Student health insurance and national health care reform: What does it mean for you?

National health reform, or the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is a 2010 law designed to improve access to health insurance for millions of people. This landmark law introduced some new ways for students to have greater access to affordable health insurance.

  • No-cost or low-cost insurance is available to more people than ever before through MassHealth, Massachusetts’ Medicaid program. Individuals who are 19 and older may also continue to qualify for MassHealth if they meet income and other eligibility requirements.
  • Tax credits help you pay for health insurance premiums if you buy a plan through the Health Connector. If you qualify for tax credits, you can have this credit paid directly to your insurance company every month so that your monthly premium is lower.
  • ConnectorCare plans have low monthly premiums, no deductibles, and lower out-of-pocket costs. If you qualify for a ConnectorCare plan, you can save on your monthly premium and pay less when you go to the doctor. For the first time, students will be able to access no-or low-cost ConnectorCare plans if they qualify.

Students can apply online through the Health Connector website to see if they qualify for MassHealth, tax credits, and ConnectorCare plans.

Better benefits for students

  • Students can stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26
  • No annual and lifetime limits on the amount that a health plan will pay towards your health services
  • No limits on the amount that a health plan will pay towards your prescription drugs
  • All preventive care is covered at 100% and there are no co-pays, co-insurance, or deductibles for things like:
  • Immunizations
  • Contraceptives
  • Physicals
  • Screening and counseling for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and tobacco use
  • Screenings for depression, obesity, and diabetes

Frequently Asked Questions