If you live in Massachusetts and need health coverage, you may not know where to start when it comes to finding the right plan for you. You should find out what type of coverage you qualify for if your employer does not provide you with health insurance or if you are unemployed. Check out the information below for an overview of how the healthcare system works in the state of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Health Connector

The Massachusetts Health Connector is a state-run health insurance exchange. Health insurance in Massachusetts is offered through the Massachusetts Health Connector to residents of the state. Additionally, small businesses with few employees may qualify to offer employees health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Those with coverage through Medicare and individuals who work for big businesses that offer health insurance are not qualified for this state-run coverage.

Massachusetts offers many health insurance plans to choose from, more than most other states. There is no other venue for residents of Massachusetts to seek monetary aid for health insurance costs. Eligibility for the program is based on an individual’s income. State residents are free to obtain private health insurance coverage outside of this exchange but must do so without assistance. This program was implemented in 2006 prior to the Affordable Care Act instituted by President Barack Obama.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers in Massachusetts are required to contribute something toward the health care plan of most full-time employees. According to Massachusetts law, employers must contribute up to $295 for each employee towards a health care plan. However, the requirements differ if a business employs more than 11 full-time equivalent staff. In this state, if you have 11-50 full-time employees, you must provide for at least one-quarter of your full-time workforce in your company’s health plan. The alternative is to contribute 33 percent towards the price of individual health plans.

How To Find a Health Care Plan

There are more than 550 licensed insurance carriers for the state of Massachusetts. However, there are varying levels of coverage and varying premiums among the carriers. Not all health insurance coverage in Massachusetts is created equal. It can be difficult to sift through them all to determine which is best for your specific needs. There are eight main healthcare providers in Massachusetts.

Understanding Insurance Costs

There are various costs associated with health insurance plans. The deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying before actually using any health insurance services. Once you have met the deductible, the insurance coverage begins to pay for the costs of health care. Not all insurance plans have deductibles, so be sure you understand whether yours does or not before selecting a plan. A premium is a price you pay to keep benefits active. Co-pays are the amount the insured must pay out of pocket for services such as doctor’s visits and prescriptions.

Remember to check out Massachusetts Health Connector if you live in the state, understand employer responsibilities, how to find the right plan for you and what the different costs associated with insurance are.