Well:Covered

Insights and Highlights
from the Health Connector

Vol. 1, Issue. 1
Spring 2024

Video transcript

Since being named Executive Director a year ago, “come together” is a phrase that resonates with me as I reflect on a year of tremendous change and progress alongside an array of dedicated partners. The last year of our work saw the Health Connector play a central role in the Commonwealth’s response to the end of pandemic-era Medicaid coverage protections and saw us implement the most significant expansion in health care affordability since the Health Connector was created in 2006.

These two historic circumstances also proved to be opportunities to strengthen and build on our mission to advance access to high-quality health care by serving as a transparent and transformative health insurance Marketplace for Massachusetts residents and small businesses to easily find, compare, and enroll in affordable health coverage.

The continuing legacy of Massachusetts innovation on health coverage fuels the Health Connector’s forward-looking vision and strategic goals. With strong partnerships at the federal, state, and community levels, Massachusetts remains a national leader on health coverage for our residents.

The Health Connector plays a vital role in connecting Massachusetts residents from all walks of life to the affordable and comprehensive health coverage they deserve, and we are well-positioned to continue to deliver on that promise now and into the future in ever-more effective ways.

“The Health Connector plays a vital role in connecting Massachusetts residents from all walks of life to the affordable health coverage they deserve, and we are well-positioned to continue to deliver on that promise now and into the future.”

Audrey Morse Gasteier
Executive Director

A Record-Breaking Open Enrollment

Beautifully crafted leather products.

The Health Connector saw its busiest Open Enrollment in a decade, resulting in nearly 300,000 people enrolled in health coverage. This surge is a testament to the hard work of our teams and partners who worked hard to enroll as many residents as possible.

This increase in enrollment comes amid MassHealth eligibility redeterminations. With the end of the public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government lifted the continuous Medicaid coverage requirements, triggering MassHealth (Massachusetts’ Medicaid program) to return to their annual eligibility redetermination process at the start of April 2023. This was the beginning of the largest health coverage transition event (in the Commonwealth or nationally) since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

The successful 2024 Open Enrollment period, which included more than 72,000 new enrollments, caps a strong year of enrollment growth. Since the end of 2023 Open Enrollment, the number of people in Health Connector coverage has grown by nearly one-third in just one year.

72K
New Health Connector Enrollments
300K+
Total Health Connector Enrollments
30%
Heath Connector Membership Growth
Honestly, the big thing for me is that the Health Connector is so much more affordable compared to other types of insurance. It’s easy to sign up, and whenever I have any issues, if any, I always get a friendly and courteous representative. I don’t have many health issues, but I do have high blood pressure, and I’ve been a type 2 diabetic for a couple of years now, and for the last year or so, not having to pay for my prescriptions has made things easier.
Vincent F., Member
As an international student, it was very difficult for me to afford a health insurance [plan] and also pay for my tuition. But with the help of [Health Connector], I am not only financially fit to focus on my studies but also worry-free about any health problems.
Basu B., Member

Having two strokes last October, I became homeless and was put on disability. I lost my medical insurance benefits, but the Health Connector help[ed] me to [the] right the insurance plan, and I was able to keep my PCP doctor who has provide[d] all my medical care.

Sheron W., Member

Strong Partnerships for Success

MassHealth, Health Care For All, the Health Connector, and other partners throughout the state have come together to ensure members know how to renew their coverage and are aware of other affordable health coverage options available.

Even as the work continues through the coming months, over 80,000* people who no longer qualified for MassHealth are now covered by the Health Connector since renewals began in April 2023.

*As of March 2024

Strong Partnerships for Success

MassHealth, Health Care For All, the Health Connector, and other partners throughout the state have come together to ensure members know how to renew their coverage and are aware of other affordable health coverage options available.

Even as the work continues through the coming months, over 80,000* people who no longer qualified for MassHealth are now covered by the Health Connector since renewals began in April 2023.

*As of March 2024

Picture of Amy Rosenthal, Executive Director of Health Care For All, Audrey Gasteier, and Mike Levine, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth all seated and smiling during a press conference

[L-R] Amy Rosenthal, Executive Director of Health Care For All, Audrey Morse Gasteier, Health Connector Executive Director, and Mike Levine, Assistant Secretary for MassHealth a community press event.

“The Health Connector has been a lifesaver. Not qualifying for MassHealth post-Covid, the [Health] Connector has allowed me to keep affordable health care to combat my multiple health issues.”

George Scion
Member

Expanded Access to Affordable Health Care

In August 2023, the state budget signed by Governor Healey included a two-year pilot expansion of the ConnectorCare program. This is the first time since 2006 that Massachusetts has expanded the range of people who can qualify for state subsidies, expanding the income limits of ConnectorCare from 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to 500 percent.

New ConnectorCare Income Limits

Logos for ConnectorCare carriers Blue Cross Blur Shield of Massachusetts, Fallon Health, Harvard Pilgrim Health care, Health New England, Mass General Brigham, Tufts Health, United Healthcare, Wellsense Health
Logos for ConnectorCare carriers Blue Cross Blur Shield of Massachusetts, Fallon Health, Harvard Pilgrim Health care, Health New England, Mass General Brigham, Tufts Health, United Healthcare, Wellsense Health

Furthermore, the Health Connector took steps through its Seal of Approval process to ensure that all Marketplace carriers are now participating in the program for the first time in 2024. ConnectorCare enrollees can now enroll in coverage from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and UnitedHealthcare, as well as coverage from the already-participating carriers Fallon Health, Health New England, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and WellSense Health Plan.

