Traverse City · Northern Michigan
Health insurance in Traverse City & Grand Traverse County
Fewer insurers sell in Grand Traverse County than downstate, and full prices run higher. With a tax credit, though, Bronze can cost far less. Here’s how to choose for 2027.
Your info goes to one licensed Michigan advisor, never sold. Not to a call center, not to a list of “partners.”
- 4 insurers in 2026
- Munson network check
- Enroll by Dec 15
Talk to a local advisor
Your info goes to one licensed Michigan advisor at Nexus. Never sold. No pitch, no obligation.
Insurers selling Marketplace plans in Grand Traverse County
Traverse City is in Grand Traverse County, with a small part in Leelanau County. Both had the same plans in 2026: 4 insurers, 42 plans (Rating Area 14). Lowest Bronze for a 40-year-old: $375.09/mo; benchmark (second-lowest) Silver: $591.88/mo, before any tax credit. UnitedHealthcare, Ambetter from Meridian and Oscar didn’t list plans here.
| Insurer (Grand Traverse County, 2026) | Plan type | 2026 plans | Requested 2027 change* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Care Network of Michigan | HMO | 15 | 12.5% Proposed |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | PPO | 9 | 12.9% Proposed |
| McLaren Health Plan Community | HMO | 9 | 16.3% Proposed |
| Priority Health | HMO | 9 | 11.1% Proposed |
Plan counts, plan types and premiums: CMS QHP Landscape Individual Market Medical file, plan year 2026 (county level; some plans serve only part of a county). Premiums are 2026 full-price rates for one non-tobacco adult age 40. 2027 plans and prices aren’t published yet; check HealthCare.gov once 2027 plan preview opens. *Requested 2027 changes are insurer averages as filed with DIFS (July 14, 2026), subject to DIFS approval. Your own change will differ.
Fewer insurers, higher full prices, and a bigger Bronze gap
Grand Traverse County (rating area 14, shared with Leelanau) had 4 insurers and 42 plans in 2026, compared with 80 plans in Kent County. The benchmark Silver plan was $591.88 a month at age 40, but the lowest Bronze was $375.09, a gap of $216.79.
Why it matters: your tax credit is sized to the benchmark Silver plan. When the benchmark is high and Bronze is much cheaper, a credit can cover much more of a Bronze premium. The reverse is also true: above 400% of the poverty level (about $63,840 for one person for 2027 coverage) there’s no credit, and you pay these full prices. [healthinsurance.org]
Grand Traverse County: the 2026 numbers at a glance
- Benchmark Silver at age 40: $591.88/mo; at age 60: $1,256.93/mo
- Lowest Bronze at age 40: $375.09/mo; at age 60: $796.56/mo
- Family of 4 (two 40-year-olds, two kids), benchmark Silver: $1,892.34/mo
CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, full price before tax credits. Most Marketplace shoppers with income under 400% of the poverty level pay less after the credit.
Doctors and hospitals: check the network first
The region’s main hospital is Munson Medical Center, part of Munson Healthcare. [Munson Healthcare]
With only a few insurers, network differences add up. Check whether your Munson doctors and any specialists you see downstate are in each 2027 plan. We check your doctors, hospital and prescriptions before you choose. We don’t promise any provider is in a given network.
Seasonal income? Estimate your whole-year income and update it as it changes. See 1099 & gig workers for how uneven income works.
2027 deadlines
- Nov 1, 2026Open Enrollment opens
- Dec 15, 2026 Choose by this date for Jan 1 coverage
- Jan 15, 2027Last day (coverage starts Feb 1)
Source: HealthCare.gov. More on rates and subsidies in our Open Enrollment 2027 guide.
How we work with you
Nexus is an independent benefits agency based at 6749 Fulton St SE in Ada, Michigan. Health benefits are all we do. Tell us your ZIP code, household and doctors, and an advisor compares the plans actually sold where you live: premium, deductible, network and drug list.
When you’re ready, we help you enroll and stay with you through renewals, income changes and life events.
Our office is in Ada, in West Michigan. Clients in other parts of the state usually work with us by phone, so you don’t need to travel.
Who we help
- Individuals and families buying their own coverage
- Self-employed and 1099 and gig workers
- People losing job coverage or weighing COBRA
- Early retirees bridging to Medicare
- Employees whose employer offers an ICHRA
- Owners ready for small-business health insurance
2-minute advisor Q&A
Traverse City: making sense of 2027 prices
A Nexus advisor answers the questions we hear most. (Video coming soon.)
- Why are full prices higher up north?
- How do I keep my Munson doctors?
- I work seasonally. What income do I report?
Frequently asked questions
What health insurance companies sell Marketplace plans in Traverse City?
For 2026, the CMS plan file lists 4 insurers in Grand Traverse County: Blue Care Network of Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, McLaren Health Plan Community, Priority Health. Availability can vary by ZIP code, and 2027 plans will show on HealthCare.gov when 2027 plan shopping opens.
How much does health insurance cost in Traverse City?
It depends on age, income, household and plan. In Grand Traverse County in 2026, the lowest-cost Bronze plan for a 40-year-old was $375.09 a month and the benchmark Silver plan was $591.88, before any premium tax credit. Many people pay less after the credit. 2027 prices aren't published yet.
When can I sign up for 2027 coverage in Traverse City?
Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Outside that window, you need a Special Enrollment Period, for example after losing other coverage.
Are 2027 rates going up?
Michigan insurers requested an average 14.2% increase for 2027 individual plans, as filed with DIFS and subject to approval. Requests range from 11.1% to 25.5% by insurer. Your own change depends on your plan, age, area and tax credit.
Why are Traverse City health insurance prices higher than Grand Rapids?
Prices are set by rating area and by which insurers compete there. In 2026, Grand Traverse County had 4 insurers and a benchmark Silver of $591.88 a month at age 40, compared with 7 insurers and $471.47 in Kent County. A tax credit, if you qualify, offsets much of that difference.
Is Nexus a government website?
No. Nexus Benefit Solutions is a private, independent agency in Ada, Michigan, not affiliated with HealthCare.gov. Your info goes to one licensed Michigan advisor and is never sold.