Can You Get Cheap Health Insurance In Massachusetts

Massachusetts has two plans that provide healthcare for low-income residents of Massachusetts: MassHealth and ConnectorCare. MassHealth is a joint program between Massachusetts and the federal government that provides health care to low-income Massachusetts residents and their children. ConnectorCare is a program that offers affordable health care to low- and middle-income Massachusetts residents.

How To Enroll And Get Answers To Your Questions

You can learn more about and apply for ACA health care coverage in several ways.

• Visit HealthCare.gov to apply for benefits through the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace or you’ll be directed to your state’s health insurance marketplace website. vary by state.

• Find a local center to apply or ask questions in person.

• Download an application form to apply by mail

Find the answers to common ACA questions about submitting documents, getting and changing coverage, your total costs for health care, tax options, and more.

Expert Advice: Finding Affordable Health Insurance In Massachusetts

Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Associate Professor of the Practice of Economics and Research Fellow at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College

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How To Buy Health Insurance Through Umass Boston

Buying health insurance can be a confusing and daunting task, especially if youre not sure where to start. If youre a student at UMass Boston, you may be wondering how to buy health insurance through the school. In this blog post, well walk you through the process of buying health insurance through UMass Boston. Well cover topics like eligibility, deadlines, and how to sign up for coverage. By the end of this post, you should have a much better understanding of how to buy health insurance as a student at UMass Boston.

How Do I Get Health Insurance On My Own

Individual policies

If your employer does not offer health insurance, or if the insurance offered does not meet your needs, you may want to purchase an individual policy.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to take advantage of subsidized health insurance through New Hampshire’s Federally Facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace. Learn more at www.healthcare.gov. To help you understand your estimated costs through the marketplace, Learn more

Find a Broker

You can purchase an individual policy directly from a health insurance company. Learn more about health insurance companies serving New Hampshire.

For individual policies, you pay the entire premium. There are many plan designs with different costs, such as deductibles, co-payment, and co-insurance cost. The services covered also vary, so you will want to shop around to see what is available and ask questions about exclusions, limitations, and premiums to find the best fit for your health needs. Learn more.

Government health programs

If you are 65 or older, disabled, or have certain diseases, you may qualify for Medicare health benefits Learn more.

If you are low income or disabled, you may qualify for care and services through one or more Medicaid programs. Learn more at or call 800-852-3345, ext. 4344 or 603-271-4344.

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Benefits That Work For You And Your Family

Our health insurance plans were created with you in mind. Discover an extensive list of covered services that allow you to live your life on your terms. To see all that our plans have to offer, view our product guide:

• Learn about coverage for your generic over-the-counter medications.
• $0 copay for your annual physical exam and flu shot
• Reimbursement for gym memberships, fitness classes and more
• Monthly gift card drawing entries through our Living Well program that includes complimentary online classes, like yoga, Zumba® and meditation sessions
• Personal health coaching at no additional cost

The Benefits Of Buying Health Insurance Through Umass Boston

There are many reasons to buy health insurance through UMass Boston. First and foremost, doing so gives you access to high-quality, affordable health care. In addition, by buying health insurance through UMass Boston, you are supporting a local institution that is vital to the economy of the Greater Boston area.UMass Boston is one of the leading providers of health insurance in Massachusetts. The university offers a variety of plans that are designed to meet the needs of its students, faculty, and staff. All of the plans offered by UMass Boston are accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance .When you buy health insurance through UMass Boston, you have the peace of mind knowing that you are getting a plan that has been vetted by a third-party organization. In addition, all of the plans offered by UMass Boston offer comprehensive coverage, including doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospitalization, and more.One of the biggest benefits of buying health insurance through UMass Boston is that you can tailor your plan to meet your specific needs. If you only need coverage for doctor visits and prescriptions, there is a plan for that. If you need comprehensive coverage, there is a plan for that as well. You can also choose from a variety of deductibles and co-pays depending on your budget.

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What Factors Influence The Cost Of Massachusetts Individual Health Insurance

Under the new health care law, insurance companies are only allowed to consider five factors when determining rates: for Massachusetts residents, your location, age, tobacco use, plan type, and whether the policy covers dependents.

