On February 13, 2014, the Health Connector, with support from the federal Center for Medicaid Services (CMS), announced three new steps in the Commonwealth’s effort to preserve coverage for people with health insurance through the Health Connector.

Commonwealth Care and Medical Security Plan Members

Commonwealth Care members and those who were previously in the Medical Security Plan (MSP) will have access to coverage through at least June 30, 2014. Previously, the extension ran until March 31, 2014. However, please note that some members may need to move to a different health plan. All members will receive a detailed notice in the mail.

Temporary Coverage Program

For members enrolled in the temporary coverage program, this program will also be extended until June 30, 2014 for those who are not successfully transitioned to coverage before that time.

Commonwealth Choice Members

Commonwealth Choice members will be offered a “Fast Path” to coverage in addition to shopping through the online system. Members who have not already enrolled in a new plan will have the option to “Sign, Pay, and Enroll” entirely offline into a new plan. The Health Connector has worked closely with the carriers to find plans that are most comparable to current plans through Commonwealth Choice.

Starting the week of February 17, 2014, Commonwealth Choice members will receive an enrollment package by mail about their new plan options that will include  the opportunity to enroll by paying their first month’s premium. However, members are still free to shop for different coverage through the Health Connector website from the same or different carrier if they choose. More details about these options will be included in the “Fast Path” enrollment package.

Paper Application Processing

If you submitted a paper application and have not yet received coverage options, the Health Connector and MassHealth are developing and will implement a new data-entry tool for paper applications, which will dramatically reducing the current processing time of about two hours. You will continue to see some additional progress from us in the coming weeks.

We recognize this open enrollment period has been a very challenging time for Health Connector members. The extensions for Commonwealth Care, MSP, and temporary coverage, as well as the “Fast Path” enrollment for Commonwealth Choice members, are critical to support the Health Connector’s ongoing transition efforts. These new pathways will allow the Health Connector to continue its commitment to minimizing gaps in coverage and protecting the insured Massachusetts residents.

We appreciate your patience and your willingness to work with us as we find a path forward for everyone.