Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts (2024 Plans)


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Updated: May 22, 2024

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Choosing a metal tier affects health insurance costs. In Massachusetts, WellSense Health Plan offers the most affordable Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum plans. Tufts Health Plan Direct provides the cheapest Catastrophic plan.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Massachusetts.

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2024

Most Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Massachusetts directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

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Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.

48Plans Analyzed
 
16Providers Compared

Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts by Metal Tier

Health insurance premiums are contingent upon the selected metal tier, each offering a different balance between the monthly premiums and the costs when care is needed.

The most affordable plan in the Silver tier is the Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II offered by WellSense Health Plan, priced at $407 per month. Recognized as the most common plan type, Silver plans balance monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. For those seeking to lower their monthly rates at the expense of potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, Bronze plans may be a suitable alternative.

Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:

  • Catastrophic: Tufts Health Direct Catastrophic from Tufts Health Plan Direct ($291 per month for a 26-year-old)
  • Bronze: Standard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Clarity Bronze 3600 from WellSense Health Plan ($332 per month)
  • Silver: Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II from WellSense Health Plan ($407 per month)
  • Gold: Non-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500 from WellSense Health Plan ($498 per month)
  • Platinum: Standard Platinum: WellSense Clarity Platinum 0 Deductible (WellSense Health Plan) ($636)

For those under 30 or with a qualifying exemption, cheap health insurance options may include Catastrophic plans designed to cover worst-case scenarios.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
BronzePlanStandard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Clarity Bronze 3600CompanyWellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$332Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000
SilverPlanStandard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 IICompanyWellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$407Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450
GoldPlanNon-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500CompanyWellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$498Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,250
PlatinumPlanStandard Platinum: WellSense Clarity Platinum 0 DeductibleCompanyWellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$636Maximum Out-of-Pocket$3,000
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WHAT ARE METAL TIERS?

In the Massachusetts health insurance marketplace, consumers have access to several metal tiers, including Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. These metal tiers represent different levels of cost-sharing between the insurance plan and the individual.

Bronze plans often have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses when accessing health care services. Conversely, Platinum plans come with the highest premiums but greatly reduce the financial burden when you need medical care due to their lower out-of-pocket maximums. Gold plans strike a balance between the two, offering moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Silver plans are unique as they offer additional cost-sharing reductions for individuals earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.

For individuals eligible for these reductions, Silver plans provide enhanced benefits with lower deductibles, copayments and a reduced maximum out-of-pocket limit, making health care more affordable and accessible. These cost-sharing reductions effectively give enrollees a plan that operates like a more expensive tier, such as Gold or Platinum, at the cost of a Silver plan.

Cheapest Silver Plans in Massachusetts

The most affordable plan in the Silver tier for Massachusetts residents is the Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II from WellSense Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $407.

The three most affordable Silver health plans in Massachusetts are:

  • Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II from WellSense Health Plan ($407 per month)
  • Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II from Tufts Health Plan Direct ($432 per month)
  • Standard Silver: Community Care Connector High Silver II from Fallon Health ($441 per month)

Silver plans are ideal for individuals who anticipate moderate health care needs and seek a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. For those who qualify, cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) can significantly lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, making Silver plans an even more cost-effective choice. Note that enrollment in a Silver plan is the only way to access these extra savings.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
WellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$407Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost$432Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II
Fallon HealthMonthly Cost$441Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Community Care Connector High Silver II
Health New EnglandMonthly Cost$544Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: HNE Silver A II
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$569Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Select HMO 2000 25/60 II
Harvard Pilgrim Health CareMonthly Cost$694Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver II
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$705Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Complete HMO 2000 25/60 II
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsMonthly Cost$822Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: HMO Blue Basic II
UnitedHealthcareMonthly Cost$835Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 II
UnitedHealthcareMonthly Cost$873Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 II

Cheapest Gold Plans in Massachusetts

The most affordable Gold tier health plan in Massachusetts is the Non-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500 offered by WellSense Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $498. Below are the three least expensive Gold plans available for a 40-year-old:

