Your Guide to Massachusetts Health Insurance
Before we jump right into Massachusetts health insurance and everything you need to know, let’s start with a little background information. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a “Obamacare” or ACA) was passed with the goal of getting all Americans access to affordable health insurance. To meet this goal, one measure Obamacare took was to create the ACA health insurance marketplaces, or health exchanges: one-stop shops where Americans can choose from a range of standardized, government-regulated health care plans. Health exchanges are also where eligible people can get subsidies, which lower the cost of their health plans.
States were given the option to run their own local exchange, take part in a multi-state exchange, or use the federal exchange. States that run their own exchanges get to customize many elements, including the time frame during which their residents can sign up for a plan. Several states decided to operate their own state exchanges and continue to do so to this day. Massachusetts is one of those states.
Ready to compare health plans in Massachusetts? Enter your zip code below.
Massachusetts’ Health Insurance Landscape
The Massachusetts health insurance exchange is called Massachusetts Health Connector. Before the ACA, 4.3% of Bay Staters were uninsured in 2009. Since the introduction of the Massachusetts Health Connector, the percent of Bay Staters without health insurance has dropped to 3% as of 2019. Massachusetts has one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country.
The Massachusetts Health Insurance Exchange
With Massachusetts Health Connector, eligible people throughout the state can find subsidized ACA plans. Open Enrollment for 2022 in Massachusetts began November 1, 2021 and ends January 23, 2022. If you sign up by December 15, your coverage will start January 1. However, if you sign up after December 15, you will have to wait until February 1 to use your plan. Lucky you—this sign up window is significantly longer than the window given on the federal exchange.
Massachusetts Health Connector uses an active purchaser model for their exchange. This means that Massachusetts Health Connector negotiates with health insurance carriers directly to get the best rates, networks, and benefits possible for you.
Like all other state exchanges, each plan on Massachusetts Health Connector covers 10 essential health benefits. These include things like prescription coverage, maternity and mental health care, and laboratory services.
Buying insurance with Massachusetts Health Connector involves four steps:
1. Create an account on Massachusetts Health Connector
2. Complete the online application form
3. Compare your options
4. Select your plan and enroll
In true health insurance fashion, each of these steps can be trickier than you expect. Many people need help navigating the website, estimating their income, figuring out if they are eligible for subsidies, and understanding what documents are needed for proof of income, citizenship, or identity. Luckily, you can find a navigator to help you with your application!
Massachusetts’ Health Connector Intricacies: What You Need to Know for 2022
In 2021, eight insurers offered plans on Massachusetts Health Connector, and it’s likely they’ll continue to do so in 2022. These eight carriers include:
AllWays Health Partners (previously Neighborhood Health Plan)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan
Fallon Community Health Plan
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Health New England
Tufts Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare
This wide variety of carriers participating in the exchange means you have a pretty good selection when choosing a plan.
in 2021, average health plan rates in Massachusetts increase 7.9%. This is about average for Massachusetts in the last several years. How your rates change in 2022 will depend on where in Massachusetts you live. Most health insurance shoppers can avoid rate increases entirely by switching to the cheapest plan within their metal tier. Not to mention, many people qualify for a health insurance subsidy, which can help make your plan more affordable; of those enrolled through Massachusetts Health Connector, 79 percent received federal subsidies.
Certain plans, called ConnectorCare plans, are subsidized on both a federal and state level. These affordable plan options are available to Massachusetts residents with incomes below the 300% of the poverty level ($79,500 in 2021 for a family of four).
If you live in Massachusetts, your Open Enrollment has begun. Find your most affordable plan, and you’ll be well on your way for smarter, better savings all year long. And don’t forget—if you need help finding a subsidy or picking a plan, our experts are here to help! Start by entering your zip code below.