	$317
New Jersey	BCBS: IHC Bronze EPO HSA AmeriHealth Advantage	$446
New Mexico	BCBS: Blue Community Bronze HMO	$390
New York	Ambetter: Bronze HSA	$434
North Carolina	Ambetter: Everyday Bronze with Atrium Health	$420
North Dakota	Sanford Health Plan: Sanford Individual TRUE Standardized	$332
Ohio	Oscar: Bronze Classic Standard	$356
Oklahoma	Medica: Balance by Medica Bronze	$403
Oregon	Providence Health Plan: Connect 9800 Bronze	$426
Pennsylvania	Jefferson Health Plans: Bronze Value HMO	$294
Rhode Island	Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island: Neighborhood SELECT HSA	$367
South Carolina	BCBS: Blue Pee Dee Bronze 2	$336
South Dakota	Avera Health Plans: DirectConnect Standard HSA Eligible HDHP	$406
Tennessee	BCBS: BlueCross B15E	$466
Texas	Baylor Scott and White Health Plan: BSW Savers Bronze HMO H S A 006	$352
Utah	Select Health: Value Expanded Bronze	$472
Vermont	MVP Health Care: MVP VT Plus Bronze	$824
Virginia	Sentara Health Plans: M Bronze	$335
Washington	Community Health Plan of Washington: Cascade Select Bronze	$335
Washington, D.C.	BCBS: BlueChoice HMO HSA Bronze	$505
West Virginia	BCBS: my Blue Access WV PPO Bronze	$682
Wisconsin	Medica: Dean Focus Bronze Share	$353
Wyoming	BCBS: BlueSelect Bronze Basic	$740

Monthly rates are based on a 40-year-old nonsmoker.

State	Company and plan name	Cost
Alabama	BCBS: Blue Statewide Silver EPO	$583
Alaska	BCBS: Premera Blue Cross Standard Silver	$984
Arizona	Imperial Insurance Companies: Imperial Standard Silver	$438
Arkansas	BCBS: Octave Silver Standardized	$753
California	LA Care: Silver 70 HMO	$392
Colorado	Kaiser Permanente: KP Colorado Option Silver	$500
Connecticut	BCBS: Silver PPO Standard Pathway	$677
Delaware	Ambetter: Standard Silver	$685
Florida	Ambetter: Clarity Silver	$554
Georgia	Alliant Health Plans: SoloCare Vitruvian Plus Silver HMO	$474
Hawaii	Kaiser Permanente: KP HI Standard Silver	$533
Idaho	BCBS: CPN North Central Silver	$462
Illinois	Molina: Silver Saver	$491
Indiana	BCBS: Anthem Silver Essential	$440
Iowa	Oscar: Silver Classic Standard	$452
Kansas	Oscar: Silver Classic Standard	$565
Kentucky	Molina: Passport Silver Saver 70 with Four Free PCP Visits	$521
Louisiana	CHRISTUS Health Plan: Value Silver	$542
Maine	BCBS: Anthem Clear Choice Silver X	$660
Maryland	UnitedHealthcare: UHC Silver	$403
Massachusetts	WellSense: Standard High Silver	$458
Michigan	Ambetter: Clear Silver	$385
Minnesota	HealthPartners (not Jefferson): Select HSA Silver	$379
Mississippi	Oscar: Silver Simple	$598
Missouri	Ambetter: Standard Silver	$523
Montana	BCBS: Blue Focus Silver POS℠ Standard	$551
Nebraska	BCBS: HeartlandBlue Silver Standard Blueprint Health	$640
Nevada	Imperial Insurance Companies: Imperial Standard Silver	$463
New Hampshire	WellSense: WellSense Clarity NH Silver	$388
New Jersey	Oscar: Silver Simple	$531
New Mexico	Molina: Clear Cost Silver	$524
New York	Ambetter: Fidelis Care Silver	$582
North Carolina	Ambetter: Standard Silver with Atrium Health	$540
North Dakota	Sanford Health Plan: Sanford Individual TRUE	$439
Ohio	Oscar: Silver Classic Standard	$482
Oklahoma	Ambetter: Standard Silver	$561
Oregon	Providence Health Plan: Connect Silver	$505
Pennsylvania	Jefferson Health Plans: Total Silver HMO On Exchange	$449
Rhode Island	Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island: Neighborhood PRIMARY HSA	$488
South Carolina	Molina: Molina Silver Saver	$494
South Dakota	Avera Health Plans: DirectConnect Standard	$512
Tennessee	Ambetter: Standard Silver	$646
Texas	BCBS: MyBlue Health Silver℠	$540
Utah	Select Health: Signature Benchmark Silver	$559
Vermont	MVP Health Care: MVP VT Reflective Silver 3	$928
Virginia	Sentara Health Plans: Sentara M Silver	$430
Washington	Community Health Plan of Washington: Cascade Select Silver	$546
Washington, D.C.	Kaiser Permanente: DC Silver Virtual Forward	$565
West Virginia	BCBS: my Blue Access WV PPO Standard Silver	$911
Wisconsin	Network Health: Prestige Silver	$526
Wyoming	BCBS: BlueSelect Silver Standard	$1,026

