Updated: October 30, 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.
CheapestHealth InsuranceMassachusettsMost Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Massachusetts directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.
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:
For those under 30 or with a qualifying exemption, cheap health insurance options may include Catastrophic plans designed to cover worst-case scenarios.
| Bronze | Standard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Clarity Bronze 3600 | WellSense Health Plan | $332 | $8,000 |
| Silver | Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II | WellSense Health Plan | $407 | $9,450 |
| Gold | Non-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500 | WellSense Health Plan | $498 | $5,250 |
| Platinum | Standard Platinum: WellSense Clarity Platinum 0 Deductible | WellSense Health Plan | $636 | $3,000 |
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.
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:
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.
| WellSense Health Plan | $407 | $9,450 | Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II |
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | $432 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II |
| Fallon Health | $441 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Community Care Connector High Silver II |
| Health New England | $544 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: HNE Silver A II |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $569 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Select HMO 2000 25/60 II |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $694 | $9,450 | Standard Silver II |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $705 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Complete HMO 2000 25/60 II |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | $822 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: HMO Blue Basic II |
| UnitedHealthcare | $835 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 II |
| UnitedHealthcare | $873 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 II |
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:
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.
| WellSense Health Plan | $498 | $5,250 | Non-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500 |
| WellSense Health Plan | $514 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 0 Deductible |
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | $540 | $5,500 | Non-Standard Low Gold: Tufts Health Direct Gold 1600 |
| Fallon Health | $543 | $6,000 | Non-Standard Low Gold: Community Care Connector Low Gold |
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | $560 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: Tufts Health Direct Gold |
| Fallon Health | $610 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: Community Care Connector High Gold |
| Health New England | $623 | $8,200 | Non-Standard Low Gold: HNE Thrive Gold 2000 |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $649 | $7,900 | Non-Standard Low Gold: Complete HMO 1000 35% |
| UnitedHealthcare | $660 | $6,000 | Non-Standard Low Gold: UHC Navigate Gold 2000 |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $685 | $5,450 | Non-Standard Low Gold: HMO 2000 Low |
| Health New England | $717 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: HNE Gold |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $759 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: Select HMO 30/55 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $826 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: UHC Navigate Gold 0 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | $839 | $5,600 | Non-Standard Low Gold: HMO Blue Deductible with Copayment |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $854 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: Complete HMO 30/55 |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $902 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | $977 | $6,000 | Standard High Gold: HMO Blue Copayment |
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:
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.
| WellSense Health Plan | $332 | $8,000 | Standard High Bronze HSA: WellSense Clarity Bronze 3600 |
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | $342 | $9,450 | Standard High Bronze: Tufts Health Direct Bronze 2850 |
| Fallon Health | $372 | $9,450 | Standard High Bronze: Community Care Connector Bronze #1 |
| Health New England | $424 | $8,200 | Non-Standard Bronze: HNE Thrive Bronze |
| Health New England | $426 | $8,000 | Standard High Bronze HSA: HNE Bronze 2 HDHP |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $483 | $8,000 | Standard High Bronze HSA - Flex |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $512 | $8,500 | Non-Standard Bronze: HMO 3500 Flex |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | $570 | $9,450 | Standard High Bronze: HMO Blue Basic Deductible |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $571 | $9,450 | Standard High Bronze: Complete HMO 2850 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $572 | $8,000 | Standard High Bronze HSA: UHC Navigate HSA Bronze 3600 |
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:
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.
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | $291 | $9,450 | Tufts Health Direct Catastrophic |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | $360 | $9,450 | HMO Blue Essential |
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:
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.
| WellSense Health Plan | 636 | 3,000 | Standard Platinum: WellSense Clarity Platinum 0 Deductible |
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | 667 | 3,000 | Standard Platinum: Tufts Health Direct Platinum |
| Fallon Health | 707 | 3,000 | Standard Platinum: Community Care Connector Platinum |
| Health New England | 929 | 3,000 | Standard Platinum: HNE Platinum A |
| UnitedHealthcare | 953 | 3,000 | Standard Platinum: UHC Navigate Platinum 0 |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | 989 | 3,000 | Standard Platinum: Complete HMO 20/40 |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | 1,016 | 3,000 | Standard Platinum - Flex |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | 1,138 | 2,737 | Standard Platinum: HMO Blue Premium |
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.
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:
| WellSense Health Plan | $407 | $9,450 | Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II |
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | $432 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II |
| Fallon Health | $441 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Community Care Connector High Silver II |
| Health New England | $544 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: HNE Silver A II |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $569 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Select HMO 2000 25/60 II |
| Harvard Pilgrim Health Care | $694 | $9,450 | Standard Silver II |
| Mass General Brigham Health Plan | $705 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Complete HMO 2000 25/60 II |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | $822 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: HMO Blue Basic II |
| UnitedHealthcare | $835 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: UHC Navigate Silver 2000 II |
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.
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:
The following table shows the available plans in Massachusetts based on ZIP code.
| WellSense Health Plan | $396 | $9,450 | Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II |
| Tufts Health Plan Direct | $420 | $9,450 | Standard Silver: Tufts Health Direct Silver 2000 II |
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.
The cheapest Silver plan in Massachusetts is the Standard High Silver: WellSense Clarity Silver 2000 II provided by WellSense Health Plan, with a monthly cost of $407. The cheapest Gold plan in Massachusetts is the Non-Standard Low Gold: WellSense Clarity Gold 1500 also by WellSense Health Plan, costing $498 per month.
Although you'll pay a lower monthly premium for a cheap health insurance plan, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. More expensive plans cover more comprehensive services and considerably lower your out-of-pocket maximums.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
