How To Find the Best Health Insurance in Idaho
 Written by Preston Micalizio Preston MicalizioPreston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing ... Read more |  Edited by Dan MarticioDan MarticioDan Marticio is the content manager at SmartFinancial and has written 150+ articles across multiple insurance verticals.... Read more |
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Exploring different plans from various carriers can help you find an Idaho health insurance option tailored to your needs and budget. While health insurance costs in the "Gem State" are often below the national average, comparing options can further maximize your savings and ensure you get the most suitable coverage.
Keep reading to learn more about Idaho health insurance, including the most affordable plans, quotes in different cities and the various kinds of health care available.
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Key Takeaways
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On This Page
Is Health Insurance Required in Idaho?
Idaho Health Insurance Rankings
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Idaho?
What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Idaho by City?
Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Idaho?
When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Idaho?
What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Idaho?
How To Get Health Insurance in Idaho
FAQs
Is Health Insurance Required in Idaho?
Health insurance is effectively optional in Idaho, as the state does not penalize residents for lacking coverage. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Americans who didn’t enroll in a plan with minimum essential health benefits previously faced a federal tax penalty. However, since 2018, this penalty has been reduced to $0.[1][2]
Idaho Health Insurance Rankings
The Commonwealth Fund ranked Idaho 23rd out of 51 in a state-by-state analysis of health care systems across the U.S. and Washington, D.C. Idaho scored 35th in prevention and treatment but achieved its highest ranking, fifth, in avoidable hospital use and cost. Overall, Idaho placed third among the five Rocky Mountain states, which include Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.[3]
Below is an overview of Idaho’s national rank in each of the dimensions analyzed by the Commonwealth Fund:[3]
|
Dimension |
National Rank |
|---|---|
|
Reproductive & Women’s Health |
22 |
|
Access & Affordability |
32 |
|
Prevention & Treatment |
35 |
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Avoidable Hospital Use & Cost |
5 |
|
Healthy Lives |
15 |
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Income Disparity |
15 |
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Racial & Ethnic Health Equity |
22 |
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Idaho?
Marketplace benchmark plans in Idaho cost $436 per month on average, which is less expensive than the nationwide average of $497 monthly. On average, Idaho residents pay a monthly premium of $307 for the lowest-cost bronze plan available in the state, $430 for the lowest-cost silver plan and $448 for the lowest-cost gold plan.[4]
Cheapest Health Insurance Options in Idaho
Bronze-tier health insurance plans from Idaho’s state-based Marketplace, Your Health Idaho, usually offer the lowest monthly premiums. Bronze plans are typically better suited for those who are healthy and don't anticipate requiring much medical care because they usually have lower premiums in exchange for higher out-of-pocket costs in the form of deductibles, copays and coinsurance.[5]
However, you might want to consider a gold or platinum plan if you expect to use medical services frequently throughout the year. These plans can save you money on out-of-pocket expenses but usually have higher monthly premiums.
Because health maintenance organization (HMO) plans often carry lower monthly payments than preferred provider organization (PPO) plans and other plan types, choosing one could result in additional savings. Keep in mind that HMOs usually provide fewer benefits than PPOs and, therefore, might not fit your needs. For instance, HMOs often do not cover non-emergency out-of-network care, and a referral from a primary care physician may be required to see a specialist.
What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Idaho by City?
On Idaho’s state-based Marketplace, Your Health Idaho, we reviewed plans across all metal tiers for 30-year-olds making $40,000 annually. Interestingly, the same plans were being offered in the zip codes we searched for Boise, Meridian, Nampa and Caldwell, giving us a median rate of $405.80. In Twin Falls, however, we found a slightly higher median rate of $409.78. These rates do not account for any premium tax credits.[6]
Which Health Insurance Companies Are the Most Affordable in Idaho?
Regence offers Idaho's most affordable health insurance plans in the silver tiers. Other insurance companies may offer better rates, depending on your income level, where you live and other factors. For example, in Boise, Meridian and Nampa, Moda offers cheaper rates.[7]
Below is an overview of Idaho health insurers with silver plan ranges that cost below $500 before premium tax credits for 40-year-old individuals.[7]
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Health Insurance Company |
Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
|
Regence |
$431 |
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$450 |
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St. Luke’s Health Plan |
$451 |
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Moda |
$464 |
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SelectHealth |
$473 |
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PacificSource Health Plans |
$474 |
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Blue Cross of Idaho |
$482 |
When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in Idaho?
Idaho residents seeking coverage can enroll in a health insurance plan on the Your Health Idaho website during the open enrollment period, which usually occurs from October 15 to December 15 but will instead last until December 16 in 2024.[8][9] After enrolling in your plan, your coverage will begin on January 1.[9]
If you missed the opportunity to select a plan during open enrollment, you may be able to enroll outside of the regular enrollment window if you experience a qualifying life event that triggers a special enrollment period. Special enrollment periods typically last 60 days prior to or following events like moving, getting married, having children or losing employer-sponsored major medical coverage.[10]
What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Idaho?
Some of the major types of medical insurance you can purchase in Idaho include the following:
- Marketplace health plans
- Short-term health plans
- Private health insurance coverage directly from health care providers
- Employer-sponsored group health insurance
- Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) continuation coverage
- Medicare
- Medicaid services
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits
- Student health plans
How To Get Health Insurance in Idaho
Comparing health insurance quotes from three to five providers can help you find a plan with the best rates to meet your needs. However, looking for insurance companies one by one can be tiresome and time-consuming.
Using an insurance marketplace such as SmartFinancial can speed up the procedure. Once you complete a brief questionnaire, we can connect you with a licensed insurance agent who can assist you in getting a cost-effective health plan. Click here to receive a free quote for an Idaho health insurance plan!
- Insurance quotes /
- Health /
- Idaho
Preston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing in various industries, from higher education to e-commerce. He strives to engage with the audience, provide accurate reporting and make complex subjects easily digestible.
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