How Can I Get Affordable Health Insurance In Massachusetts
The Massachusetts health insurance marketplace is available to residents in need of health insurance coverage, and offers a large variety of coverage options with premium subsidies and cost-sharing subsidies available based on household income .
The health insurance plans sold in the marketplace are designed for people who are self-employed, employed by a small business that doesnt offer health coverage benefits, or early retirees who arent yet eligible for Medicare.
Healthcare plans in the Massachusetts marketplace are available to anyone during the annual open enrollment period . If its outside of the annual open enrollment period, you may qualify for a special enrollment period if youve experienced a qualifying event, such as losing healthcare coverage through an employer, moving to a new area, or getting married.
Based on your income you may also qualify for health insurance in Massachusetts under expanded Medicaid coverage. When the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010, Medicaid expansion was a cornerstone of lawmakers efforts to expand realistic access to health coverage and healthcare to as many people as possible. If you have a household income up to 133 percent of poverty , you will likely be able to enroll in Medicaid , and enrollment is available year-round.
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Types Of Health Plans
Because there are many different types of health plans, you should be sure to look for the one that fits your needs. Comprehensive health insurance provides benefits for a broad range of health care services. These health plans offer a detailed list of health benefits, may limit your costs if you get services from one of the providers in the plans network, and typically require co-payments and deductibles.
Here are some of the types of plans offered in Massachusetts
Health Maintenance Organization
HMO plans cover hospital, medical and preventive care. You are only covered if you get your care from HMO’s network of providers . With most HMO plans you pay a copayment for each covered service. For example, you pay $30 for an office visit and the HMO pays the rest of the cost.
Preferred Provider Plans
Preferred provider plans usually cover hospital, medical and preventive care. These plans have a network of preferred providers that you can use, but they also cover services for out-of-network providers. PPP’s will pay more of the cost if you use a provider that is in the network. Example: After copays and deductibles, the plan pays 100% of a service for a network provider but 80% for an out-of-network provider. Note that if you choose to go OON when you are in a PPP, your provider may balance bill you directly for the entire cost of the procedure.
Major Medical Plans/ Indemnity Plans
What If I Already Have Health Insurance
If you already have coverage through your employer or directly through an insurance provider but are eligible for lower premiums, you can switch to Massachusetts Health Connector. But you may not qualify for tax credits if you opt out of your employers plan unless those premiums exceed a certain portion of your household income. The premiums would need to be more than 9.12 percent of your household income for individual coverage. If you lose coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 , you may be able to sign up for a Health Connector plan during a 60-day special enrollment window. Try to apply and select your Health Connector plan before your COBRA coverage ends to make sure there’s no gap in coverage. If youre not sure about whether making this switch makes sense for you, you can ask for free advice from a local enrollment expert.
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Will I Need To Get A New Doctor
That depends. Major insurance providers, including UnitedHealthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Health New England offer Health Connector plans, but not all doctors accept them. You can talk to your primary care physician to see whether he or she accepts a particular marketplace plan or search the Health Connector provider directory.
What Exactly Is Health Insurance
Health insurance is a contract in which an insurer agrees to pay some or all of a persons medical expenses in exchange for a premium.
More specifically, health insurance typically pays for the insureds surgical, medical, prescription drug, and occasionally dental expenses.
Health insurance can either reimburse the insured for medical expenses incurred as a result of illness or injury, or it can pay the care provider directly.
It is frequently included in employer benefit packages to entice quality employees, with premiums partially covered by the employer but frequently deducted from employee paychecks.
With certain exceptions for S corporation employees, the cost of health insurance premiums is deductible to the payer, and the benefits received are tax-free.
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Avoiding Unlicensed Health Plans
It is critical to consider the differences between your options when selecting a health plan. Some plans offer more generous coverage, while others may leave you liable for large medical bills. Shopping for health insurance can be difficult, but keep in mind that if a plan sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Massachusetts Health Insurance Faqs
Is Health Insurance Compulsory in Massachusetts?
Every Massachusetts resident must have health insurance, according to state law. Financial penalties apply to anyone who does not have insurance or to any company that does not give it to its employees.
What Is the Cheapest Health Insurance Plan You Can Get?
Massachusettss lowest health insurance option is a catastrophic plan with a high deductible and a high maximum out-of-pocket limit. No prescription drugs or preexisting diseases will be covered under this insurance plan.
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost per Month in Massachusetts?
A single individual in their 40s may expect to pay $535 per month or $6,420 annually for health insurance in Massachusetts. However, depending on your age and the metal tier of coverage, this cost can vary dramatically.
What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Massachusetts?
The average monthly health insurance premium in Massachusetts is $385. Several strategies can lower this expense. Insurance companies use many aspects when determining your premium:
- Smokers pay more for health insurance. Adults in Massachusetts smoke 13%. Smokers can quit for free or cheaply.