Where You Live – Yes, health insurance premiums vary from one state to the next and even neighborhood to neighborhood. The cost of living and the typical wage are two elements that influence how much you will pay for a health plan.

Your Age – Your age will impact your premiums, just like most insurance. When you get health insurance, the younger you are, the lower your rates will be.

Tobacco Use – The use of tobacco is very likely the one thing on this list that will cause you to pay more for insurance. Regarding health insurance, premiums can rise by upwards of 60% per month.

Individual vs. Family enrollment – A health insurance plan that covers you and your spouse and any dependents may cost more than one that only covers you. So, if you’re purchasing coverage for yourself alone, it will be less expensive than buying a family policy. However, some inexpensive family health insurance plans are still available in Massachusetts.

States can restrict how much these elements influence premiums however, the essential health benefits have to be the same in all Marketplace health plans. Insurance companies may add extra benefits, which might affect costs.

How Can I Save Money On Health Insurance In Massachusetts

Saving money on health insurance involves choosing the right policy for your health needs and your budget. And, while the Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II is the least expensive Silver plan in most Massachusetts counties, it may not be depending on where you live. Be sure to review plans carefully and select an accessible option that fits both your medical and financial needs. You may actually save money even if your chosen plan has a slightly higher premium.

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The Drawbacks Of Not Having Health Insurance In Massachusetts

There are a number of reasons why you might not have health insurance in Massachusetts. Perhaps youve lost your job and your employer-sponsored plan. Maybe youre self-employed or between jobs and cant afford the high cost of premiums on your own. Or, you may simply choose not to purchase health insurance because you dont think you need it.

Whatever the reason, there are some serious drawbacks to not having health insurance in Massachusetts. If you have a medical emergency, for example, you could be facing tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. And if you get sick or injured and cant work, you may not be able to afford your everyday living expenses.

In addition, if you dont have health insurance and you get sick or injured, you may not be able to get the treatment you need in a timely manner. This could lead to further complications and even death in some cases.

So, while there may be some reasons why you dont have health insurance, the risks far outweigh the benefits. If you dont have health insurance, now is the time to get it. You can find affordable health insurance plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector website.

What Are The Different Health Insurance Tiers In Massachusetts

According to the Affordable Care Act, there are now, also, five tiers of health insurance in Massachusetts. These tiers are catastrophic, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The more valuable the metal, the greater the coverage’s benefits and cost. We have listed them below with a brief description of each plan:

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Insurance For Families In Massachusetts

When shopping for insurance for a family, you need to take the individual health concerns of each family member into consideration. If your family is healthy, you may only need an HMO. However, if one or more of your family members have a chronic health condition that requires constant care, you might be better off purchasing a PPO or a POS plan.

The Massachusetts Health Connector site can help you narrow your choices, so you can find a plan that offers the best coverage for your needs. Youll want to take your familys budget and ability to pay out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and coinsurance, into consideration. Pay attention to the max out of pocket, as that will act as the stop loss in case of catastrophic events.

In Massachusetts, insurance rates for couples can be based on the age of the youngest person applying for the policy. If theres an age difference of several years between you and your partner, you may be able to save some money by applying for the same plan.

Where Do I Enroll For Health Insurance

You can see what insurance plans are being offered, see how much financial assistance you are eligible for, and enroll in a health insurance plan on the Massachusetts Health Connector website:

Shop around to see what plans have your doctors and medications at the prices you are looking for!

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Insurance For Individuals In Massachusetts

As all the individual plans on the Massachusetts state healthcare exchange are guaranteed issue, choosing the right plan can be tricky. Its wise to take into account your current health situation, level of usage and precise needs for healthcare coverage when selecting a plan. For example, if you are planning to have a baby, look for plans with good maternity coverage and lower deductibles and max out of pockets.

If you are generally healthy and have low usage of insurance, look for a balance of premiums and deductibles that is affordable for you to meet in case of emergencies. Those with chronic health problems may be better off with a plan that charges a higher premium, a lower deductible, and makes it easier to see out-of-network specialists.

