Health Insurance & Medical Costs by State
Practical ranges and plain-language guides for health insurance premiums, ACA marketplace plans, and medical procedure costs across the United States.
📋 Trusted Official Resources
All information on this site is compiled from authoritative government and research sources. We recommend verifying specific costs and eligibility through these official resources:
Important: Cost ranges shown on this site are illustrative estimates based on recent data. Actual premiums and costs vary by age, location, income, and plan selection. Always verify through official marketplaces for personalized quotes.
10
States Covered (Expanding)
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What You'll Find Here
Health Insurance Costs
- • Single, couple, and family coverage costs
- • Monthly premium ranges by state
- • Plan tier comparisons (Bronze, Silver, Gold)
- • Ways to reduce your premiums
ACA Marketplace Info
- • Income limits for subsidies
- • Illustrative subsidy examples
- • State vs federal marketplace details
- • Enrollment periods and deadlines
Medical Procedure Costs
- • MRI scan costs without insurance
- • Emergency room visit prices
- • CT scan cost ranges
- • Cash pay vs insurance pricing
State-Specific Guides
- • Local marketplace information
- • Major cities cost variations
- • State program details
- • Regional healthcare resources
Select Your State
Click on any state below to see detailed health insurance costs, ACA marketplace information, and medical procedure prices for your area.
📚 In-Depth Healthcare Guides
Our expert-written guides help you navigate the complex U.S. healthcare system with confidence.
Health Insurance 101
Complete beginner's guide to understanding deductibles, premiums, copays, networks, and how to choose the right plan.
Read the guide →Save Money on Healthcare
Practical strategies to reduce medical bills, find affordable prescriptions, and negotiate with providers.
Read the guide →Health Insurance Glossary
40+ healthcare and insurance terms explained in plain English with real-world examples.
View glossary →📰 Latest Insights & Research
Stay informed with our original research, real consumer stories, and regularly updated healthcare tips.
Healthcare Cost Blog
Expert tips, industry news, and practical advice on navigating healthcare costs. Updated regularly.
Read the blog →Original Research
Data-driven analysis of healthcare pricing trends, insurance markets, and cost disparities across states.
View research →Real Savings Stories
Learn from consumers who saved thousands on healthcare through research, negotiation, and smart choices.
Read stories →Understanding Healthcare Costs in America
The U.S. healthcare system is notoriously complex, with prices that vary dramatically based on where you live, where you receive care, and whether you have insurance. According to the Health Care Cost Institute, prices for the same medical procedure can vary by 500% or more even within the same city.
Why Healthcare Prices Vary So Much
Several factors contribute to the wide variation in healthcare costs:
- Facility Type: Hospital-based services typically cost 2-4x more than independent clinics or imaging centers for the same procedure.
- Geographic Location: Healthcare costs in major metropolitan areas are often 30-50% higher than rural regions, though rural areas may have fewer options.
- Insurance Negotiated Rates: Insurers negotiate different rates with different providers. The same service might cost significantly more or less depending on your specific plan.
- Chargemaster Prices vs. Actual Costs: The "list price" for hospital services (chargemaster rates) are often 3-10x higher than what insured patients or Medicare actually pays.
How the ACA Marketplace Works
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) created health insurance marketplaces where individuals and families can shop for coverage. Key features include:
- Premium Tax Credits: If your household income is between 100-400% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $15,060 - $60,240 for individuals in 2025), you likely qualify for subsidies that reduce your monthly premium.
- Metal Tiers: Plans are categorized as Bronze (60% coverage), Silver (70%), Gold (80%), or Platinum (90%), indicating the average percentage of healthcare costs the plan covers.
- Essential Health Benefits: All ACA plans must cover 10 essential benefits including hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity care, and mental health services.
- No Pre-existing Condition Exclusions: Insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more based on your health history.
Tips for Reducing Your Healthcare Costs
Check Subsidy Eligibility
Many people don't realize they qualify for ACA subsidies. Use the official calculator at HealthCare.gov to estimate your savings.
Shop for Imaging Services
Independent imaging centers often charge 50-70% less than hospitals for MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays.
Ask for Cash Pay Prices
Many providers offer significant discounts (20-60%) for cash payment upfront, sometimes even lower than insured rates.
Review Your Plan Annually
Insurance plans change yearly. Check during Open Enrollment if your current plan is still the best option.
Why Use USHealthCosts.com?
📊 Data-Driven Research
All cost ranges are calculated from CMS public files, state insurance filings, and hospital transparency data—not anecdotes.
🏥 State-Specific Guides
Healthcare is local. Our guides account for state marketplaces, regional carriers, and local cost variation.
✓ Independent & Unbiased
We don't sell insurance or accept sponsored content. Our only goal is helping you understand healthcare costs.
Learn more about our research process:Methodology |Editorial Team |About Us
Our Information Sources
All cost ranges and insurance information on this site are compiled from official government sources and authoritative healthcare research organizations:
Sources & Disclaimer
Sources:
- HealthCare.gov — Official ACA marketplace information and plan data
- CMS Public Use Files — Federal marketplace enrollment and premium data
- KFF Health Reform Analysis — Independent analysis of marketplace premium trends
Last Updated: January 2026
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only. Actual costs vary based on individual circumstances, location, age, plan selection, and other factors. Always verify current information with official sources or licensed professionals. This site does not sell insurance or provide medical advice and is not affiliated with any insurance company or healthcare provider.
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⚠️ Important Information
The information on USHealthCosts.com is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, insurance, or financial advice. All cost figures are estimates based on available data and may not reflect your actual costs.
Always: Consult licensed insurance agents for personalized recommendations, verify costs with your healthcare provider before treatment, and use official marketplaces (HealthCare.gov or your state exchange) for accurate subsidy calculations.