Health insurance is crucial for financial planning, as it covers preventive and sudden medical costs. High insurance costs have been a common concern for Americans and Alaskans lately, and there is little indication that they’ll decrease.
A Forbes study said Americans anticipate premiums rising by 6% on average in 2024 due to inflation. Let’s take a look at cheap health insurance in Alaska.
Top Cheap Health Insurance in Alaska
High insurance premiums are a serious problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, uninsured non-elderly adults cite high costs as the primary reason for not having health insurance. To help you get the best care at the lowest price, we have curated a list of the top affordable health insurance options in Alaska.
Beem
Beem is a top marketplace for affordable health insurance in Alaska, offering a variety of flexible plans to fit different lifestyles and budgets. With Beem, individuals can access various health insurance options, including short-term medical, accident, critical illness, and dental insurance, each designed to meet specific coverage needs. Here’s a detailed overview of Beem’s offerings:
| Pros | Variety of flexible plansAccess to large national networksThere are no waiting periods for many plansMultiple benefit levelsCustomizable coverage options |
| Cons | Some plans offer only short-term coverageSupplemental nature of certain plans (e.g., accident insurance) |
| Monthly cost | Short Term Medical: $50 to $200+Accident Insurance: $10 to $50+Critical illness: $20 to $100+Dental insurance: $15 to $75+ |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | Short Term Medical: Typically ranges from $1,000 to $10,000Accident Insurance: Typically, no out-of-pocket costsCritical Illness: No out-of-pocket costs (lump sum cash benefit)Dental Insurance: Varies by plan, often minimal for preventive care |
| Deductibles | Short-Term Medical: Typically $1,000 to $10,000Accident Insurance: No deductiblesCritical Illness: No deductiblesDental Insurance: Varies by plan |
Short Term Medical plans offer flexibility for those needing temporary coverage, such as individuals between jobs or waiting for open enrollment. These plans can be customized with different coverage durations, telemedicine perks, and discounts on everyday items.
Accident Insurance provides additional financial protection by covering out-of-pocket costs from accidents. It offers a cash benefit for covered services, with flexible terms and guaranteed coverage for applicants aged 18 to 64.
Critical Illness Plans support individuals diagnosed with severe health conditions like cancer, heart attacks, or strokes by providing lump-sum cash benefits. These plans help cover out-of-pocket expenses, allowing individuals to focus on recovery. Dental insurance offer multiple benefit levels and immediate coverage for preventive care. Such plans often include network discounts on basic and major dental services.
Moda Health
Moda Health is recognized as one of the top affordable health insurance providers in Alaska. It offers a range of plans to meet individual and family needs, including individual and group plans, Medicare, and short-term medical and dental insurance. Moda Health ensures members can access various health tools and resources through its member dashboard.
| Pros | Diverse provider networkInclusive benefits for LGBTQIA+ membersHealthcare Cost Estimator toolAccess to 16,000+ fitness centers with Active&Fit DirectDigital ID cards and online claim management |
| Cons | Some plans may have limited coverage areasPremiums can vary based on specific plans and coverage options |
| Monthly Cost | Individual plans: $200 to $400+Group plans: Varies by employerMedicare plans: $50 to $150+Short-term medical: $50 to $200+ |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | Typically, it ranges from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on the plan and coverage type. |
| Deductibles | Individual plans: $1,000 to $5,000+Group plans: Varies by employerMedicare plans: $500 to $2,000+Short-term medical: $1,000 to $10,000 |
Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska
Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is a leading affordable health insurance provider in Alaska. Focusing on mental health care, addressing health disparities, and offering nationwide coverage, Premera ensures quality and accessible healthcare.
| Pros | Extensive network of providersFocus on mental health and trauma-informed careNationwide coveragePersonalized healthcare solutions |
| Cons | Some plans may have higher premiumsWeight-loss drug discontinuation rates |
| Monthly Cost | Individual plans: $200 to $500+Family plans: $500 to $1,200+ |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | It ranges from $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Deductibles | Individual plans: $1,000 to $5,000+Family plans: $2,000 to $10,000+ |
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare offers diverse health insurance plans tailored to meet individual and family needs. It provides nationwide coverage and personalized healthcare solutions, making it easier for members to find in-network providers and manage their healthcare costs effectively. Comprehensive coverage and member-focused services make UnitedHealthcare a top choice.
