Safeguarding your health and well-being by getting health insurance is one of the best decisions one can make. In Massachusetts, multiple companies offer health insurance coverage with multiple benefits for residents who are interested in getting one. Let’s take a quick look at ten companies offering Massachusetts health insurance coverage.
Health Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
The top health insurance companies in Massachusetts include the following:
#1. Tufts Health Plan
Tufts Health Plan provides support for individuals and families during challenging times. They offer different plan types, such as Tufts Health Plan Medicare Advantage, Tufts Health Plan Medicare Supplement, and Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options (HMO-SNP).
For Tufts students, health insurance is mandatory, and they can choose between the Student Health Plan or their private insurance. There is also a health insurance waiver process available. Financial assistance options are available to assist students with medical costs.
Additional information can be found on Tufts Health Plan’s Facebook page.
#2. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a well-known full-service health insurance provider. They are an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. They provide health insurance services and access to a network of healthcare providers. Also, they offer a wide range of plans, including HMO and PPO options, to fit different needs and budgets. They have a comprehensive online search network of doctors and hospitals, making it easy to check if your preferred healthcare practitioner accepts their insurance before signing up.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts is committed to providing equitable access to healthcare for all, especially those who are economically, racially, culturally, or socially marginalised.
#3. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc.
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc. is a non-profit health services company based in Canton, Massachusetts, serving the New England region of the United States. It was formed in 1994 from the merger of the Harvard Community Health Plan and the Pilgrim Health Plan. Harvard Pilgrim is known for its collaboration with Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, which provide information on population health and healthcare delivery. To learn more about Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, visit their official website at https://www.harvardpilgrim.org/.
#4. Fallon Community Health Plan
Fallon Community Health Plan is a health insurance provider based in Massachusetts. They offer a variety of health insurance plans, including HMO, PPO, Point of Service (POS), Traditional Indemnity, Medicaid, and Medicare. Their health insurance plans are available for Massachusetts individuals, employers, sole proprietors, and families.
Once you confirm your eligibility and have gotten a quote, you can apply for their plan on the Fallon Community Health Plan website
#5. Neighborhood Health Plan
Neighborhood Health Plan of Massachusetts (NHP) is a health insurance provider that has been offering affordable healthcare and benefits to its members since 1997. It is currently the third-largest HMO in Massachusetts, with over 260,000 members.
NHP focuses on providing comprehensive healthcare coverage and strongly commits to member satisfaction. To access NHP’s services and resources, you can download their member app, which includes tools like cost estimators and in-app reimbursements. Additionally, NHP closely monitors the closure of healthcare practices like Compass Medical and supports members whom such closures may have impacted.
#6. Health New England
Health New England is a non-profit health plan serving members in Massachusetts. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Baystate Health. Health New England offers a range of healthcare plans in the commercial, Medicaid (MassHealth), and Medicare markets. They offer a range of health care plans and have a patient portal called MyCare/MyChart for online access to health information. To get more specific information about Health New England, you can visit their official website at healthnewengland.org/
#7. BMC HealthNet Plan
The BMC HealthNet Plan is a health insurance plan provided by Boston Medical Center (BMC) in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It offers comprehensive managed care coverage to individuals through various programs such as MassHealth (Medicaid), ConnectorCare, Qualified Health Plans, and Senior Care Options.
Visit the BMC HealthNet Plan website for detailed information about the plan and its benefits.
#8. AllWays Health Partners
AllWays Health Partners is a health plan in Massachusetts that serves commercial members and My Care Family, a Medicaid-accountable care organization. It recently changed its name to Mass General Brigham Health Plan. This change reflects the integration of AllWays Health Partners with Mass General Brigham, a leading healthcare system, and the focus on value-based care.
The new brand identity reflects Mass General Brigham’s vision for a unified, world-class academic healthcare system and fosters collaborative innovation that simultaneously lowers costs and improves care. The shift to value-based care is an intentional move from quantity to quality of services, focusing on delivering services in the most medically appropriate, cost-effective, and convenient setting.
To learn more about AllWays Health Partners and Mass General Brigham Health Plan, you can visit their official website at allwayshealthpartners.org
#9. Massachusetts Health Connector
Massachusetts runs a state-based health insurance exchange called the Massachusetts Health Connector. This exchange offers health coverage to individuals, families, and small businesses with up to 50 employees. The exchange provides financial assistance with self-purchased health insurance premiums and cost-sharing based on income. It is the only place where Massachusetts residents can obtain this financial assistance.
#10. UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare offers the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts, which requires healthcare professionals to enroll with MassHealth within 120 days to prevent billing delays and termination from the network. They provide different plans, which include:
- The UnitedHealthcare Connected® for One Care (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) is for adults ages 21-64 with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare and MassHealth.
- The UnitedHealthcare Senior Care Options (SCO) plan is a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medicaid program.
- UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans for individuals with Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare.
To get more specific information about the available plans and their details, it is recommended to contact UnitedHealthcare directly.
The Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts
The Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II is the cheapest health insurance plan for most people in Massachusetts. It is the cheapest Silver health insurance in eleven of the state’s 14 counties.
