Cheapest Health Insurance in Massachusetts (2024 Plans)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.