Low Cost Health Insurance in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts offers low or no-cost health insurance plans through the Commonwealth Care program. These managed health care plans are a low-cost option for those who meet certain eligibility guidelines.

Types

• There are four options for those who want to enroll in a Massachusetts managed health care plan: Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan, Fallon Community Health Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan and Network Health.

Identification

• These plans are run similar to an HMO, where the insured will see doctors, specialists and receive care at hospitals that participate in the plan they choose. These doctors and hospitals receive an agreed-upon amount from the state for the services they provide.

Considerations

• To be eligible for Commonwealth Care, your household income must be no more than 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, but it cannot be so low that you qualify for other programs like MassHealth. You must also be over 19, uninsured and not employed by an employer that offers health insurance and is willing to pay 20 to 33 percent of your premiums.