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Massachusetts Health Insurance Nov. 1: Boston Residents Face 2027 Rate Changes as Enrollment Continues
BOSTON — Massachusetts residents shopping for 2027 health insurance can now compare plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector as the state's annual open enrollment period continues into Novembe
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-11-01T23:56:49.370Z
BOSTON — Massachusetts residents shopping for 2027 health insurance can now compare plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector as the state's annual open enrollment period continues into November.
Open enrollment began Oct. 23 and runs through Jan. 23, 2027 , giving Boston area residents and consumers statewide an opportunity to enroll in coverage, change plans and review available financial assistance. Residents who enroll by Dec. 23 can have coverage begin Jan. 1, while those who enroll by Jan. 23 can receive coverage beginning Feb. 1.
The enrollment period comes as Massachusetts consumers face new health insurance rates for 2027.
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance approved an average 10.8% base rate increase across the state's merged individual and small group health insurance market. Approved increases vary significantly by carrier, ranging from 6.7% for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care to 19.2% for Fallon Community Health Plan .
What Massachusetts residents should check Consumers comparing 2027 health insurance plans should review monthly premiums, deductibles, out of pocket costs, prescription drug coverage and whether preferred doctors and hospitals remain in network.
Residents should also update household and income information before renewing coverage because those details can affect eligibility for financial assistance.
Massachusetts is continuing additional state funding for ConnectorCare , its subsidized coverage program. State officials say approximately 279,000 ConnectorCare customers are expected to see little or no premium increase in 2027 despite the expiration of enhanced federal Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
The state plans to provide $620 million in ConnectorCare funding for 2027. ConnectorCare plans also offer reduced co pays and no deductibles for eligible residents.
2027 health insurance rates vary by carrier Approved average base rate changes for Massachusetts carriers include:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue: 13.2% WellSense/Boston Medical Center Health Plan: 11.4% Fallon Community Health Plan: 19.2% Health New England: 10.4% Harvard Pilgrim Health Care: 6.7% Mass General Brigham Health Plan: 12.2% Tufts Health Public Plans: 7.5% UnitedHealthcare: 10.9% Actual premium changes will vary by plan, age, location, household circumstances and eligibility for financial assistance.
Massachusetts officials are encouraging both new and returning Health Connector customers to compare their options rather than automatically renewing existing coverage.
Free enrollment assistance is available through Health Connector Navigators at 50 locations statewide , with assistance offered in 29 languages. Residents can compare plans and enroll through the Massachusetts Health Connector.