- BMI: High BMI causes heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Diet and exercise can lower BMI.
- Age: At 50, health insurance costs more than 20 or 30.
Does Massachusetts Have Affordable Health Care?
What Are the Income Limits for Masshealth?
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Tier Level Of Health Insurance Companies In Massachusetts
Here is an explanation of each level of coverage and who it is best for to assist you in selecting a tier level that fits your needs.
Silver plans
It is recommended that you start your search for health insurance with Silver metal tier plans. The premiums and deductibles for these policies are low.
For example, the cheapest Silver plan has a $74 monthly premium that is $74 higher than the cheapest Bronze plan but a $1,200 lower deductible.
Due to cost-sharing reductions, a Silver plan may be the most cost-effective health policy in some situations.
These discounts reduce the amount you pay for deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. However, cost-sharing reductions are only available if your household income is less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
Gold and Platinum plans
In terms of monthly premiums, Gold and Platinum plans are the most expensive on the Massachusetts marketplace, but they have lower deductibles and shared costs.
As a result, these policies are best if you anticipate having a lot of medical expenses and will need to use your health insurance frequently. One example is if you have a medical condition and require a costly prescription to be refilled on a monthly basis.
Bronze
Bronze plans are the least expensive, but they have higher deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses.
Because of the deductible, you may end up spending a lot of money on minor medical expenses before coverage kicks in.
How Do I Enroll In Massachusetts Individual And Family Insurance
You can enroll in individual or family insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Since the Health Connector is an active adjuster exchange, all plans carry comprehensive benefits. You can still use any health insurance company you wish, but they may not provide the same comprehensive benefits that youll find through the Health Connector. Use the tools provided to compare the benefits of the plans and how it will serve your needs.
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The Cheapest Health Insurance In Massachusetts By Age And Metal Tier
Health insurance providers consider several factors when setting policy premiums. Your age when you purchase a plan has an impact on the cost of health insurance in Massachusetts. This applies to all types of plans available in the state, including HMOs and EPOs. For example, a 26-year old buyer pays an average of $452 per month for a Silver HMO plan. In comparison, a 60-year-old buyer purchases a similar policy for double the price, with monthly premiums costing an average of $904.
Health Insurance Costs in Massachusetts by Age and Metal Tier
The cost of health insurance in Massachusetts shown is based on policies using sample ages only. These rates dont consider your unique combination of age and income. Older buyers may find cheaper plans in the marketplace as they may be eligible for tax premiums and other regulations that lower costs. If you want to get an exact quote, youll have to apply for a plan.
You can use the table below to switch between metal tiers and buyer ages. To give you a better understanding of health insurance in Massachusetts, you can read MoneyGeeks guide on the various metal tiers. These may help you figure out which level best suits your medical requirements.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts by Age And Metal Tier
Sort by Metal Tier:
Cheapesthmo/epohealth Insurance Plan In Massachusetts
Finding the best health insurance in Massachusetts depends on your specific needs and preferences. You can choose between HMO or EPO plans in Massachusetts, the former being more common in the state.
HMO plans are typically more affordable than other plans. If your in-network providers are readily available to you, this may be a better option. Although it requires you to stay within your network providers to ensure coverage, youll pay a lower premium per month. The cheapest HMO Silver plan is Standard Silver: BMC HealthNet Plan Silver A II provided by BMC HealthNet Plan. It costs an average of $367 per month.
EPOs, or Exclusive Provider Organization plans, offer the same advantages as HMOs. They cost less each month, but youll need to stay in-network except for emergencies. Unlike HMOs, however, you dont necessarily need a referral to see a specialist. The cheapest EPO Silver plan is the Standard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 from UnitedHealthcare. It costs an average of $588 per month.
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Are There Different Types Of Health Plans
Most health insurance plans fall into one of three categories. In order to choose the best plan for you and your family, you should understand the difference between these major types.
Traditional Health Benefit Plans
Traditional health plans pay some of the cost of medical treatment. They may differ in the services covered and the providers offered in the network.
Medical/Indemnity Plans
These plans cover services with any licensed health provider. This may be a good plan if you have family members outside the HMO’s or PPP’s service area, or if your providers are not in the network. These plans usually cover hospital and medical expenses for an accident or illness. They may also cover preventive care. These plans may only cover a fixed percentage of any covered cost. For example, the policy may say that the plan pays 80% of a service and you must pay the other 20%. With these plans, you are covered for any licensed health providers.
Health Maintenance Organizations-HMO
Preferred Provider Plans-PPP
Health Connector Benefits And Public Charge
On March 9, 2021 the Federal Government announced it is going back to the long-standing Public Charge Guidance in effect from the 1990s through 2019. Here is the Federal announcement and a link to the Guidance.
This means that Medicaid , public housing, and SNAP do not count as part of the Public Charge determination. The only benefits considered in public charge are programs that pay for long-term care in a medical institution such as a nursing home and needs-based cash assistance benefits such as SSI, TAFDC and EAEDC.
