How Much is Health Insurance for a Family of 4? [2024 Planning Guide]

Keeping your family safe, healthy, and financially secure is a priority for most. 

Paying too much for health insurance can significantly impact your monthly expenses and take away from other essential things. 

How do you know if you are overpaying for health coverage?

This blog will look at the average cost of family health insurance plans. The information found here will help you make an informed decision, so you can protect your loved ones without breaking the bank.

How Much is Family Health Insurance – Updated 2024 Considerations

When planning for family health insurance, it’s important to understand how the cost of your policy is determined. 

There are a few key factors that directly impact your monthly premiums. 

1. Coverage options. The level of coverage you choose—be Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze—affects your premiums. Opting for plans that have lower deductibles, or adding dental or vision care, will naturally lead to higher premiums. This decision should align with your family’s healthcare needs and financial capacity.

2. The age of family members. Insurance premiums are age-sensitive, meaning the older the members of your policy, especially the primary policyholder, the more you’re likely to pay. This reflects the increased risk and potential for higher healthcare costs associated with aging.

3. Geographical location. Factors like the cost of living, state-specific regulations, and the level of competition among insurers in your area can cause premiums to vary. Where you live can have a considerable impact on how much you pay for health insurance.

4. The number of family members on the policy. Adding members to your policy increases the cost. However, many insurance providers offer scaled rates, meaning the cost for adding additional members may not be as steep as for the initial ones. This can make family plans more economical on a per-person basis compared to individual policies.

These factors combined with the level of federal subsidy you’re eligible for and potential employer contributions (for group coverage), frame the overall cost of your family health insurance in 2024. 

Balancing these factors with your family’s healthcare needs and budget will guide you in making the most informed and cost-effective insurance decisions.

What is the Cheapest Health Insurance for Families?

 If you’re looking for affordable family health insurance, here’s a straightforward guide to help you find the right plan.

 Bronze Plans

These are the most budget-friendly options in terms of monthly premiums.

They cover about 60% of your healthcare costs, meaning you’ll pay around 40% out of pocket. These plans are a good choice if you want to keep your monthly expenses low and are comfortable with a higher deductible.

If a person whose income falls below 250 percent of the poverty line opts for a bronze plan instead of a silver plan, they will not qualify for cost-sharing reductions.

Silver Plans

With the introduction of expanded federal subsidies, Silver plans have become an attractive option for many families. 

They strike a balance between premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses, covering approximately 70% of healthcare costs. This means you’re responsible for about 30%. 

For some families, especially those qualifying for extra savings, Silver plans can cost as little as $0 per month.

For the Silver plan, which typically covers about 70%, it’s crucial to note that the coverage percentage will be significantly higher if you qualify for cost-sharing reductions due to an income below 250% of the federal poverty level.

Keep in mind that if you are eligible for cost-sharing reductions, your deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses are reduced. This effectively transforms the Silver plan for most individuals, making it comparable to a Gold or Platinum plan in terms of coverage.

Medicaid & CHIP

Depending on your household income, you might qualify for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

These programs offer significant savings and are designed to provide comprehensive coverage for families with limited income.

The key takeaway here is to choose a plan based on your family’s healthcare needs and financial situation. 

Bronze plans are great for keeping monthly costs down, while Silver plans offer a middle ground with potentially more savings due to subsidies and will be the best value for those who qualify for cost sharing reductions. 

Don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for Medicaid or CHIP for even more affordable options.

 Also see: What are the Best Family Health Plans for 2024? [Family Financial Planning Guide]

 Ways Your Family Can Save 

Saving on family health insurance doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are two straightforward ways to save:

1. Get help from the government: If your household income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line, you may be eligible for tax credit subsidy.

This help comes from something called the Advanced Premium Tax Credit. If you choose a Silver plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, and your insurance premiums are more than 8.5% of your income.

In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expanded ACA subsidies and removed the cap on household income. 

