Kansas Health Insurance: 2023 Coverage Guide

Kansas Affordable Healthcare Insurance

It’s important to understand the differences and similarities between plans. It’s a good idea to know if you want an HMO or PPO, if you’re buying an individual or family plan, and we have some information for you to consider which will make shopping much easier. First, make sure to buy health insurance during the open enrollment period. 

When Is Open Enrollment in Kansas?

November 1, 2022 – January 15, 2023

How to Get Health Insurance in Kansas

Before you decide on a health plan based on the monthly cost alone, it’s a good idea to have a projection of healthcare costs for the following year. You can estimate it based on the previous year. So, look at all the copays and prescription medication costs. How high was your deductible? Did you have a PPO or HMO? You’ll need this vital information to decide which type of coverage is right for you for this year. Consider the tiered plan you had before. Would more coverage have saved you money even though the monthly cost was higher? It’s a good idea to dig a little deeper to see.

You’ll next want to compare health insurance companies and health insurance quotes. When you click on this last link, you’ll be asked to fill out a short form. In minutes, you’ll get several competing health insurance rates to choose from. We’ll also pair you with an agent in your area so you can buy a plan or ask questions if you still feel confused.

What Types of Health Insurance Are Available in Kansas?

HMOs, EPOs, PPOs and POS plans are the most commonly purchased plans in Kansas. People also buy a catastrophic plans and short-term plans. But most marketplace plans in Kansas have different coverage tiers: bronze (60% coverage), silver (70% coverage), gold (80% coverage) and platinum (90% coverage). So you see here why a higher tier costs more. It covers more, and may save you money if you frequently see care providers.

Does Health Insurance Cover Pre-existing Conditions?

It is illegal for marketplace health plans to deny anyone health insurance coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Compare Health Insurance Plans in Kansas

Do I Qualify for a Special Enrollment Period?

Common reasons people qualify for a special enrollment period:

• If you have no health insurance because you lost or quit a job or switched jobs but weren’t offered health insurance. You’re also eligible if you started your own business.
• If you lost coverage because you turned 26 and couldn’t stay on your parent’s health insurance plan, you can buy a new plan.
• If you move residences and lose coverage because your address is not in the coverage zone, you can buy a new plan.
• If you lost coverage after your Cobra extension ended, you can buy a new plan.
• If you got a divorce and lost shared health coverage, you can buy a new plan.
• If you get married, you can have separate individual plans, share coverage or buy a new plan together.
• Birth or adoption of a child allows you one year to sign up for new health insurance for that child.
• Death of spouse or partner. If you were covered under your spouse or partner’s health plan but that person passed away, you can take advantage of the special qualifying events exception to enroll in an individual plan.
• Spouse of partner loses coverage. If you previously had health insurance through a partner or spouse who lost his/her coverage for any qualifying reason, you are eligible to buy an individual plan or buy coverage with that spouse/partner again.

Is Health Insurance Required in Kansas?

No, only California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, and DC still require health insurance. Otherwise, there is a tax penalty. Even though it’s not required in every state, buying health insurance is necessary to avoid medical bankruptcy.

How Much Is Health Insurance in Kansas?

The average cost of health insurance in Kansas for a 40 year old is about $517 a month. Health insurance is less expensive, the younger you are. Tobacco use increases health insurance rates.

How to Save on Health Insurance in Kansas

The only way to save on health insurance is to compare rates based on the tier system. Don’t compare a bronze price with another plan’s platinum price. Make sure you have a projection of next year’s medical costs before you buy it.

Medicare in Kansas

Medicare is health insurance coverage for Americans ages 65 years and older. The government also allows younger people with disabilities to enroll in the program. Individuals with End-Stage Renal Disease (a permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant) can also sign up as can some individuals with severe mental health issues. Others who qualify for Medicare disability coverage are individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Most beneficiaries will receive Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Some people buy Medicare Advantage, which includes Part A and B as well as offering vision, dental and prescription drug coverage.

How Many People Are on Medicare in Kansas?

18% of the people in Kansas are on Medicare.

How Much Is Medicare in Kansas?

If you do not qualify for Medicare, you can buy it for $499 a month for Part A in 2022 and a standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B was $170.10, or even higher depending on income. .

Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

Medicare is a government subsidized health plan that is available to qualified Americans age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is sold through private health insurance companies, but these policies are also regulated by the government. Medicare Advantage plans offer the same benefits as Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare Advantage plans also offer more coverage for dental, vision, hearing and prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans have a maximum out-of-pocket limit. For 2022, it was $7,550 but many plans set their maximums at a much lower cost. That is why it’s important to compare companies. People who opt for original Medicare can buy Medicare Supplements to help with out-of-pocket costs. You cannot buy both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplements. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during open enrollment, you will automatically be disenrolled from original Medicare.

How to Get Medicare Coverage in Kansas

If you receive social security payments, you may automatically enroll in Medicare, but you may have to sign up if you do not receive payments. The easiest way to enroll in Medicare is by working with a trusted insurance agent to get the coverages you want. Just enter your zip code and answer a few simple questions.

Types of Medicare Plans Available

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Cost Plans (only offered in certain areas), Demonstration/Pilot Programs (also called Research Studies; only offered in certain areas) and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

How Do I Qualify for Medicare?

To qualify for Medicare you must be a citizen of the U.S. or have been a legal resident for at least five years. If you are age 65 or older and you/your spouse have worked for at least 10 years (40 quarters) or you have a disability, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), you most likely qualify for Medicare.

How Can I Save on Medicare in Kansas?

You can save on Medicare by signing up for Part B as soon as you’re eligible. People who enroll late must pay a penalty every year. If you’re interested in buying Medicare Advantage, you can shop and compare Medicare plans for the best value.

Kansas State Health System Ranking

Ever wonder how your state stacks up when it comes to quality healthcare? The Commonwealth Fund published a report in 2020 on State Health System Performance. They took into consideration the access to quality care, health outcomes, and disparities in all 50 states. The scores for the Kansas Health System are listed below:

• Kansas: Overall Ranking: 34 of 51
• Kansas: Overall Performance: Below U.S. Average
• Kansas: Access and Affordability: 22
• Kansas: Prevention and Treatment: 27
• Kansas: Avoidable Hospital Use and Cost: 29
• Kansas: Healthy Lives: 34
• Kansas: Health Care Disparities: 34

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Kansas Health Insurance Coverage

The people of Kansas have different kinds of health insurance while some Kansas residents are not insured at all. See the breakdown below:

• Private coverage: 58%
• Medicaid: 14%
• Medicare: 18%
• Uninsured: 10%

Report: America's Health Insurance Plans

Kansas Health Insurance Companies

• Aetna Health Inc. (Pennsylvania) - Missouri
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Good Health HMO, Inc.
• Coventry Health Care of Kansas, Inc.
• Humana Health Plan, Inc. (Kansas City)
• Humana Insurance Company (KS, MO)
• Aetna Life Insurance Company (Kansas)
• Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company - Kansas
• Connecticut General Life Insurance Company - Kansas
• Coventry Health and Life Insurance Company (Kansas)
• United Healthcare Services, Inc. (Kansas)
• UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (Kansas)
• Cigna HealthCare Of St. Louis, Inc.
• Medica Insurance Company (Kansas)
• UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans Services, LLC
• UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest, Inc.
• Compass Rose Health Plan