Part-Time Health Insurance Options in Kearns, Utah

Part-time workers in Kearns can access subsidized health plans through HealthCare.gov or qualify for Utah Medicaid.
Utah Medicaid is expanded, covering adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which includes Kearns and Salt Lake County.
Marketplace plans in Utah consist of HMO and EPO options; PPO plans are not available on-exchange.

Navigating health insurance options when working part-time in Kearns, Utah, can seem complicated, but robust solutions are available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace and Utah's expanded Medicaid program. You do not need full-time employment to qualify for comprehensive and affordable health coverage. Many part-time workers are eligible for significant financial assistance, making quality healthcare accessible. Understanding your income, household size, and specific needs will help you determine the best path to coverage in Salt Lake County.

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How to Find Affordable Health Insurance in Kearns if You Work Part-Time

For part-time employees in Kearns, the primary avenues for affordable health insurance are HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace, and Utah Medicaid. Your eligibility for subsidies or Medicaid depends on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). If your income falls between 100% and 400% FPL, you will likely qualify for premium tax credits (subsidies) that can significantly lower your monthly health insurance premiums on HealthCare.gov. Those with incomes between 100% and 250% FPL may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), which reduce out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance when enrolling in a Silver-tier plan. Utah expanded Medicaid in 2020, meaning adults with incomes up to 138% FPL are eligible for comprehensive, low-cost or free health coverage through Utah Medicaid. This is a critical safety net for many part-time workers whose incomes may fluctuate or be lower.

Understanding ACA Plan Tiers and Costs

Marketplace plans are categorized into metal tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These tiers indicate the level of cost-sharing between you and your insurer, not the quality of care.

Bronze plans: Offer the lowest monthly premiums but have the highest deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. They cover 60% of costs on average, with you paying 40%.
Silver plans: Have moderate premiums and deductibles. They cover 70% of costs on average, with you paying 30%. These are the only plans eligible for Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) for those who qualify.
Gold plans: Feature higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. They cover 80% of costs on average, with you paying 20%.

Since PPO plans are not available on-exchange in Utah, marketplace shoppers in Kearns will choose between HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) and EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans. Both HMOs and EPOs typically require you to choose a primary care provider (PCP) within their network and get referrals for specialists (HMOs generally, EPOs sometimes).

Utah Medicaid Eligibility for Part-Time Workers

Utah's decision to expand Medicaid in 2020 through Proposition 3 means that many part-time workers in Kearns who earn a lower income can qualify for robust health coverage. Adults with a household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for Utah Medicaid. For example, in 2026, an individual earning approximately $20,780 or less per year would likely qualify. This program provides comprehensive benefits, often with no monthly premiums or very low out-of-pocket costs, covering essential health services including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Specific thresholds for other populations include:

Pregnant Women: Up to 144% FPL for pregnancy-specific Medicaid coverage, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care.
Children (CHIP): Uninsured children in households up to 200% FPL can qualify for the Utah Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Applying for Utah Medicaid can be done directly through the state's Medicaid portal at medicaid.utah.gov.

Health Insurance Carriers in Kearns

In 2026, 5 carriers offer marketplace plans in Rating Area 3, which covers Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Tooele, and Wasatch counties, including Kearns. These carriers provide a range of HMO and EPO plans designed to meet various healthcare needs and budgets. The confirmed local carriers for Kearns are:

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

These carriers offer plans across the different metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold), allowing you to choose a plan that balances monthly premiums with your expected healthcare usage and out-of-pocket costs. Always verify plan availability for your specific ZIP code on HealthCare.gov.

Accessing Healthcare in Salt Lake County

Residents of Kearns benefit from being part of Salt Lake County, which boasts a robust healthcare infrastructure. Salt Lake County, with a population of 1,196,523 and an uninsured rate of 9.2% per U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 5-year estimates, is served by numerous hospitals and health systems. Major acute care hospitals in the county include Holy Cross Hospital - Salt Lake, Lds Hospital, University of Utah Hospital and Clinics, Intermountain Medical Center, and St Mark's Hospital. These facilities, among others, provide a wide range of specialized medical services. When choosing a plan, it's important to check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are within the plan's network, especially with HMO and EPO structures.

Next Steps for Part-Time Workers in Kearns

To find the best health insurance for your part-time situation in Kearns, consider these steps:

Your Income	Recommended Action	Key Benefit
Up to 138% FPL	Apply for Utah Medicaid	Comprehensive, low-cost or free coverage with extensive benefits.
100% to 250% FPL	Shop for Silver plans on HealthCare.gov	Eligible for both premium tax credits and Cost-Sharing Reductions, significantly lowering out-of-pocket costs.
251% to 400% FPL	Shop for any metal tier plan on HealthCare.gov	Eligible for premium tax credits to reduce monthly premiums. Consider Bronze for lowest premiums or Gold for lower deductibles.
Above 400% FPL	Shop on HealthCare.gov or directly with carriers	While not eligible for subsidies, you can still find comprehensive plans. Off-exchange PPO options may be available directly from carriers.

A licensed health insurance producer can provide personalized guidance, help you compare plans, and assist with enrollment through HealthCare.gov. Their services are free to you and can ensure you choose a plan that best fits your healthcare needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get health insurance if I work part-time in Kearns?

Yes, part-time employment does not prevent you from qualifying for health insurance. You can apply for plans through HealthCare.gov, Utah's official marketplace, where you may be eligible for subsidies based on your income. Utah also offers expanded Medicaid for adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

What income qualifies for Utah Medicaid in Kearns?

In Utah, adults with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) can qualify for Utah Medicaid. For 2026, this typically means an individual income of approximately $20,780 or less. Eligibility for pregnant women extends up to 144% FPL, and children up to 200% FPL for CHIP.

Are PPO plans available on the HealthCare.gov marketplace in Kearns?

No, PPO plans are not available on-exchange through HealthCare.gov in Utah, including Kearns. Marketplace shoppers in Rating Area 3, which covers Salt Lake County, will find a choice of HMO and EPO plans. PPO plans may be available off-exchange, but without subsidy eligibility.

What are the benefits of using a licensed health insurance producer?

A licensed health insurance producer can help you understand complex plan details, compare options from different carriers, check if your doctors are in-network, and guide you through the enrollment process. Their expertise ensures you find a plan that meets your needs and budget, and their services are typically free to you.