  • Non-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500 from WellSense Health Plan ($498 per month)
  • Standard High Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 0 Deductible from WellSense Health Plan ($514 per month)
  • Non-Standard Low Gold: Tufts Health Direct Gold 1600 from Tufts Health Plan Direct ($540 per month)

Gold health plans are ideal for customers who expect to use their insurance frequently. They offer lower costs when you get care, with higher monthly premiums compared to Silver or Bronze plans. These plans are a good fit for individuals who prefer predictable health care expenses and are comfortable with a higher monthly premium for this stability.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
WellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$498Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,250PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500
WellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$514Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 0 Deductible
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost$540Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,500PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: Tufts Health Direct Gold 1600
Fallon HealthMonthly Cost$543Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: Community Care Connector Low Gold
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost$560Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: Tufts Health Direct Gold
Fallon HealthMonthly Cost$610Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: Community Care Connector High Gold
Health New EnglandMonthly Cost$623Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,200PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: HNE Thrive Gold 2000
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$649Maximum Out-of-Pocket$7,900PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: Complete HMO 1000 35%
UnitedHealthcareMonthly Cost$660Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: UHC Navigate Gold 2000
Harvard Pilgrim Health CareMonthly Cost$685Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,450PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: HMO 2000 Low
Health New EnglandMonthly Cost$717Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: HNE Gold
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$759Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: Select HMO 30/55
UnitedHealthcareMonthly Cost$826Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: UHC Navigate Gold 0
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsMonthly Cost$839Maximum Out-of-Pocket$5,600PlanNon-Standard Low Gold: HMO Blue Deductible with Copayment
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$854Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: Complete HMO 30/55
Harvard Pilgrim Health CareMonthly Cost$902Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsMonthly Cost$977Maximum Out-of-Pocket$6,000PlanStandard High Gold: HMO Blue Copayment

Cheapest Bronze Plans in Massachusetts

The most affordable Bronze-tier health plan in Massachusetts is the Standard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Clarity Bronze 3600 from WellSense Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $332. The three most affordable Bronze plans in Massachusetts are:

  • Standard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Clarity Bronze 3600 from WellSense Health Plan ($332 per month)
  • Standard High Bronze: Tufts Health Direct Bronze 2850 from Tufts Health Plan Direct ($342 per month)
  • Standard High Bronze: Community Care Connector Bronze #1 from Fallon Health ($372 per month)

Bronze plans generally offer lower monthly premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs when needing care, which makes them a good fit for individuals who expect to have few health issues and medical services over the year. These plans are particularly attractive for those who want to keep their monthly costs down while still having coverage for major medical events. They are also suitable for people who primarily want protection against extremely high costs from unexpected health emergencies.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
WellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$332Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000PlanStandard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Clarity Bronze 3600
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost$342Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard High Bronze: Tufts Health Direct Bronze 2850
Fallon HealthMonthly Cost$372Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard High Bronze: Community Care Connector Bronze #1
Health New EnglandMonthly Cost$424Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,200PlanNon-Standard Bronze: HNE Thrive Bronze
Health New EnglandMonthly Cost$426Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000PlanStandard High Bronze HSA: HNE Bronze 2 HDHP
Harvard Pilgrim Health CareMonthly Cost$483Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000PlanStandard High Bronze HSA - Flex
Harvard Pilgrim Health CareMonthly Cost$512Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,500PlanNon-Standard Bronze: HMO 3500 – Flex
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsMonthly Cost$570Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard High Bronze: HMO Blue Basic Deductible
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$571Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard High Bronze: Complete HMO 2850
UnitedHealthcareMonthly Cost$572Maximum Out-of-Pocket$8,000PlanStandard High Bronze HSA: UHC Navigate HSA Bronze 3600

Cheapest Catastrophic Plans in Massachusetts

The Tufts Health Direct Catastrophic plan from Tufts Health Plan Direct stands as the most affordable Catastrophic plan in Massachusetts at a monthly cost of $291 for a 26-year-old consumer. The cheapest Catastrophic plans in Massachusetts are:

