Kansas Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in Kansas

Kansas has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, despite legislative attempts. The state uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. Kansas has a significant rural population with limited marketplace insurer options in some counties. The lack of Medicaid expansion means many low-income working Kansans fall into a coverage gap.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Kansas

Marketplace Enrollment in Kansas

Kansas residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov (Federal). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace).

Average Premiums by City in Kansas

Medicaid in Kansas

Kansas has not expanded Medicaid. Traditional Medicaid KanCare covers very limited categories. Adults without children generally do not qualify regardless of income.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in Kansas

HealthWave covers children under 19 in families with incomes up to 238% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes Kansas Unique

Kansas is one of the few remaining states without Medicaid expansion, despite its governor supporting expansion. Legislative opposition has blocked expansion, leaving an estimated 130,000 Kansans in the coverage gap. Kansas has repeatedly come close to expansion but faced legislative barriers, making it a recurring policy debate in the state.

ACA Subsidies: What Kansas Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

Kansas’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

Kansas residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. Full-price premiums rose about 26.6% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 6 insurers sold plans for 2026; Medica is leaving for 2027, so its enrollees need to choose a new plan.

About 193,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 89% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $80 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in Kansas

Kansas has not expanded Medicaid, so non-disabled adults below 100% FPL generally have neither KanCare nor marketplace credits. Above 100% FPL, Kansas enrollees received large credits — averaging about $697 a month in 2026 — and 29% paid under $10. Medica exits for 2027, so its enrollees must choose a new plan.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in Kansas

Kansas residents in the coverage gap (below poverty level, not qualifying for marketplace subsidies due to non-expansion) should check whether they qualify for KanCare Medicaid under traditional eligibility rules. Those earning 100%+ of the federal poverty level should check HealthCare.gov for subsidy eligibility. HealthWave provides children's coverage.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.
• Kansas has not expanded Medicaid, so if your income falls below the federal poverty level you may fall into the coverage gap — a community health center or sliding-scale clinic can serve as a bridge until your income qualifies for marketplace subsidies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the Kansas marketplace for 2027?

Medica is leaving for 2027. Enrollees with that insurer should choose a new plan during open enrollment; an automatic replacement may have a different network or drug list.

When is open enrollment in Kansas for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

How much do Kansas marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 89% of Kansas enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $80 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official HealthCare.gov (Federal) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.