Before subsidies, the average benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in New York costs $1,041 a month for 2027 (the national average is $704). Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. Below you'll find how coverage works in Buffalo, the local agencies with the strongest reviews, and where to get free help.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Buffalo
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Erie County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Buffalo, NY
| Where to enroll | NY State of Health |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $1,041/mo before subsidies |
| Marketplace insurers in New York (2027) | 12 |
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| Short-term plans | Not sold |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
Local health care in Buffalo
- Kaleida Health, which runs Buffalo General Medical Center and Golisano Children's Hospital, and Erie County Medical Center are key Buffalo networks to confirm in a plan's provider list before you enroll. Source
- Buffalo is served by the Erie County Department of Health, which runs the county's public health programs and clinics. Source
Before you choose a plan, check that the hospitals and doctors you use are in its network. An agent can look that up for each plan you compare.
A quick checklist
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
- Write down the enrollment deadline and confirm your first premium payment.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
Free enrollment help in New York
NY State of Health assistors (Navigators, Certified Application Counselors and Marketplace Facilitated Enrollers) give free enrollment help; the Find Local Help tool searches assistors and brokers. You can search for in-person help on the official find-help page. If you'd rather have someone compare plans and recommend one, a licensed agent can do that at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much is health insurance in Buffalo?
Before subsidies, the average benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in New York costs $1,041 a month for 2027 (the national average is $704). Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. A licensed agent can quote your exact price.
Which insurers sell marketplace plans in New York?
For 2027, marketplace plans in New York come from 12 insurers: Anthem (formerly Empire), CDPHP, EmblemHealth (HIP), Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Fidelis Care, Healthfirst, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY/NENY, Independent Health, MetroPlusHealth, MVP Health Care, Oscar Health and UnitedHealthcare. Not every insurer sells in every county.
Where can I buy health insurance in Buffalo?
Through the NY State of Health, directly from an insurer, or with a licensed agent or broker who can do either.
Health insurance in nearby cities
- Kenmore, NY 5 miles
- Eggertsville, NY 5 miles
- Lackawanna, NY 6 miles
- Williamsville, NY 7 miles
- Depew, NY 7 miles
- University at Buffalo, NY 8 miles
- Tonawanda, NY 8 miles
- Harris Hill, NY 10 miles
- North Tonawanda, NY 10 miles
- East Aurora, NY 15 miles