Alternative Carriers & the Massachusetts Health Connector
BCBS Massachusetts isn't the only option on the table, and for the smallest employers, it may not even be the right starting point. Here's a plain-language look at the other paths worth comparing at renewal.
Alternative Carriers
"Alternative carriers" simply means other fully-insured health plan options beyond Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Depending on your group size, employee locations, and current network satisfaction, carriers such as Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim, Fallon Health, UnitedHealthcare, WellSense, or Health New England may offer a better network fit, pricing, or plan design for your workforce. Comparing at least one alternative at every renewal is one of the simplest ways to confirm you're still getting a competitive rate.
The Massachusetts Health Connector
The Massachusetts Health Connector is the state's official health insurance marketplace, primarily built for individuals and very small employer groups. For senior care organizations with just a handful of employees, or for organizations exploring whether a group plan makes sense at all, the Connector can be a useful starting point to see individual-market options side by side with small-group employer coverage. It operates independently of any single insurance carrier.
Fit depends on your situation. The right option among BCBS Massachusetts, BCBS Blue Funding, Triad, InCap Captive, an alternative carrier, or the Health Connector depends on your group size, claims history, employee locations, and goals. Nothing on this page is a guarantee of savings or a specific rate — every option requires a real quote based on your census and situation.
See the full comparison of every path on our Your Options overview, or talk to us directly about what fits your organization.
Not sure which option fits your organization?
We'll walk through BCBS, Blue Funding, Triad, InCap, alternative carriers, and the Health Connector against your actual census.