  • Tufts Health Direct Catastrophic from Tufts Health Plan Direct ($291 per month)
  • HMO Blue Essential from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts ($360 per month)

Catastrophic plans are ideal for individuals who are healthy and do not expect to need frequent medical care. These plans typically have lower monthly premiums but come with very high out-of-pocket costs. Catastrophic plans are designed to protect against high-cost events rather than to cover routine expenses. Note that they are only available to individuals under 30 or with a financial hardship exemption.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:26
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost$291Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanTufts Health Direct Catastrophic
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsMonthly Cost$360Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanHMO Blue Essential

Cheapest Platinum Plans in Massachusetts

The most affordable Platinum tier health plan in Massachusetts is Standard Platinum: WellSense Clarity Platinum 0 Deductible from WellSense Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $636. The top three budget-friendly Platinum health plans in Massachusetts are:

  • Standard Platinum: WellSense Clarity Platinum 0 Deductible from WellSense Health Plan ($636 per month)
  • Standard Platinum: Tufts Health Direct Platinum from Tufts Health Plan Direct ($667 per month)
  • Standard Platinum: Community Care Connector Platinum from Fallon Health ($707 per month)

Platinum plans are designed for individuals with ongoing health issues or those who require frequent medical attention, as they offer the lowest out-of-pocket expenses compared to other tiers. These plans are ideal for customers who are willing to pay a higher monthly premium in exchange for more comprehensive coverage and fewer costs when receiving medical treatment.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
age:
age:40
WellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost636Maximum Out-of-Pocket3,000PlanStandard Platinum: WellSense Clarity Platinum 0 Deductible
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost667Maximum Out-of-Pocket3,000PlanStandard Platinum: Tufts Health Direct Platinum
Fallon HealthMonthly Cost707Maximum Out-of-Pocket3,000PlanStandard Platinum: Community Care Connector Platinum
Health New EnglandMonthly Cost929Maximum Out-of-Pocket3,000PlanStandard Platinum: HNE Platinum A
UnitedHealthcareMonthly Cost953Maximum Out-of-Pocket3,000PlanStandard Platinum: UHC Navigate Platinum 0
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost989Maximum Out-of-Pocket3,000PlanStandard Platinum: Complete HMO 20/40
Harvard Pilgrim Health CareMonthly Cost1,016Maximum Out-of-Pocket3,000PlanStandard Platinum - Flex
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsMonthly Cost1,138Maximum Out-of-Pocket2,737PlanStandard Platinum: HMO Blue Premium
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WHAT IS A COST-SHARING REDUCTION?

Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are discounts that lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance for Silver health insurance plans. Individuals with incomes between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level qualify.

CSRs adjust out-of-pocket costs based on income. For example, the maximum out-of-pocket for a Silver plan could be $7,350 without CSRs. However, with a high level of CSRs, the MOOP might drop to $2,250, making the same plan more affordable.

Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts by Plan Type

In Massachusetts, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the most sought after. In addition to HMO plans, residents in Massachusetts have access to Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans.

The most affordable options by plan type are:

  • HMO: Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II from WellSense Health Plan ($407 per month)
  • EPO: Standard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 II from UnitedHealthcare ($873 per month)
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:40
Plan Type:
Plan Type:HMO
WellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$407Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost$432Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II
Fallon HealthMonthly Cost$441Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Community Care Connector High Silver II
Health New EnglandMonthly Cost$544Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: HNE Silver A II
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$569Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Select HMO 2000 25/60 II
Harvard Pilgrim Health CareMonthly Cost$694Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver II
Mass General Brigham Health PlanMonthly Cost$705Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Complete HMO 2000 25/60 II
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MassachusettsMonthly Cost$822Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: HMO Blue Basic II
UnitedHealthcareMonthly Cost$835Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 II
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WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLAN TYPES?