This means that individuals who do not have access to more affordable health insurance and whose premiums are more than 8.5% of their income are eligible for subsidies. 

2. Pick a plan with a high deductible and use a Health Savings Account (HSA): If you choose a plan where you pay more before your insurance starts paying (a high deductible), you can pair it with a special savings account called a Health Savings Accounts.

HSAs are accounts used to pay for medical expenses. They help you save money because the money you put in and take out for medical expenses are either tax-free or tax-deductible. 

By looking into these options, you can find ways to make health insurance more affordable for your family.

A Low-Cost Alternative to Health Insurance for Families: Health Sharing Plans

For families who cannot afford traditional health insurance, health sharing plans are an affordable alternative. 

While these plans are not insurance, they operate on a principle of mutual aid, pooling resources to cover significant or emergency medical expenses. It’s a way to ensure protection for your family without the hefty premiums of conventional insurance.

Before you enroll in a health sharing plan, you may also want to consult with one of our Personal Benefits Managers. We’ll make sure you understand the options that are available for your budget, and the pros and cons of each, so you can make the best decision. (Schedule a no-cost appointment now).

Simplifying Your Search for Affordable Health Coverage

Finding affordable health insurance for your family can be overwhelming. 

But at HSA For America, we ease that burden and ensure you get the best coverage without stretching your budget. 

From helping you tap into government subsidies to picking the perfect high-deductible plan paired with a Health Savings Account, we’re here with the expertise and support you need. 

Trust us to make sure your family’s health insurance is comprehensive, cost-effective, and just right for you.

Compare Pricing on the Best Insurance Plans Available

How Much is Health Insurance?: Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

Q: What’s the average health insurance cost for a family of 4?

A: The 2023 average premium for non-subsidized health insurance for a family of 4 was $1,437 per month, so you can expect the premiums in 2024 to be higher. 

However, this cost varies greatly by plan type and provider. Many more families are now qualifying for health insurance subsidies that make their plans more affordable.  

Q: Is health insurance for families more expensive?

A: Family health insurance is more expensive than individual coverage, and the total cost depends on the number of people that are being covered.

The cost of a family plan is significantly better than individual plans for each family member.

Q: Do family insurance plans have a single deductible?

A: Yes, health insurance plans for families usually have a single deductible that must be met for the year.

Q: How much does Obamacare cost for a family of 4?

A: The cost of an ACA family health insurance plan depends on the level of subsidy that the household qualifies for. 

Or, in the case of employer-sponsored plans, it will depend on the total value of the employee contribution. Your location and preferred level of coverage are also factors in the monthly cost.

Q: Is there a difference in deductibles for family plans?

A: Family plans have deductibles that are about twice as high as individual plans on average. The out-of-pocket maximum is also usually doubled.

Q: Can adding adult children to a family health insurance plan save money?

A: Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until they turn 26, regardless of their marital status, living situation, or financial independence. 

This provision can offer significant savings for families, as it may be more cost-effective than the young adult obtaining an individual plan, especially if the family is already paying for a family plan. 

 However, it’s important to compare the costs and coverage benefits, as adding a family member could increase the overall premium or change the plan’s benefits and deductible structure. 

How to Sign up Now

The Open Enrollment period for marketplace health insurance plans lasts from November 1 until January 15th in most states.

If you are reading this outside of that time period, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you moved, got married, had a baby, or earn less than 150% of the federal poverty rate.

You can also sign up for a health sharing plan any time of year.

One of our Personal Benefits Managers can help you evaluate your options. Click here to schedule a free consultation.

Here are some additional articles related to this article: Is Health Sharing Tax Deductible? – Updated for 2024 | What are the Best Family Health Plans for 2024 ? [Family Financial Planning Guide] | How Health Insurance Subsidies Work | How to Get Out of the Health Insurance Scam

And here are some additional pages related to this article: All You Need To Know About Healthshare Plans | How Smart Consumers are Opting Out of Obamacare and Slashing Their Costs by Joining Healthshare Programs Instead!