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Missouri Health Insurance Companies
Missouri Health Insurance Options
How to Get the Most Savings
Missouri Health Insurance FAQS
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Missouri
Missouri Health Insurance Companies
Missouri has several affordable health insurance options offered by various insurance companies. Here’s a look at some of the biggest companies offering local plans:
BlueKC
Also known as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City, Blue KC makes it simple for individuals and families to purchase high-quality health plans on the ACA Marketplace. They offer individual and family plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, and short-term plans to their members.
United Healthcare
UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurers in the US. This insurance company offers plans to Missouri residents in a few different regions of the state. Missouri employers frequently choose to offer UnitedHealthcare to their staff members. For individuals, families, and groups, UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of plan options.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Missouri
If you’re looking for health insurance in Missouri, the health insurance Marketplace is a great place to start. During the Open Enrollment (OEP) you can purchase Marketplace health insurance, which was created by the Affordable Care Act, offers certain consumer protections, guarantees coverage for pre-existing conditions, and includes coverage for what are known as the “10 essential health benefits”:
- Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care)
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (both before and after birth)
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment (including counseling and psychotherapy)
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric services, including oral and vision care (but adult dental and vision coverage aren’t essential health benefits)
The ACA-compliant plans offered on the Marketplace are divided into different types, known as metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. These tiers do not signal a difference in quality of care, though. The tiers differ in your out-of-pocket costs versus what your plan covers.
It’s important to remember that the Marketplace only offers the plans of participating providers. So unfortunately, while the Marketplace is a great tool, you may not be able to compare every plan available to you.
Whether you want a Marketplace plan, or a plan from a private insurer, an EZ agent can help. We work with all carriers in your state to compare all options available.
Over half of the uninsured in Missouri who qualify for Marketplace insurance coverage could get a Bronze plan for FREE.
Missouri’s Short Term Health Insurance Guidelines
If you’ve missed the health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) or need health insurance for a short amount of time, short-term plans are a great option. It’s important to note, though, that these policies tend to only cover the basics, and you can be denied one of these plans if you have a pre-existing condition.
There are some rules around short-term plans, both at the federal and the state level. Some states choose to have their own guidelines separate from federal guidelines, or to not offer short-term plans at all. Missouri has its own guidelines, with stricter regulations. Short-term plans in Missouri can only be purchased for a term of 6 months. You can renew your plan, though, for a total of 36 months of coverage, as long as each renewal is for 6 months or less.
Missouri Health Insurance Options
In addition to buying insurance directly from an insurance company, there are other options you can look into. You can enroll in a group plan through our employer, if they offer one. Typically, buying a plan through your employer is less expensive than doing it on your own. And while employers in Missouri are not required to offer health insurance to their employees, many still do.
You can also look into government assistance to see if you qualify for a low-cost plan. If you are 65 years of age or older, or have a qualifying disability, you can enroll in a low-cost Medicare plan. For individuals with low incomes, including pregnant women, Medicaid provides affordable or free insurance policies. But you have to fall inside a certain income range to qualify for these plans.
When it comes to figuring out what is right for you, working with an agent is the best way to find your plan. EZ agents can easily compare all of your available plan options, and make sure you select a plan that meets your needs and the needs of your family.
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How to Get the Most Savings
Out of the 50 states, Missouri ranks 15th in terms of per capita healthcare spending. That means your state is among the top 20 states with the highest healthcare spending! In Missouri, the average annual cost of healthcare is $9,461. Finding solutions to lower your health insurance premiums is important, so think about the following ways to lower your premiums.
One of the first things health insurance companies take into account is your health, especially your body mass index (BMI). Your premium could go up if your BMI is higher than average, or even too low. The obesity rate in Missouri is 34.8%, so if you’re in this category, know that maintaining a healthy BMI is a smart way to save money.
Another health-related factor that insurance companies look at is your tobacco use. In fact, if you are among the 17.3% of people in Missouri who smoke, your premiums could be up to 50% higher than a nonsmoker’s. Quitting will help you save money on insurance and healthcare – you’ll also keep more money in your pocket if you stop buying tobacco products! Not to mention, since smoking can lead to so many health complications, quitting will improve your health as well.
But there’s an even easier way to save money: work with an insurance agent! An EZ agent can compare all the plans in your price range in your area and can help you find any local discounts you might qualify for. The professionals at EZ could help you save hundreds a year on health insurance, and all of our services are free!
Missouri Health Insurance FAQS
Does Missouri require you to have health insurance?
Missouri does not have a state health insurance mandate. They defer to the ACA guidelines, which no longer impose a tax penalty for not having health insurance.
What is the cheapest health insurance in Missouri?
The cheapest health plan will be a Bronze Plan, which can start as low as $408 a month. Remember, though, health insurance plan prices can vary depending on age, zip code, gender, and other factors.
How much does health insurance cost in Missouri?
The average monthly premium for health insurance in Missouri is $500, or $6,000 per year, with plans as low as $408 a month to as high as $1,567. But do not let these numbers scare you. Many uninsured people in Missouri qualify for a $0 Bronze plan and don’t even know it.
Which insurance companies offer plans in Missouri?
The top 9 insurers in your state are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City, Celtic Insurance Company, Cigna Health & Life Insurance Company, Cox Health Systems Insurance Company, Healthy Alliance Life Insurance Company, Medica Insurance Company, Oscar Insurance Company, and SSM Health Insurance Company.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Missouri
There are several ways to enroll in a health insurance plan in Missouri. One way is to use Cover Missouri, the state-run health insurance exchange for Missouri. It can be used to compare the plans offered by carriers that participate in the state exchange. Additionally, you can sign up directly on the website of the carrier of your choice.
Another option is to enroll in a group plan through your employer, if they offer one; all that is required is to choose a plan and provide some information for the group plan. But whether you want to enroll through the exchange, directly through an insurance company, or through your employer, an EZ agent can help!
Our agent can assist you in comparing plans to be sure you’re picking the best option and can walk you through the enrollment process. We can answer all of your questions and find any discounts or programs for which you qualify. Enrolling in health insurance can be challenging; let an EZ agent help get you the coverage you deserve.
If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call at 877-670-3557. When you call, you will be directly connected to a local insurance agent who can answer all of your questions and help you find the health insurance plan that works best for you.
