What is the average cost of health insurance in Herriman, Utah?

While exact costs vary by age, income, and plan, a 40-year-old in Herriman could expect to pay around $470-$600 per month for a Bronze plan before subsidies, or $600-$800 for a Silver plan. Subsidies significantly reduce these costs for most eligible individuals and families.

Can I get a PPO plan on HealthCare.gov in Utah?

No, PPO plans are not available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Utah. Shoppers in Herriman and across Utah will find HMO and EPO plans as their primary options for subsidy-eligible coverage. PPOs may be available off-exchange without subsidies.

Do I qualify for Utah Medicaid if I lose my job?

Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020. If your household income falls below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level after losing your job, you may qualify for Utah Medicaid. For example, a single adult earning less than approximately $20,780 annually could be eligible.

Is losing my job a qualifying life event for a Special Enrollment Period?

Yes, losing your job and your employer-sponsored health coverage is a qualifying life event (QLE) that triggers a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This allows you to enroll in a new health plan on HealthCare.gov outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period, typically giving you 60 days from the date of coverage loss.

Updated July 2026 · UtahPlanFinder.com — Licensed Health Insurance Producer (NPN #21249133)

COBRA Alternatives: Health Insurance Options in Herriman, Utah

Losing employer-sponsored coverage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), triggering a 60-day Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to enroll in a new plan on HealthCare.gov.
Herriman residents can access subsidies on HealthCare.gov that significantly reduce monthly premiums, often making plans much more affordable than COBRA.
Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, meaning adults with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level may qualify for comprehensive, low-cost coverage.
In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Salt Lake County, providing a range of HMO and EPO options.

If you've recently lost your job or experienced another event that ended your employer-sponsored health insurance, you might be considering COBRA. While COBRA allows you to keep your existing group plan, it can be prohibitively expensive, often requiring you to pay the full premium plus an administrative fee, totaling 102% of the plan's cost. For residents of Herriman, Utah, several more affordable and flexible health insurance alternatives exist, primarily through HealthCare.gov, Utah Medicaid, or private off-marketplace plans. Understanding these options can help you maintain continuous coverage without the high cost of COBRA.

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Why Consider Alternatives to COBRA in Herriman?

COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) offers a temporary continuation of group health coverage. While it provides continuity, its main drawback is cost. When you were employed, your employer likely paid a significant portion of your premium. With COBRA, you become responsible for the entire premium, which can easily be hundreds or even over a thousand dollars per month. For many Herriman individuals and families, particularly those experiencing a reduction in income, COBRA's cost is simply unsustainable. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace on HealthCare.gov offers a direct alternative with potential financial assistance. Losing your job and your health coverage is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) that allows you to enroll in a new plan through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), even outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. This SEP typically lasts for 60 days from the date your prior coverage ended.

Explore Affordable Care Act (ACA) Plans on HealthCare.gov

The primary alternative to COBRA for most Herriman residents is an ACA plan purchased through HealthCare.gov. These plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, reflecting the balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Understanding ACA Plan Tiers and Costs

Metal Tier	Average Deductible (Individual)	You Pay (Out-of-Pocket Maximum)	Premium vs. Cost-Sharing
Bronze	$6,000 - $8,000+	Highest ($9,450 for 2024)	Lowest monthly premium, highest costs when you need care. Best for minimal healthcare users or emergencies.
Silver	$3,000 - $6,000	Moderate ($9,450 for 2024)	Moderate premiums, better cost-sharing. Essential for those eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs).
Gold	$0 - $2,000	Lower ($9,450 for 2024)	Highest monthly premium, lowest costs when you need care. Good for those with chronic conditions or frequent medical needs.

Note: Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are estimates and vary by specific plan. The 2024 out-of-pocket maximum is used as an example; this figure is subject to change annually.

Subsidies and Cost Savings in Herriman

A major advantage of ACA plans over COBRA is the availability of financial assistance. Most Herriman residents who enroll through HealthCare.gov will qualify for premium tax credits, which directly reduce their monthly premiums. These subsidies are available to individuals and families with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In 2024, 400% FPL for a single person is approximately $58,320 annually. Additionally, those with incomes below 250% FPL may qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) if they choose a Silver plan. CSRs reduce your deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums, making Silver plans a much better value than unsubsidized Gold plans for eligible individuals.

