Your Guide to Idaho Health Insurance
Before we jump right into Idaho health insurance and everything you need to know, let’s start with a little background information. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a “Obamacare” or ACA) was passed with the goal of getting all Americans access to affordable health insurance. To meet this goal, one measure Obamacare took was to create the ACA health insurance marketplaces, or health exchanges: one-stop shops where Americans can choose from a range of standardized, government-regulated health care plans. Health exchanges are also where eligible people can get subsidies, which lower the cost of their health plans.
States were given the option to run their own local exchange, take part in a multi-state exchange, or use the federal exchange. States that run their own exchanges get to customize many elements, including the time frame during which their residents can sign up for a plan. Several states decided to operate their own state exchanges and continue to do so to this day. Idaho is one of those states.
Want to compare Idaho health plans? Start by entering your zip code below.
Idaho’s Health Insurance Landscape
The Idaho health insurance exchange is called Your Health Idaho. Before the ACA, 16.9% of Idahoans were uninsured. Since the introduction of Your Health Idaho, the percent of Idahoans without health insurance has dropped to 10.5%. Over 79 thousand people enrolled for health insurance through Your Health Idaho for 2021.
The Idaho Health Insurance Exchange
With Your Health Idaho, eligible people throughout the state can find subsidized ACA plans. Open Enrollment for 2022 in Idaho runs from November 1, 2021 to December 15, 2021, with coverage starting January 1, 2022.
Your Health Idaho offers extended bronze plans, which are designed to cover 65% of your health care costs, rather than the 60% of typical bronze plans. Extended bronze plans are a great option for consumers who aren’t subsidy eligible and can’t afford more expensive silver plans, but want still better benefits than the typical bronze plan.
Like all other state exchanges, each plan on Your Health Idaho covers 10 essential health benefits. These include things like prescription coverage, maternity and mental health care, and laboratory services.
Buying insurance with Your Health Idaho involves four steps:
1. Create an account on Your Health Idaho
2. Complete the online application form
3. Compare your options
4. Select your plan and enroll
In true health insurance fashion, each of these steps can be trickier than you expect. Many people need help navigating the website, estimating their income, figuring out if they are eligible for subsidies, and understanding what documents are needed for proof of income, citizenship, or identity. Luckily, you can find a Certified Enrollment Counselor near you to help with your application!
Your Health Idaho’s Intricacies: What You Need to Know for 2022
In 2021, five insurers offered health plans on Your Health Idaho, and it’s likely they’ll all continue to do so. These five carriers include:
Blue Cross of Idaho
Mountain Health CO-OP
PacificSource
SelectHealth
Regence BlueShield of Idaho
With this many insurers in Idaho, residents have a pretty good selection when choosing a plan.
In 2021, health plan rates in Idaho increased by an average of just 1%. That’s a much smaller increase than past years, and it’s likely that rate increases will be small again in 2020. Of course, the amount by your rates will change depends on where in Idaho you live and what plan you choose.
While rate increases may seem scary, most health insurance shoppers can generally avoid rate increases entirely by switching to the cheapest plan within their metal tier. Not to mention, many people qualify for a health insurance subsidy, which can help make your plan more affordable.
If you live in Idaho, the Open Enrollment (the time of year when you can enroll in a new health plan) is here. Be sure to find your most affordable plan, and you’ll be well on your way for smarter, better savings all year long. And don’t forget—if you need help finding a subsidy or picking a plan, our experts are here to help! Start by entering your zip code below.