Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Ellis County cost about $754 a month for 2026, and the Kansas average for 2027 is $748 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 2 insurers offered marketplace plans in Ellis County for 2026.
If you want someone to shop the Kansas market for you, a broker is the usual route. The 8 offices below sit closest to Hays and list themselves as brokers or independent agencies, which typically means access to more than one insurer.
Health Insurance Brokers near Hays
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Ellis County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in Kansas.
Carriers a Hays broker can quote
For 2027, marketplace plans in Kansas come from 5 insurers: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, Ambetter from Sunflower Health Plan, Oscar Health and UnitedHealthcare. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
How to get ready
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Compare total yearly cost (premiums plus deductible), not just the monthly premium.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
Checking an agent's license in Kansas
- The Kansas Department of Insurance, led by the Insurance Commissioner, licenses insurance agents and regulates health insurers in the state. Its Consumer Assistance Division takes complaints against insurance companies, agents and agencies. Source
- Before you work with any agent, confirm their license is active with the Kansas insurance regulator. Licensed producers have a National Producer Number they can give you.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the HealthCare.gov), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Great Bend, KS 46 miles
- Dodge City, KS 86 miles
- Pratt, KS 89 miles
- Salina, KS 92 miles
- Hutchinson, KS 95 miles
- McPherson, KS 96 miles
- Colby, KS 99 miles
- Garden City, KS 104 miles
- Holdrege, NE 108 miles
- Abilene, KS 113 miles