Utah Medicaid: Comprehensive Coverage for Lower Incomes

Unlike some states, Utah expanded its Medicaid program in 2020 via a ballot initiative. This means that adults in Herriman with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for Utah Medicaid. For a single individual, this threshold is approximately $20,780 annually (2024 FPL). Utah Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage with little to no out-of-pocket costs, making it a critical safety net if your income drops significantly after losing your job. For pregnant women, Utah Medicaid covers those with income up to 144% FPL, providing essential prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Children in Herriman can also qualify for Utah CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) with household incomes up to 200% FPL. You can apply for Utah Medicaid through the state's Medicaid portal at medicaid.utah.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in Herriman

Residents of Herriman, located in Salt Lake County, are part of Utah Rating Area 3. This rating area also covers Davis, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties. In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, providing a competitive selection of options. The confirmed carriers for Herriman and Rating Area 3 for the 2026 plan year include:

BridgeSpan Health Company
Imperial Health Plan of Utah
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
Select Health
University of Utah Health Plans

These carriers primarily offer Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans on HealthCare.gov. It is important to note that PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah, so your choice of network structure will be between HMO and EPO.

Choosing the Right Plan After Losing Coverage

Deciding on the best COBRA alternative depends on your specific financial situation and healthcare needs. Consider these factors:

Your Income Level: If your income is below 138% FPL, Utah Medicaid is likely your best and most affordable option. If your income is higher but still within subsidy limits (up to 400% FPL), ACA plans on HealthCare.gov will be significantly cheaper than COBRA.
Healthcare Needs: If you anticipate frequent doctor visits or require ongoing prescriptions, a Gold plan (with higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs) or a Silver plan with CSRs might be suitable. For minimal healthcare usage, a Bronze plan offers the lowest premiums.
Provider Network: Check if your preferred doctors and hospitals, such as Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake or Intermountain Medical Center within Salt Lake County, are in the network of the plan you choose.

Herriman, with a population of 59,346 and a median age of 29.8 years, has a relatively low uninsured rate of 2.8% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates. This reflects the availability of coverage options, including those through employers and the robust state marketplace. Salt Lake County, the parent county for Herriman, has 10 acute care hospitals, including University of Utah Hospital and Clinics and St Mark's Hospital, ensuring comprehensive medical services are accessible.

Get Your Free Quote

Navigating health insurance options after losing coverage can feel overwhelming. A licensed health insurance producer can help you compare plans, understand your subsidy eligibility, and enroll in the best alternative to COBRA for your situation in Herriman. This service is free and ensures you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does COBRA typically cost compared to ACA plans?

COBRA generally costs 102% of your previous employer's group plan premium, as you pay both your share and your former employer's share, plus an administrative fee. ACA plans, especially with subsidies, are often significantly more affordable. For example, a 40-year-old in Herriman might pay $700+ for COBRA but only $100-$300 per month for a comparable ACA Silver plan after subsidies.

What is a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and how do I use it?

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a specific window outside of Open Enrollment when you can sign up for health insurance due to a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). Losing job-based coverage is a QLE. You typically have 60 days before or after your coverage loss date to enroll in a new plan on HealthCare.gov. You'll need to provide documentation of your QLE.

Can I enroll in a short-term health plan as a COBRA alternative?

Short-term health plans are available and can be significantly cheaper than COBRA. However, they are not ACA-compliant, meaning they don't cover essential health benefits, can deny coverage for pre-existing conditions, and have benefit limits. While they offer temporary coverage, they are generally not recommended as a long-term COBRA alternative due to their limited benefits and protections.

What types of plans are available on HealthCare.gov in Herriman?

In Herriman, you can choose between Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans on HealthCare.gov. PPO plans are not offered on-exchange in Utah. HMOs typically require you to choose a primary care provider and get referrals for specialists, while EPOs offer more flexibility to see specialists without a referral, within a defined network.