Balancing Health Insurance Costs

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?

Health insurance plan costs can vary depending on a number of factors:

• Premium - what you pay monthly to your insurance company for your health plan. Typically, the more coverage you have, the more you pay in premiums.

• Deductible - what you pay for care before the plan pays. The larger the deductible, the less you pay in premiums for a health insurance plan.

• Copay - what you pay with every visit to a healthcare provider. Copays are fixed amounts and can vary for different medical services.

• Coinsurance - the percentage of costs you pay after you meet your deductible. Your coinsurance percentage will vary depending on the health insurance plan you choose.

• Maximum out-of-pocket limits - the most you will pay annually for coverage. If you meet that limit, your health insurance plan will pay 100% of all covered healthcare costs for the rest of the plan year.

How Do Monthly Premiums Affect My Other Costs?

Want help navigating individual health plans? Anthem is here for you. A licensed agent can assist you in selecting a health plan that fits your unique needs and budget.

How Can I Lower My Health Insurance Costs?

While your health insurance is an important part of your annual cost of living, there are ways to save.

Discover If You Are Eligible For The Tax Credit Subsidy

Purchasing health insurance through the Marketplace gives you access to financial help to lower your premium if you qualify. Health insurance subsidies are based on your earnings and family size (including yourself, your spouse, if married, and anyone you will claim as a tax dependent — even if they do not need coverage). Subsidies also consider the cost of health coverage in your state. If you qualify, you may be able to lower or completely eliminate your premium.

Save With A HMO

You can save by choosing a health maintenance organization (HMO) insurance plan. You’ll need referrals from your primary care doctor to see specialists, and out-of-network coverage is limited to emergencies. But overall, your health insurance costs will be less.

Choose A Plan With A Higher Deductible

If you’re healthy overall and don’t visit the doctor often except for preventive care, you can save on your monthly payments. Health insurance plans with a higher deductible will have a lower monthly premium.

Pick A Plan That Pairs With A Health Savings Account

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are accounts that you use to pay for medical expenses. You save on taxes with a health savings account because the money you put in and then use to pay for your deductible, copays, and coinsurance is either tax-free or tax-deductible. Plans that pair with a health savings account have higher deductibles, so their premiums are lower.

Find An Affordable Health Insurance Plan

Anthem is committed to helping you meet your healthcare needs, no matter where you are on your personal health journey. When calculating your costs, you still may want help. We can tailor a plan that fits your coverage needs and your budget.