Cheapest Health Insurance by Metal Tier
The cheapest bronze health insurance is the Standard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Health Plan Bronze at $331. Then, for Silver health insurance, the cheapest in Massachusetts is the Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II at $392.
For Gold and Platinum health insurance plans, the Non-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Health Plan Low Gold and the Standard Platinum: WellSense Health Plan Platinum at $489 and $623, respectively, are the cheapest in Massachusetts.
Average Cost of Health Insurance in Massachusetts per Month
The average cost for health insurance in Massachusetts is approximately $564 per month for an individual plan. However, the actual cost can vary depending on your age, location, and the specific plan you choose. Getting quotes from different providers is recommended to understand your options and choose the best plan that fits your needs and budget.
Eligibility for Health Insurance in Massachusetts
Most Massachusetts residents, including non-U.S. citizens with worker or student visas, can buy health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Low-income individuals and families can get coverage through MassHealth, which combines Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) enrollment. ConnectorCare plans are available to households with an annual income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level and do not have access to an affordable plan through an employer.
How Many Health Insurance Companies Are in Massachusetts?
There are multiple health insurance companies operating in Massachusetts. The exact number may vary, but you can explore Massachusetts Health Connector’s options, check the list of licensed insurance companies from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, and consider carriers recommended by eHealthInsurance or rated by NCQA.
What Are the Top Health Insurance Plans?
The top health insurance plans include:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield is considered the best overall health insurance provider. It offers a variety of quality, affordable health insurance plans, including HMO, PPO, EPO, and POS plans. BCBS has strong ratings and offers the best-value Gold plans, making it a good option for people who prefer robust coverage. It is also a top choice for small business health insurance plans.
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is the best option for Medicare Advantage plans. It offers nearly nationwide coverage for Medicare and has the highest-ranked Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurance company in the country and has an extensive provider network. It offers a range of options for different needs, including child and adult dental coverage, short-term coverage, student coverage, and plans for small businesses.
Oscar
Oscar is ranked as the best overall health insurance company. It offers a range of plan types, including EPO, HMO, and PPO plans, as well as Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic metal tiers. Oscar has affordable premiums and a better-than-average denial rate among competitors.
Ambetter
Ambetter is ranked as the runner-up for the best health insurance company. It offers the cheapest monthly premiums and the lowest maximum out-of-pocket costs among evaluated insurers. Ambetter provides POS, HMO, EPO, PPO plans, and Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, and Gold metal tiers.
What Is the Best Private Health Insurance?
When determining the best private health insurance, there are several things to consider.
- Evaluate your needs and circumstances: The best private health insurance plan will vary depending on your needs, budget, and location.
- Research reputable insurance companies: Look for reputable insurance providers with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Some well-known private health insurance companies include HCF, Bupa, and UnitedHealthcare.
- Consider coverage options: Private health insurance plans can vary in terms of coverage options. Determine which coverage options are essential for you and compare plans accordingly.
- Compare prices and benefits: Take the time to compare the prices and benefits of different private health insurance plans. Look for plans that offer a good balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage.
- Check network coverage: Ensure your private health insurance plan has a network of healthcare providers and facilities that meet your needs.
- Consider additional features: Some private health insurance plans may offer additional features or benefits. Assess these additional features to determine if they align with your preferences and needs.
- Consult with an insurance broker or advisor: If you need assistance selecting the best private health insurance plan, consider consulting with an insurance broker or advisor.
Is Massachusetts Health Insurance Expensive?
Massachusetts health insurance costs vary depending on several factors, including the individual’s age, health conditions, and the type of plan chosen. However, the average cost of health insurance in Massachusetts is $385 per month per person, and the average coverage for an individual plan is $564 per month.
Massachusetts residents spend an average of $10,559 annually on health care, which is higher than the national average. Health insurance tends to cost more for older people than younger people, as older individuals generally have more health conditions.
Who Is the Largest Healthcare Provider in Massachusetts?
The largest healthcare provider in Massachusetts is Partners HealthCare. Partners HealthCare is planning an aggressive expansion beyond its renowned hospitals, spending $400 million to open four outpatient surgery centres in Boston’s suburbs. These centers will offer primary care, specialty care, mental health care, imaging, and surgery. The expansion is expected to create 700 new jobs, and the new clinics will bear the Mass General Brigham name.
What Is the Name of Massachusetts Health Insurance?
The name of the health insurance program in Massachusetts is Massachusetts Health Connector. It is a state-based health insurance exchange that offers health coverage to individuals, families, and small businesses with up to 50 people.
What Insurance Is Better Than Obamacare
There are a few options that are considered as alternatives to Obamacare. They include:
- Limited benefit insurance: Limited benefit insurance plans offer coverage for primary care but may provide less coverage for inpatient care.
- Short-term insurance: Short-term insurance plans are purchased by individuals who need temporary coverage. They are often cheaper than Obamacare plans and maybe a popular alternative for healthy individuals.
- Non-Obamacare plans: Non-Obamacare plans, also known as Term Medical plans, may offer more choices for doctors and hospitals than Obamacare plans.
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