There are several types of private plans available to residents of Massachusetts:

• Health Maintenance Organization plans are typically the lowest-priced plans, but they also have the most restrictions. Youll need to use in-network providers, name a primary care physician, and obtain referrals to see a specialist.
• While Preferred Provider Organizations cost a bit more, they allow you to see out-of-network providers, and you wont need to name a primary care physician or obtain a referral to visit specialists.
• A Point-of-Service plan combines features of HMO and PPO plans. Youll still need referrals to see a specialist, but you can use out-of-network providers.

How Do I Find The Right Health Insurance Company In Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, eight insurance companies offer various plan options on the state health insurance exchange. Many plans available through the Massachusetts exchange are either HMOs or exclusive provider organizations . With these two plan types, you must receive health services within a specific provider network, except for emergencies. Therefore, it is important to review the plan’s provider listing to be sure your services will be covered. Some insurance plans provide added benefits such as gym memberships or a personalized telemedicine experience, although these extras may come at a higher premium. You should evaluate all your health care needs and your budget before selecting a health insurance provider.

Methodology

We gathered health insurance rates for shoppers in Massachusetts using the state’s exchange. Using the premiums, averages were calculated based on a variety of variables such as metal tier, age, family size and county.

Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.

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What Is Open Enrollment

Open enrollment is the time of the year where consumers can buy a new health insurance plan or change their current plan through the Health Connector or directly through the insurance carrier. If your employer doesnt offer health insurance or you cannot afford the plan offered by your employer, you can apply for individual insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. If you qualify for subsidized health insurance or have experienced a qualifying life event, you do not need to wait until open enrollment to apply for coverage.

Depending on your income and if you have a change in your household , you may be able to apply for health insurance outside of Open Enrollment you can always check in with our HelpLine for more information. However, we recommend enrolling in insurance during Open Enrollment if possible.

Note: This is different than employer-sponsored insurance. If you receive health insurance through your job, you should ask your employer for more information about your options and their open enrollment period.

What Is Covered And How Much Will It Cost

Coverage and cost depend on where you live, the type of plan you choose, your estimated household income, and the age and disability status of you and your family. If you qualify for Medicaid through MassHealth, youll be able to get free or low-cost coverage and may not need to worry about premiums or copays, depending on your level of income. All Health Connector plans cover 10 essential benefits, including:

• Emergency services and hospitalization

• Pregnancy, maternity and newborn care

• Mental health services

• Chronic disease management and pediatric care

• Prescription drugs

Insurance companies cannot deny coverage because of preexisting conditions. When you apply, you can identify your medical needs and choose a plan that makes financial sense for you and your family. Dental plans are available for children under 19, families and individuals, and you can add them to your existing plan or enroll at any time of the year. Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs vary between plans. Childrens plans cap out-of-pocket expenses at $350 and cover medically necessary orthodontia. To purchase a dental-only plan, call 1-877-623-6765.

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Cheapest Silver Plan By County

The availability of health insurance, as well as the cost, will be affected by the county you live in. For instance, for a 40-year-old, the Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II is the cheapest Silver plan in Essex County with a monthly premium of $392. However, in Barnstable County, the same Silver plan costs $425 a difference of $33 per month.

Sample rates are based on monthly premiums from counties in Massachusetts.

How To Get Help If You Cant Afford Health Insurance In Massachusetts

If you dont have health insurance and cant afford to buy a plan, there are a few options available to help you get coverage. The first is the Health Safety Net , which is a state-funded program that provides free or low-cost health care to Massachusetts residents who cant afford to pay for health insurance.

If youre eligible for HSN, youll be able to get primary and preventive care, prescription drugs, mental health services, and more. To learn more about HSN and see if you qualify, visit the programs website or call 1-800-841-2900.

Another option for low-income residents is MassHealth, which is Massachusetts Medicaid program. MassHealth provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible residents, and it covers a wide range of services, including primary and preventive care, hospital stays, mental health services, and more.

To learn more about MassHealth and see if you qualify for coverage, visit the programs website or call 1-800-841-2900.

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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.