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Kansas Health Insurance Companies
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Kansas Health Insurance Resources
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How to Get the Most Savings
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Kansas Health Insurance FAQS
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How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Kansas
Kansas Health Insurance Companies
The best insurance plan will look different for everyone. Fortunately, Kansas has several companies that offer a variety of plans, so you’re sure to find the right one for you. The two most popular insurance companies in your state are:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield has one of the largest networks of physicians, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals in the country, because it is one of the biggest national health insurance carriers. There are several plans available through this insurer, so it’s important to compare your options.
If you travel frequently, Blue Cross Blue Shield is a good option, because it offers both short- and long-term worldwide health insurance coverage. You also get access to their Blue365 network, which offers discounts on health and wellness products.
Cigna
In Kansas, Cigna provides a variety of health insurance plans, including ones with dental and vision benefits. Over 500,000 doctors and 8,000 hospitals make up its nationwide network.
Like other health insurance companies, Cigna offers wellness benefits, such as free gym memberships, to encourage users to maintain an active lifestyle.
Health Insurance Marketplace in Kansas
If you’re looking for health insurance in Kansas, the health insurance Marketplace is a great place to start. 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 in order to compare all options available.
Over half of the uninsured in Kansas who qualify for Marketplace insurance coverage could get a Bronze plan for FREE.
Kansas’ 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, though, both at the federal and the state level. Kansas’ guidelines surrounding these policies differ slightly from federal guidelines. In Kansas, you can purchase a short-term plan for an initial term of 365 days. You do have the option to renew, but you can only renew once, which gives you up to two years of coverage with your short-term plan. When your two years are up, you are allowed to purchase a new plan.
Kansas Health Insurance Resources
When it comes to health insurance, Kansas does not have a one-size-fits-all policy. To choose the best plan for you and your family without going over budget, it’s important that you understand your options. There are several resources available to help you make the right choice for you.
One option is to speak to your employer and see if you can enroll in your employer’s group plan. Although they’re not required to, most employers in Kansas offer health insurance to staff, and it’s often cheaper than buying a plan on your own. They can go over the plan options they have available, but coverage is typically limited.
Government-assisted programs are also another great resource if you don’t have access to an employer-based plan. Residents 65 or older, or adults of any age living with a disability may qualify for a low-cost plan from Medicare. Low-income individuals and families may also qualify for cheap or even free plans through the Medicaid program. There are certain requirements you have to meet to be eligible for these programs.
To make sure you make the right choice, working with an agent is the best way to go. Agents can compare all of your options on and off the Marketplace, and even find out if you qualify for any assistance programs. They can find you plans that both fit your budget and have the coverage you need.
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How to Get the Most Savings
Kansas is in the top 20 most expensive states when it comes to healthcare spending per capita. They rank 17th in the nation, with an average spending for an individual of $8,845 for a year. There are plenty of ways to help you save on your health insurance, though.
For example, health insurance companies look into your health when deciding your premium, so keeping your body mass index (BMI) in a healthy range and quitting smoking can make a big difference. The obesity rate in Kansas is 35.2%, and 15% of residents are smokers, so if you’re among these groups, you’re not alone! You just need to work on keeping yourself healthy to keep your premiums (and your healthcare costs) low.
The simplest way to save, though, is by working with an agent. EZ’s highly trained agents can save you hundreds of dollars a year on health insurance. We can help find plans that fit your budget and apply any discounts you qualify for. And best of all, our services are completely free and come with no obligations!
Kansas Health Insurance FAQS
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Does Kansas require you to have health insurance?
Kansas defers to Affordable Care Act laws for health insurance requirements. While federal law still says health insurance is required, there is no longer a tax penalty for not having coverage, and Kansas has not imposed any state mandates.
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What is the cheapest health insurance in Kansas?
The cheapest health plan will be a Bronze plan, which can start as low as $332 a month. Remember, though, health insurance plan prices can vary depending on age, zip code, gender, and other factors.
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How much does health insurance cost in Kansas?
The average monthly premium for health insurance in Kansas is $491, or $5,892 per year, with plans as low as $332 a month to as high as $1,260. But do not let these numbers scare you. More than half of uninsured people in Kansas qualify for a $0 Bronze plan and don’t even know it.
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Which insurance companies offer plans in Kansas?
The top 5 insurers in Kansas are BlueCross BlueShield of Kansas, Medica Insurance Company, Oscar Insurance Company, Ambetter from Sunflower Health Plan, and Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company.
How to Enroll in Health Insurance in Kansas
There are a few ways you can enroll in a health insurance plan in Kansas. You can use the Health Insurance Marketplace: Kansas does not have its own exchange, so it uses the federal exchange. You can shop on the exchange for plans from carriers in the state that participate in the exchange. You can also enroll directly on your preferred carrier’s website.
Enrolling through your employer is another option if they offer a plan; it’s usually as simple as selecting a plan and filling out some information for the group plan.
But whether you decide to enroll through the exchange, directly through an insurance company, or through your employer, an EZ agent can help! Our agents can help you through the enrollment process, as well as help you compare plans to make sure you’re making the right choice. We can answer any questions you might have, as well as find any discounts or programs you qualify for. Enrolling in health insurance can be frustrating, so let an EZ agent put your mind at ease and get you the coverage you need.
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.