| Pros | Plans for every stage of lifeAccess to the UnitedHealthcare app for easy managementMental health support resources available |
| Cons | Monthly costs may vary based on specific plansWeight-loss drug discontinuation rates |
| Monthly Cost | Individual plans: $200 to $500+Family plans: $500 to $1,200+ |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | From $2,000 to $8,000, depending on the plan |
| Deductibles | Individual plans: $1,000 to $5,000+Family plans: $2,000 to $10,000+ |
Aetna
Aetna is one of Alaska’s top affordable health insurance providers, offering unique plans tailored to individual needs. Its offerings cater to various audiences, including individuals, families, Medicare beneficiaries, employers, and medical and dental providers. While the monthly cost may vary depending on the specific plan and coverage options, Aetna’s plans provide comprehensive coverage for medical needs. However, members should consider potential out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles when selecting a plan.
| Pros | Tailored plans for individuals, families, and various audiencesTrusted care and guidanceQuality health insurance benefits |
| Cons | Monthly costs may vary based on specific plansPotential out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles |
| Monthly Cost | Individual plans: $200 to $500+Family plans: $500 to $1,200+ |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | Between $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Deductibles | Individual plans: $1,000 to $5,000+Family plans: $2,000 to $10,000+ |
Oscar Health
Oscar Health offers features such as activating member accounts, seamless payment options, and finding nearby providers through their mobile app. While Oscar Health boasts convenient virtual care options and savings on prescription drugs, members should consider potential limitations in provider networks and coverage areas. Monthly costs may vary based on the selected plan, but members can benefit from $0 virtual urgent care visits and access to a dedicated Care Team for personalized support.
| Pros | User-friendly mobile app for easy access to careDedicated Care Team for personalized supportSavings on prescription drugs and $0 virtual urgent care visits |
| Cons | Potential limitations in provider networks and coverage areasMonthly costs may vary based on selected plans |
| Monthly Cost | Individual plans: $200 to $500+Family plans: $500 to $1,200+ |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | Ranges between $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Deductibles | Individual plans: $1,000 to $5,000+Family plans: $2,000 to $10,000+ |
Medicaid
Medicaid stands out as one of the leading options for affordable health insurance. Although coverage parameters may vary by state, Medicaid typically covers many healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Moreover, the program often features low or even zero monthly costs for eligible enrollees, making it an accessible option for many. However, members should be aware of potential out-of-pocket expenses and varying levels of coverage across states.
| Pros | Essential coverage for low-income individuals and familiesLow or zero monthly costs for eligible enrolleesWide range of covered healthcare services |
| Cons | Varying levels of coverage and eligibility criteria across statesPotential out-of-pocket expenses for certain services |
| Monthly Cost | Typically, low or zero monthly costs for eligible enrollees |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | Varies depending on the state and the specific Medicaid plan |
| Deductibles | Often, minimal or nonexistent deductibles, especially for essential services |
Healthcare.gov
Healthcare.gov offers accessible and affordable health insurance options. People can find coverage tailored to their needs through the Health Insurance Marketplace, even if they don’t have health insurance through an employer or another qualifying source. Enrollment is available during the annual Open Enrollment period from November 1 to January 15, with coverage starting as soon as the following month. Additionally, special enrollment periods are available for those experiencing qualifying life events or income changes. Most enrollees qualify for savings, including lower monthly premiums and reduced out-of-pocket costs. Applicants can apply for coverage conveniently online, by phone, or with the assistance of trained professionals.
| Pros | Affordable coverage options tailored to individual and family needsAccessible enrollment process |
| Cons | A monthly premium payment is required to activate coverageCoverage availability may vary depending on the location |
| Monthly Cost | Varied depending on income and selected plan |
| Out Of Pocket Costs | Varies depending on the plan selected |
| Deductibles | Determined by the chosen plan |
Conclusion
Families and individuals in Alaska must access reasonably priced health insurance to maintain their financial stability and peace of mind when controlling medical expenses. From Beem and Moda Health to Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, the alternatives offer customized plans with distinct benefits to accommodate many needs and budgets. To further improve healthcare accessibility throughout the state, Medicaid and Healthcare.gov offer low-income people accessible solutions. Alaskans can minimize financial stress and protect their health and well-being by researching these possibilities and considering their situation.
Read related article: Cheap health insurance in Michigan.
FAQs
Who has the lowest health insurance rates in Alaska?
Alaska’s lowest health insurance rates can vary depending on individual circumstances and the chosen plan. It’s essential to compare options from different providers to find the most affordable coverage for your needs.
How to get free health insurance in Alaska?
While free health insurance may not be available in Alaska, Medicaid provides low-cost or even zero-cost coverage for eligible individuals and families with low incomes. Visit the Medicaid website or contact your state Medicaid office for more information.
Which has low deductibles and out of pockets in Alaska?
With its partner, Beem typically offers low deductibles and minimal out-of-pocket costs for eligible enrollees in Alaska. Additionally, some marketplace plans may have lower deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, depending on the selected plan and income eligibility.