In Massachusetts, the most common plan type is the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). Residents may also check Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans. Below is an analysis of the differences between each type:

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): HMO plans typically offer lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs than other plans, with a focus on preventive care and wellness. Note that you usually need to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and get referrals to see specialists, which can be restrictive.

  • Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): EPO plans usually require members to use a network of doctors and hospitals but do not necessitate referrals for specialists. This option can be advantageous for individuals seeking direct access to specialists within the network. Note that there is very limited to no coverage for out-of-network providers, which could lead to significant costs if you use out-of-network services.

Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts by ZIP Code

In Massachusetts, the health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by ZIP code.

Comparing the most affordable plans in the ZIP codes with the largest and smallest populations reveals the following cost differences:

  • Zip Code Starting With 021: Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II from WellSense Health Plan ($396 per month)
  • Zip Code Starting With 013: Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II from WellSense Health Plan ($407 per month)

The following table shows the available plans in Massachusetts based on ZIP code.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
County:
County:Zip Code Starting With 021
WellSense Health PlanMonthly Cost$396Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II
Tufts Health Plan DirectMonthly Cost$420Maximum Out-of-Pocket$9,450PlanStandard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II

Health Insurance Costs in Massachusetts by Age and Metal Tier

In Massachusetts, health insurance costs can vary a lot with age. For example, an 18-year-old pays about $393 for a Silver plan each month, while a 60-year-old pays $1,238 for the same plan — a significant difference of $845.

Different metal tiers also mean different prices. For a Bronze plan, a 40-year-old pays $518 per month. If they go for a Gold plan instead, it's $719 each month. That's $201 more. So, the type of plan can change the cost, just like age can.

Health Insurance Costs in Massachusetts by Age and Metal Tier

What to Know About Health Insurance in Massachusetts

MoneyGeek broke down all the health insurance options in Massachusetts. We explain private insurance in the marketplace, with different metal tiers like Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. We also cover Medicaid and Medicare. We aim to help you understand your options so you can pick the best health care for you.

Private Health Insurance in the Massachusetts Marketplace

In Massachusetts, the open enrollment period typically runs from November 1 to January 23. During this time, residents can shop for private health insurance coverage through the state's health insurance marketplace, Massachusetts Health Connector. If you miss the January 23 deadline, you might have to wait until the next open enrollment. However, you can purchase health insurance outside the open enrollment period if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to life events such as losing coverage, moving, getting married or having a baby. For Massachusetts Health Connector, certain conditions might also provide opportunities for enrollment throughout the year. It is essential to check current rules and timelines, as they may have been updated or extended.

Medicaid in Massachusetts

Medicaid is a health care program in the United States that provides medical assistance to individuals and families with low income. In Massachusetts, the program is known as MassHealth. It is designed to offer comprehensive health care coverage to residents, including children, pregnant women, disabled adults and older adults. Eligibility for Medicaid in Massachusetts depends on factors such as income, family size and disability status, in alignment with federal guidelines and state-specific thresholds. Residents who meet these criteria may receive subsidized or fully covered health care services, ensuring access to essential medical care without incurring substantial out-of-pocket costs.

Medicare in Massachusetts

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities and those with End-Stage Renal Disease. In Massachusetts, eligibility aligns with these federal criteria. Medicare is divided into parts four parts. Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care and some home health care. Part B covers doctor services, outpatient care and preventive services. Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) offered by private companies, providing additional benefits. Part D covers prescription drug costs.

MoneyGeek analyzed Medicare offerings, revealing the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Massachusetts and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Massachusetts.

Expert Advice: Finding Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts

  1. How do I take advantage of cost-sharing reductions and tax credits for health insurance in Massachusetts?
  2. Outside of plans on the health insurance exchange, where else can I get health insurance in Massachusetts?
Jonathan Gruber
Jonathan GruberProfessor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Matt Rutledge
Matt RutledgeAssociate Professor of the Practice of Economics at Boston College

Massachusetts Health Insurance FAQ

When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Massachusetts to help you learn more.

What are the cheapest Silver and Gold plans in Massachusetts for 2024?
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
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