Monthly rates are based on a 40-year-old nonsmoker.

Blue Cross Blue Shield has the cheapest Silver plans in 12 states. Ambetter has the most affordable Silver plans in eight states.

It's important to remember that in many states, the cheapest company may not sell plans everywhere. For example, LA Plans has the cheapest health insurance in California, but the company offers coverage only in Los Angeles County. If you live in another part of the state, you should consider another company, such as Kaiser Permanente or BCBS.

Overall, Maryland and Pennsylvania have the cheapest rates for Bronze plans, with coverage starting at under $300 per month. Wyoming and Vermont have the highest rates. Bronze plans start at $740 per month in Wyoming and $824 per month in Vermont.

How to get the most affordable health insurance

If you make between roughly $22,000 and $63,000 per year (about $44,000 to about $129,000 for a family of four), you can get discounts on marketplace plans.

Many people who buy health exchange plans can get discounts called marketplace subsidies. These subsidies can lower your monthly rate by hundreds of dollars. You get them with Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum plans bought through HealthCare.gov or your state health exchange.

Silver health plans have affordable rates. Plus, if you're eligible, you can get extra discounts called cost-sharing reductions that help cover the bills you're responsible for when you go to the doctor. If you've put off visiting the doctor because you're concerned about expensive medical care, cost-sharing reductions can help you afford the care you need. If you earn a low income, taking advantage of marketplace subsidies and cost-sharing reductions is the best way to get the most affordable health insurance.

Medicaid: Free health insurance

If you make less than about $22,000 as a single person (under roughly $45,500 for a family of four), then you may qualify for free government insurance. It’s called Medicaid, and it’s available in its expanded form in all but 10 states.

If you don't live in a state with expanded Medicaid, you typically need to both have a low income and meet another condition to qualify.

How to find the best cheap health insurance for you

Choosing the best health insurance for you doesn't have to be confusing.

The first step to comparing health insurance quotes is understanding your budget and medical needs. The cheapest level of health insurance for you will depend on how much money you make and how often you visit the doctor.

Younger people, as well as those with fewer health conditions, will typically save money with a Bronze or Silver plan. But if you do have an ongoing medical problem, a Gold plan probably makes more sense. Keep in mind that you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions if you have a Silver plan and a low income.

Bronze health insurance: Best if you're younger or healthier

Bronze plans are often the most affordable health insurance option if you rarely go to the doctor and can afford a large, unexpected bill.

Free preventive care
Typically the cheapest rates
How much you pay depends on your income

Bronze plans cost $573 per month, on average, at full cost. But many people who buy health insurance through HealthCare.gov or their state marketplace qualify for discounts because of their income. These discounts can lower the cost of health insurance by hundreds of dollars per month.

Don't forget to look at the total cost you'll pay when you go to the hospital with a Bronze plan, including your deductible, copays and coinsurance up to your policy's annual limit. Setting aside extra money into your savings account each month can protect you from stressful medical bills if you get sick or injured.

But here's a pleasant surprise: Subsidies can make health insurance almost — or in some cases completely — free.

Silver health insurance: Best cheap health insurance for average health needs

Silver plans offer the most affordable coverage for most people.

Can get lower rates based on your income
More expensive than Bronze, but covers more of the bill when you go to the doctor
Only plan eligible for " cost-sharing reduction " discounts to lower the cost of medical care

A Silver plan is a better option if you want more coverage when you go to the doctor. These plans cost a little more each month than Bronze plans, but they're still an affordable health insurance option. Plus, the better benefits can help you save on health care.

Silver plans cost $752 per month, on average, at full cost. However, many people who have a Silver plan qualify for marketplace subsidies, meaning you could pay under $100 per month for coverage, depending on your income.

Gold health insurance: Best cheap health insurance for serious health care needs

Gold health insurance plans have high monthly rates, but you'll pay less when you go to the hospital.

