Health insurance in the US costs $450–$650/month for an individual on the marketplace before subsidies — but costs vary dramatically by state. Here’s what you’ll pay across the country.
Average Monthly Premium by State (Benchmark Silver Plan, Individual)
| State | Monthly Premium | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $500 | $6,000 |
| Alaska | $750 | $9,000 |
| Arizona | $450 | $5,400 |
| California | $500 | $6,000 |
| Colorado | $480 | $5,760 |
| Connecticut | $550 | $6,600 |
| Florida | $550 | $6,600 |
| Georgia | $520 | $6,240 |
| Illinois | $480 | $5,760 |
| Maryland | $400 | $4,800 |
| Massachusetts | $450 | $5,400 |
| Michigan | $450 | $5,400 |
| Minnesota | $380 | $4,560 |
| New Hampshire | $370 | $4,440 |
| New Jersey | $520 | $6,240 |
| New York | $600 | $7,200 |
| North Carolina | $530 | $6,360 |
| Ohio | $460 | $5,520 |
| Pennsylvania | $470 | $5,640 |
| Texas | $520 | $6,240 |
| Virginia | $460 | $5,520 |
| Washington | $480 | $5,760 |
| West Virginia | $700 | $8,400 |
| Wyoming | $720 | $8,640 |
Premiums are for a 40-year-old non-smoker, pre-subsidy. Your cost may be significantly lower with ACA subsidies.
The difference between the cheapest and most expensive states is striking — New Hampshire ($370/month) costs roughly half of Alaska ($750/month). Rural states with fewer insurance providers tend to have higher premiums due to less competition. States that expanded Medicaid generally have lower marketplace premiums because the risk pool is healthier.
These premiums represent one of the largest monthly expenses for Americans who don’t get employer-sponsored coverage. For context, health insurance alone can consume 8-15% of average income for a single person.
Average Cost by Coverage Type
The method you get insurance through has a dramatic impact on what you pay. Employer-sponsored plans are subsidized by employers (who cover about 75-80% of the total premium), making them far cheaper than marketplace or COBRA plans:
| Coverage Type | Individual | Couple | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketplace (pre-subsidy) | $500–$650 | $1,000–$1,300 | $1,400–$1,800 |
| Marketplace (after avg. subsidy) | $100–$250 | $200–$500 | $300–$700 |
| Employer plan (employee share) | $130–$200 | $300–$450 | $500–$700 |
| Employer plan (total cost) | $650–$800 | $1,300–$1,600 | $1,800–$2,400 |
| COBRA | $700–$900 | $1,400–$1,800 | $2,000–$2,600 |
| Short-term plan | $100–$200 | $200–$400 | $300–$600 |
Sources
- Social Security Administration. “Benefits and Eligibility Information.” ssa.gov/benefits
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Medicare Program Information.” medicare.gov
ACA Subsidies: What You’ll Actually Pay
| Household Income (Single) | % of Income Cap | Monthly Cap |
|---|---|---|
| $15,000 (100% FPL) | 0% | $0 |
| $22,000 (150% FPL) | 2% | $37 |
| $30,000 (~200% FPL) | 4% | $100 |
| $40,000 (~265% FPL) | 6% | $200 |
| $55,000 (~365% FPL) | 8.5% | $390 |
| $60,000+ (400%+ FPL) | 8.5% cap | Varies |
Enhanced subsidies from ACA expansion remain in effect through 2025; check current status for 2026.
How to Reduce Health Insurance Costs
| Strategy | Potential Savings |
|---|---|
| Use ACA marketplace (check subsidy) | $200–$500/month |
| Choose a higher deductible plan (HDHP) | $50–$150/month lower premium |
| Pair HDHP with HSA | Triple tax benefit on healthcare spending |
| Compare plans during open enrollment | 10–30% variation between similar plans |
| See if you qualify for Medicaid | Free coverage if income-eligible |
| Check spouse’s employer plan | Often cheaper than individual marketplace |
Bottom Line
Always check the ACA marketplace before buying private insurance — subsidies reduce costs dramatically for most Americans. A family earning $60,000 might pay $300–$400/month instead of $1,500+. Use healthcare.gov during open enrollment (November–January) to see your actual cost. If you’re healthy and want lower premiums, pair an HDHP with an HSA for triple tax savings.
See our Medicare Part D guide or average dental costs for more healthcare cost information.
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