Health insurance plans for many needs and budgets are available in California. Whether you require individual coverage, family plans, or options tailored for low-income households, the state’s health insurance market offers numerous choices. But with rising medical costs, finding cheaper insurance can be challenging. Buckle up as we walk you through various options and details when searching for cheap health insurance in California.
Top Cheap Health Insurance in California
Let’s review some of the cheap health insurance providers in California, examining its pros and cons, monthly costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and deductibles.
Beem
Beem is an insurance marketplace that offers multiple policies to accommodate diverse needs. Its offerings include short-term medical, accident, critical illness, and dental insurance for individuals and families. Beem aims to provide accessible and tailored health insurance solutions, ensuring individuals and families can find coverage that suits their needs and budgets.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Flexible policy durations. Benefits covering office visits and urgent care. Access to extensive national networks. | Out-of-pocket expenses can be high. Limited policy options. | Starting at $50. | $1,000 to $10,000 annually. | $3,500 to $9,500. |
AetnaCVSHealth
AetnaCVSHealth offers a range of health insurance options, including Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, Medicare, Medicaid, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance. While it provides affordable premiums, it has higher-than-average deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Aetna is praised for its quality ratings and offers members discounts and allowances at CVS Health. However, it has higher than average silver plan deductibles and complaint rates.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Lowest average ACA plan premiums Slightly better than average quality ratings CVS Health affiliation provides discounts and allowances | Higher than average silver plan deductibles No PPO plan available. | $414/month for 30-year-old $466/month for 40-year-old $651/month for 50-year-old | Highest out-of-pocket costs for healthcare | Average deductible for silver plan: $8,375/year |
Anthem BlueCross
Anthem BlueCross provides comprehensive health insurance plans with benefits, including prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing, and wellness coverage. Members can customize their plans with additional benefits and enjoy flexible care options, though availability is limited to 14 states.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Wide-ranging benefits. Flexibility for additional benefits. Flexible care options. | Available in limited states. | Starting at $220/month. | Maximum up to $8,000. | Varying from $2,000 to $5,000. |
Health Net
Health Net offers Medicare Advantage plans with additional services not typically covered by original Medicare. Operating in California, Oregon, and Washington, it provides comprehensive health plans for individuals, families, and businesses, emphasizing affordability and accessibility.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Offers Medicare Advantage plans Additional services not covered by original Medicare Comprehensive health plans for various demographics | Limited geographic availability | Depends on your plan | $3,450 | $0 health deductible / $480 drug deductible |
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare insurance provider offering comprehensive coverage plans across all ACA marketplace metal tiers. Their integrated health system aims to streamline healthcare delivery, though availability is limited to eight states.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Offers coverage across all ACA metal tiers Integrated health system Focus on seamless healthcare experience | Limited availability in only eight states Difficulty finding in-network providers in some areas | Varies | Maximum limits apply | Varies |
L.A. Care Health Plan
L.A. Care Health Plan, operated by the Local Initiative Health Authority for Los Angeles County, offers health insurance programs for low-income individuals, including Medi-Cal recipients and uninsured children.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Affordable coverage for low-income individuals. Digital platform facilities available. | Limited network of doctors. | Capped between 0% and 8.5% of annual income. | Individual: $9,450 / Family: $18,900. | No payment for covered services, premiums, or deductibles. |
Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare, headquartered in Long Beach, CA, is a managed care company providing affordable health insurance to lower-income individuals through government programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP/CHIP).
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Affordable coverage for underserved communities. Affordable marketplace plans. User-friendly mobile app. | Limited geographic availability. Medicaid plans only available in select states. | No monthly cost. | Out-of-pocket max: $8,300. | $2,925/Individual or $5,850/Family. |
Oscar
Oscar Health Insurance offers individual and family plans across several states, focusing on user-friendly digital tools, personalized care, and affordable coverage options.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| User-friendly app and digital tools. Personalized care with free telemedicine visits. Competitive pricing and various plan options | Limited provider network in some areas. Availability varies by state. | Plans starting at around $300. | Maximum out-of-pocket: Individual $8,550 / Family $17,100. | Deductibles vary by plan; some high-deductible options available. |
Sharp Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan, a not-for-profit organization based in San Diego, California, offers comprehensive health insurance plans with a focus on affordability and high-quality care. It emphasizes a community-based approach and provides extensive coverage options tailored to meet diverse healthcare needs.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Comprehensive coverage. High-quality care network. Community-based approach. | Limited to San Diego County. Higher premiums for broader coverage. Limited out-of-network coverage. | Starting at $250. | Individual: $3,000Family: $6,000. | Plans with no deductibles. |
Valley Health Plan
Valley Health Plan is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality health services and community-focused, local care, offering affordable options to support the well-being of its members.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| No Coverage Limits. Affordable options. Community-focused local care. | Limited geographic coverage. Limited provider network. | Health plans start at $0 per month. | Individual: $9,100 / Family: $18,200. | No deductible on any plan. |
Western Health Advantage
Western Health Advantage (WHA) is a regional health insurer operating in nine counties in Northern California. It offers 24/7 access to behavioral health support and Medicare Advantage plans designed by Dignity Health and NorthBay Health.
| Pros | Cons | Monthly Cost | Out-Of-Pocket Costs | Deductibles |
| Great Service. High Quality Physician Network. Competitive Pricing. 24/7 Behavioral Health Support. | Limited geographically. Limited to the approved network. | $311.11 | Yearly $1,500 | No deductibles for medical services. |
Conclusion
With adequate research, one can get cheap health insurance in California. Each insurance plan has its advantages and disadvantages. Always compare plans, check for subsidy eligibility, and choose the best option for your healthcare needs and budget. Check out Beem and opt for the plan that offers you coverage in line with your preferences.
Read related article: Cheap health insurance in North Carolina.
FAQs
Who has the lowest health insurance rates in California?
It varies based on factors like age, location, and coverage needs. Generally, insurers like Health Net, and Molina Healthcare offer competitive rates. Comparing quotes is key to finding the lowest rates.
How to get free health insurance in California?
You can qualify for free or low-cost health care through Medi-Cal depending on your income. Medi-Cal also offers free or affordable programs for eligible individuals and families.
Which plans have low deductibles and out-of-pocket costs in California?
Health plans with lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs often come with higher premiums. However, options like Kaiser Permanente, L.A. Care Health Plan, and Valley Health Plan offer relatively lower deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