Unemployment benefits, WIC benefits, Pandemic EBT and Health Connector subsidies are also not subject to the public charge rules.
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Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Services Inc
Members of Harvard Pilgrim health plans receive a free annual physical exam and flu shot, as well as discounts and reimbursements for health and wellness services such as gym memberships.
Chiropractic and acupuncture visits are also available, making this a well-rounded plan if you want health insurance that rewards you for making the effort to live a healthier lifestyle. This is among the best health insurance companies in Massachusetts.
Mass Health Connector Plan Costs In 2022
ConnectorCare plans are assigned based on the information you supplied to the Massachusetts Health Connector.
The table below provides a quick overview of the benefits offered by each available plan. Lets take a look at mass health connector plan costs in 2022.
Secondary Masshealth Coverage Saves Hundreds.
Regardless of your income, your child with a disability can acquire a MassHealth plan as a secondary health insurance coverage in Massachusetts. Is there a good reason for you to get this additional coverage?
MassHealths Premium Assistance program may reimburse you for hundreds of dollars spent on your familys monthly private health insurance premiums. Your child registered in MassHealth also qualifies you for this program. You and your family may be able to save money by signing up for this program. Check if the Premium Assistance program will help pay for your private insurance plan.
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Can You Find Cheap Health Insurance In Massachusetts
Two plans offer cheap health insurance in MA for its citizens. ConnectorCare, and MassHealth.
ConnectorCare offers low- and middle-income Massachusetts people inexpensive healthcare, whereas MassHealth is a combined Massachusetts-federal program for low-income residents and children.
Medicaid in Massachusetts
Massachusetts extended Medicaid under ACA in 2013. Also, Massachusetts had 1,779,418 MassHealth enrollees in May 2021, a 37.26 percent increase. Depending on your familys income, MassHealth covers your health insurance premiums. Also, age, parent status, health issues, HIV or cancer status, and small employer status affect coverage.
To qualify for MassHealth, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident living in Massachusetts with low or very low income. Moreover, income, household size, and poverty levels determine financial restrictions. A one-person home can only make $17,131 per year, a two-person household $23,169, and a three-person household $29,207.
Furthermore, applying for Masshealth online is possible. You must apply with income and household size details. If you are eligible, you can choose a plan that fits your budget and needs.
ConnectorCare
ConnectorCare plans are year-round QHPs. ACA tax credits and Massachusetts subsidies are available. This reduces premiums and deductibles. Also, ConnectorCare plans are for low-income Massachusetts residents who cant get affordable health insurance through work or MassHealth.
- BMC HealthNet Plan
Examine The Warning Signs Of A Scam
Do not be duped by phony health insurance plans sold on the internet or through unsolicited faxes or phone calls.
When using the internet, you should always exercise caution. Examine any website thoroughly for disclaimers like this is not insurance or not available in Massachusetts.
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Additional Protection In Addition To Your Employers Coverage
Many businesses provide group insurance to their employees. However, such policies are not tailored to the specific needs of each individual.
Furthermore, you may be left uninsured in the event of a job loss or change in employment. Purchase a health insurance policy on your own to protect yourself against such an occurrence.
Plans To Keep You And Your Family Healthy
Harvard Pilgrim offers you and your family a wide variety of competitive plans for different needs and budgets.
If you would like to determine if you are eligible for a subsidy, please visit the Massachusetts Health Connector.
Schedules of Benefits & Summary of Benefits and Coverage
These documents break down the coverage levels and what youll pay for various types of services with each plan we offer.
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Will I Be Penalized If I Don’t Have Health Insurance
You won’t be fined by the IRS for not having health coverage in 2022but there are several disadvantages to being uninsured. The tax penalty under Obamacare vanished in 2019, so if you don’t have health insurance, you won’t be penalized.
However, some states have passed their own health insurance requirements, resulting in a state-level tax fine if you go without coverage.
Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vermont, California, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C are among the states that have enacted their own health insurance rules.
Massachusetts Health Insurance: Find Affordable Plans
See how you can get cheap health insurance in MA, including marketplace plans, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Massachusetts residents have many health care options to choose from. The number of options is one of the reasons Massachusetts has the lowest number of uninsured residents in the United States.
This guide provides a detailed overview of your health insurance options in Massachusetts.
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How To Make Mahealthconnector Payment
Once your first payment is made on the MAhealthconnector portal, it will take about five business days before your insurance company can confirm your enrollment. MAhealthconnector Sign In portal will send you a Welcome Letter once your enrollment is confirmed. After the Health Connector receives your full payment, your insurance carrier will send you an ID card within 2 weeks.
Every MA health connector individual and family health and dental plan payment is on the 23rd of the month before the coverage effective start date on the 1st of the month. You can use the MAhealthconnector Pay Bill portal in several different ways: