whygetit.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

  • Why do I have to get health insurance in Massachusetts anyway?


    If you don't have insurance and need to see a doctor, you're probably in a heap of trouble. That's why Massachusetts lawmakers passed a bill that requires most residents (including 18 to 26-year-olds) to have health insurance that meets certain standards. Now over 97 percent of Massachusetts' six million residents are protected by health coverage.

  • What is the Commonwealth Health Connector?


    The Commonwealth Health Connector is public authority created to implement portions of Massachusetts' health care reform. The Connector administers two separate programs: Commonwealth Care and Commonwealth Choice. Commonwealth Care offers government-subsidized insurance to people who qualify. Commonwealth Choice offers health insurance that meets standards for quality and value from companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

  • What are the most common injuries and illnesses for someone my age?


    If you're 18 to 26, you might be thinking that you're pretty invulnerable. Our numbers show otherwise. A broken bone, blown-out knee, flu, or bronchitis can rear their ugly heads pretty much anytime, so play hard, and play safe.

  • I already have health coverage through my employer. Can I cancel it and sign up for another new health plan?


    Game over. Essential Blue Young Adult, by law, is only for people who can't get coverage through their employer. So if you already have an employer-sponsored plan, just stick with it.

  • What happens if I don't sign up for health insurance?


    Besides taking a chance on paying a lot of money to a hospital for an emergency, you'll be fined half of the cost of the least expensive plan available to you for every month you're not covered in 2009. That's at least $624.00 for an entire uninsured year.

  • What if Essential Blue Young Adult doesn't meet my needs?


    Essential Blue Young Adult is designed to be affordable to young people who need health care for checkups and those "what-if" situations. If you'd like a bit more coverage and have a bit more to spend, you can check out our other health insurance options.

  • How do I get insured?


    Finding health insurance in Massachusetts is easier than a walk in the woods. Not to mention it keeps you safe while you're out there. First you have to choose whether you want basic coverage with a lower premium or a plan with little risk of unintended costs. Take the quiz to find out if you're eligible.

  • How does health insurance work?


    Let's say you missed the landing after an attempted backflip on your snowboard. You need a $50,000 back surgery, which is covered under your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts health plan. The plan has a $1,000 annual deductible, 30 percent shared cost, and a $5,000 out-of-pocket limit per year.


    The annual deductible is the amount you have to pay each year before your health insurance starts to pay for covered medical expenses.


    After you pay the first $1,000 of your bill, your deductible has been met. You are then responsible for a percentage of the bill, called the shared cost (or co-insurance), until you reach your $5,000 annual out-of-pocket limit. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will pay the rest.


    So if you do the math, a $50,000 back surgery only costs you $5,000. Good thing you had that health insurance...