I’m proud to have signed the historic two-year pilot expansion of the ConnectorCare program into law and our FY24 budget. It shapes the affordability landscape for low- and moderate-income residents, and it represents the first expansion of state-funded affordability supports at the Connector since Chapter 58 was enacted in 2006.

Governor Maura Healey, 2023 Health Policy Commission's Health Care Cost Trends Hearing

The Health Connector and ConnectorCare program has made affordable health care accessible for hundreds of thousands of people. By expanding ConnectorCare eligibility and making all carriers in the program available to choose from, we can ensure that health care is affordable and equitable to even more people throughout the Commonwealth.

Kate Walsh, Secretary of Health and Human Services

Health Equity

The Health Connector has reinforced its dedication to health equity through the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. This strategic vision prioritizes equitable access to health coverage and care. Our practices and policies will advance equitable access to comprehensive health coverage and health coverage that promotes equitable health outcomes.

Picture of Health Connector staff at a meeting

Health Connector staff gather at a March 2024 staff meeting

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The Health Connector recognizes the importance of championing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout its internal day-to-day operations and service to the public.

In 2023, a DEIA workgroup was established to develop a plan on steps the Health Connector can take to more intentionally center diversity, equity, and inclusion in the work it does for the public and members that it serves, as well as the way it approaches its work as an employer and a community of staff.

“The Health Connector has been an invaluable asset in my journey to ensure continuous health insurance coverage for myself. Navigating the complexities of health insurance can be daunting, but the Health Connector has simplified this process, making it more accessible and less stressful. One of the most notable aspects of my experience has been the exceptional customer service. Each time I’ve reached out with questions or concerns, the representatives have been not only knowledgeable but also incredibly supportive and patient. This level of assistance has made a significant difference in how I manage my health insurance needs.”

Lastasha Darget
Member

A Part of a Big Picture

Enhancing affordability for members and those within the merged market (the state’s combined individual and small group insurance markets) more broadly, the Health Connector continues to prioritize ensuring that residents of the Commonwealth can use their coverage to access health care services that enable them to attain their highest level of health and financial stability.

The Affordable Care Act turned 14 years old on March 23, 2024, and this landmark law continues to be a vital tool in providing affordable health care options for a record millions of Americans.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Press Release: Historic 21.3 Million People Choose ACA Marketplace Coverage

21.3M
Marketplace Enrollments

Honestly, without the Health Connector, my family and I would not have health insurance. We can barely afford to pay our mortgage and buy a few groceries. I have multiple health problems, and my daughter has mental health issues. Having Tufts health insurance through the [Health] Connector allows us to see our doctors regularly. My husband and son are able to get regular checkups, and we’re all able to be seen if ill.

Sherri D., Member

The Health Connector has helped me in so many ways. I was able to continue my mental health visits and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, I ended up coming down with a very rare and random physical condition, and the Health Connector has allowed me to get the care I needed at an affordable price. It’s so helpful when you’re on a low income to be able to be considered for a lower-cost insurance. Anyone who asks me about health insurance, I always send them to your site. Thank you!

Sheena A., Member

As a self-employed individual, I have no corporate health care offered to me and my family, including my wife and two young boys. We could not afford to go directly to a health care provider and pay the out-of-pocket monthly premiums. ConnectorCare has been an invaluable resource, and we love our state for this reason. Our children are with MassHealth, and they have zero out-of-pocket expenses for antibiotics, vaccines, and checkups, and even [allergy medication] is free for my boys. We are forever thankful for the Commonwealth and the [Health] Connector.

Noel Doherty, Member

More to come…

The past year has been one of significant progress for the Massachusetts Health Connector. We’ve not only confronted challenges head-on but have also paved the way for future advancements in health insurance affordability and accessibility. We remain inspired by our mission and energized by our partnerships to continue striving to lead the nation in health care reform. Looking forward, we are laser-focused on building upon our progress and further enhancing the well-being and security of all Massachusetts residents.

The Health Connector is dedicated to ensuring that every resident of our Commonwealth has affordable and comprehensive health care coverage. Our determination to continue to find ever-more effective ways to realize this vision and serve the public has never been stronger, and we look forward to working with our partners in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in this vital work.

Some quotes have been edited slightly for clarity.

The past year has been one of significant progress for the Massachusetts Health Connector. We’ve not only confronted challenges head-on but have also paved the way for future advancements in health insurance affordability and accessibility. We remain inspired by our mission and energized by our partnerships to continue striving to lead the nation in health care reform. Looking forward, we are laser-focused on building upon our progress and further enhancing the well-being and security of all Massachusetts residents.

The Health Connector is dedicated to ensuring that every resident of our Commonwealth has affordable and comprehensive health care coverage. Our determination to continue to find ever-more effective ways to realize this vision and serve the public has never been stronger, and we look forward to working with our partners in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in this vital work.

Some quotes have been edited slightly for clarity.