Harvard Pilgrim Health Care offers the cheapest overall health insurance in Massachusetts, with an average monthly premium of $743. Availability can vary, so check out Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare for affordable options.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts: Affordable Plans for 2025
Updated: November 6, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care provides the state's most affordable health insurance, at an average of $743 per month.
UnitedHealthcare offers cheapest EPO plans, with affordable pricing starting at $934 monthly.
Finding the cheapest health insurance starts with selecting a coverage level within your budget, checking your subsidy eligibility and comparing plans from several companies.
Most Affordable Health Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $743 | $8,910 | $9,450 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | $880 | $10,559 | $9,450 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $894 | $10,726 | $9,450 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who are not considered low-income.
Cheapest Health Insurance Provider Massachusetts: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
pros
Cheapest health insurance company in Massachusetts at $743 monthly for Silver coverage
Lowest out-of-pocket maximum of $9,450 protects you from catastrophic health care costs
A perfect denial rate score means you won't face claim rejections
cons
Available only in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire
No standalone PPO options for individual marketplace coverage
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care offers the cheapest Silver HMO coverage in Massachusetts at $743 monthly for a 40-year-old. This nonprofit insurer operates out of Wellesley and serves over 3 million members across New England. HMO plans lower premiums by requiring you to stay within their network of 88,000+ providers and get referrals before seeing specialists.
The $9,450 out-of-pocket maximum caps your annual health care spending if you face a serious illness or injury. Harvard Pilgrim has a perfect denial rate score, so your claims get paid without fighting rejections. Members can access diabetes management programs with dedicated care managers, plus wellness rewards including fitness reimbursements and online health challenges. Plans include telehealth through Doctor on Demand for convenient care from home.
Cheapest Massachusetts Health Insurance Plans by Profile
While we've summarized the cheapest companies for most in Massachusetts, the most affordable plan for you will differ widely depending on your desired coverage tier and age. Below are the cheapest companies by category for most in the area:
| Teens (18) | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $400 | $4,803 | $9,450 |
| Young Adults (26) | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $631 | $7,570 | $9,450 |
| Adults (40) | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $743 | $8,910 | $9,450 |
| Cheapest EPO (40) | UnitedHealthcare | $934 | $11,207 | $9,450 |
| Seniors (60) | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $1,261 | $15,128 | $9,450 |
How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts
Follow these steps to find affordable health insurance in Massachusetts:
- 1Determine coverage plan needs and affordability
Your coverage plan type and tier will differ widely depending on your personal health circumstances and income. Calculate how much income you can set aside for monthly premiums, considering your current health and risk for injury or disease based on location, age and lifestyle.
- 2Find out your subsidy eligibility
People earning between $15,650 and $62,600 may qualify for premium tax credits, reducing costs by 40% to 100%. Those with incomes below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level ($39,125) can access cost-sharing reductions, decreasing out-of-pocket expenses up to 73%.
- 3Consider federal programs for eligible age groups
If you're of suitable age, explore Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These plans may offer more affordable and flexible alternatives to traditional plans.
- 4Review prescription formularies
Check insurers' prescription coverage for medications you regularly take. Choosing plans with lower-tier placements and reduced copays for your medications can optimize savings and ensure consistent and affordable access to necessary prescriptions, saving you hundreds of dollars each year.
- 5Compare plans during Open Enrollment
Take advantage of Open Enrollment from November 1 to January 15, or Special Enrollment under certain conditions, like job loss or changes in family size. Evaluate plan types, costs, customer reviews and network availability to find the most suitable and affordable coverage for your circumstances.
MONEYGEEK TIP: MAKE SURE TO APPLY PROMPTLY
To avoid technical issues, apply for coverage at least five days before the enrollment deadline. Prepare your income verification, Social Security numbers and immigration documents to ensure a smooth application process.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts: Bottom Line
Massachusetts' most affordable health insurance companies are, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare. While we recommend these affordable options, you should compare as many plan types and tier quotes as possible from multiple companies to get the best deal.
Cheap Massachusetts Health Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about finding affordable health insurance in the state:
What is the cheapest health insurance in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care offers the cheapest health insurance, with Silver plans starting at $743 for 40-year-olds. Your ideal option may vary, so consider exploring Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare based on your income and coverage preferences.
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
Compared to higher-priced plans, cheap health insurance has higher out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles and copays. More expensive plans reduce out-of-pocket expenses and offer more extensive health care coverage.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
MoneyGeek obtained data directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on available health insurance plans in Massachusetts based on consumers aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60.
We considered the cheapest overall to be those with the lowest monthly premium costs for 40-year-olds, as most in the state are near this age demographic, and for simplicity. However, cheaper plans tend to have higher out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles, meaning you may pay more if you receive care.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.