Expensive monthly rates, but you pay very little before coverage starts
Plans typically cap your annual costs much lower than Bronze or Silver plans
You can get discounts on Gold plans

Gold health insurance can make sense if you have an ongoing health problem. For example, someone with cancer may save money with a Gold plan because it’ll pay for a larger portion of their health care costs.

Gold plans cost $793 per month, on average. Keep in mind that you can get marketplace discounts with Gold plans. That means your monthly bill will likely be much lower.

In some states, you can get a higher plan tier, called a Platinum plan. These plans have very high monthly rates, but they pay for nearly all of your costs when you get medical care.

Platinum plans cost $1,012 per month, on average.

A Platinum plan may be the most affordable option in some cases if you're very sick. But Platinum plans usually won't make sense if you want affordable health coverage, due to their high monthly costs.

Short-term health insurance

Short-term plans have cheap rates, but their many drawbacks make them a poor choice for coverage.

Limited coverage
Not available everywhere
Restrictions on who can get coverage and for how long
Easy to get

Short-term plans are a cheap way to get health coverage if you're outside open enrollment. These plans typically have affordable rates if you're younger or healthier, but companies can charge higher rates or deny you coverage based on your health history. Further, short-term plans often have much worse coverage than regular health insurance.

Short-term plans have major limitations. But they might make sense if you need bare-bones protection and don't have much wiggle room in your budget.

If you recently lost your health coverage, it's a good idea to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP). A special enrollment period lets you enroll in a marketplace plan outside of the normal open enrollment period that runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15 in most states.

Frequently asked questions

How can I get affordable health insurance?

The best way for most people to get affordable health insurance is to search for cheap Bronze plans on HealthCare.gov or your state's health marketplace. If you earn less than about $22,000 per year (roughly $45,500 per year for a family of four), you may qualify for free government health insurance, called Medicaid.

What is the most affordable type of health insurance?

Bronze plans are usually the most affordable health insurance options if you don't have coverage through a job. Plans cover essential health benefits, like prescription drugs, mental health services and preventive care.

How much does health insurance cost?

Health insurance costs $752 per month, on average, before discounts, for a 40-year-old with a Silver plan. Keep in mind that the amount you pay will depend on many factors, like your age, where you live, the company you choose, your plan tier and your income.

What happens if you cannot afford health care?

If you cannot afford health care because you have a low income, you probably qualify for health insurance discounts that can lower your monthly rate by hundreds of dollars per month. Many people who qualify for discounts pay less than $100 per month.

In most states, people who earn below about $22,000 per year (roughly $45,500 per year for a family of four) qualify for free government health insurance called Medicaid.

What is the best affordable health insurance?

Kaiser Permanente has the best affordable health insurance for 2026. Bronze plans from Kaiser cost an average of $463 per month before discounts.

Methodology

Health insurance rates for 2026 Bronze and Silver plans are from the public use files (PUFs) on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website and state marketplaces. Costs are based on a 40-year-old nonsmoker unless otherwise noted. Plan availability and cost vary by county.

ValuePenguin ratings include an analysis of rates, customer service, coverage and unique features. ACA ratings are averages of the overall rating from HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces and include an analysis of member experience, medical care and plan administration. Subsidiaries are included in each parent company's analysis.

Cheap companies

Cheap plans

About the Author

Talon Abernathy is a former ValuePenguin Senior Writer who specialized in health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. He also contributed to other insurance verticals including home, renters, auto, motorcycle and flood insurance.

Talon came to ValuePenguin in 2023. Since his arrival, he's helped to expand the site's health insurance-related content offerings. He enjoys helping readers understand the ins and outs of America's all too complicated health insurance landscape.

Before coming to ValuePenguin, Talon worked as a freelance writer. His prior work has touched on a broad range of personal finance-related topics including credit-building strategies, small business incorporation tactics and creative ways to save for retirement.

Insurance tip

In many parts of the country, you can qualify for a free Silver health insurance plan if you meet certain income requirements. Government subsidies in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions may mean you'll pay nothing for coverage.

Expertise

Health insurance
Medicare and Medicaid
Flood insurance
Homeowners insurance
Renters insurance
Auto and motorcycle insurance

Referenced by

The Miami Herald
Money.com
MSN
Nasdaq
The Sacramento Bee
Yahoo! Finance

Education

BA, University of Washington
Certificate in Copyediting, UC San Diego

Credentials

Licensed Life & Disability Insurance Agent
Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent

Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.

Cheap companies

Cheap plans