Research

The Health Connector is interested in partnering with external researchers to conduct research that will help us improve access, affordability, and health outcomes among our members and residents of the Commonwealth.

The Health Connector will consider research proposals from external parties that request the use of the Health Connector’s data. Specifically, we are interested in research projects that would provide insight into any of the following:

  • Strategies to reduce the uninsured population across the Commonwealth.
  • Effects of health insurance product design on access to care, utilization, and health outcomes.
  • Affordability of health coverage and its impact on consumer access and health insurance markets.
  • Changes in employer behavior in response to health reform.
  • Trends in utilization of preventive services, medications to manage chronic illness, forgone care, and Emergency Department (ED) visits.
  • Functioning of the non-group and small-group health insurance market.
  • Analyses of health disparities in coverage, utilization, and access.
  • Strategies to reduce the administrative burdens of applying for and maintaining coverage through the Health Connector.
  • Analyses of the impact of federal and state policy changes, such as enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTC), the ConnectorCare expansion pilot, and the elimination of copayments for certain prescription medications.

Process for Research Review and Approval

1.

As a first step, we encourage researchers who are interested in accessing Health Connector data to reach out to our research administrator to discuss your research proposal and assess the feasibility of the request at policy@mass.gov.

2.

If the proposal is feasible, staff will share application materials. Once completed, staff will review your materials and the Health Connector will make a determination of whether to provisionally approve the request.

3.

If the Health Connector determines that the proposed research is of value to the Health Connector and its members, and appropriate safeguards in place, they will move to approve the request and approve materials.

Completed materials and any questions should be submitted to

connector.policy@mass.gov