Network type: Insurance plans can limit you to a certain network of doctors and medical facilities. A Health Management Organization (HMO) is the most restrictive plan since you can only see doctors within the network, and you need a referral to consult with a specialist. By contrast, a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) offers more flexibility and won’t require referrals. Because of that flexibility, PPO plans tend to be more expensive. “Network has a significant impact on the premium, and this is very important in rural areas where certain providers or facilities can be hours away,” said Baker. “Generally, a thinner network, like an HMO, can save you in monthly premiums, but you will have to decide if that network will meet your health care needs.”, Health insurance costs about $7,000 a year on average for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plan, based on our analysis. The cost of health insurance in the ACA marketplace at HealthCare , Enter your ZIP code and answer a few questions about your estimated income and household members. Get help estimating your income. You'll find health insurance plans with estimated prices available to you. Premium estimates show any savings you qualify for based on the basic information you entered. The actual Marketplace application asks for more details. You’ll get exact prices after you .