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This historic expansion allows for more access to health insurance plan choices that are both affordable and better suited to meeting an individual’s health needs BOSTON – Today, the Massachusetts Health Connector Board of Directors approved regulatory changes that will expand access to the Marketplace’s landmark ConnectorCare program through a two-year pilot program, creating the opportunity for tens of thousands of people to access more affordable health care. The ConnectorCare program is currently available for people who make up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and do not have access to health coverage, such as through an employer. The regulatory changes were required after Governor Maura Healey signed the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget last week, which included expanding the income limits of ConnectorCare from 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to 500 percent and all Marketplace carriers to participate in the program for the first time. Together, the changes mean more residents than ever before will qualify for more help lowering health care costs since the creation of the Health Connector in 2006 and will also have greater access to more plan options. “Health care affordability is essential for everyone in Massachusetts, but particularly for low- and moderate-income families. Expanding ConnectorCare means delivering real help to tens of thousands of people,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This is an impactful step in addressing affordability and maintaining the highest percentage of health care coverage in the country, and we appreciate our partners in the Legislature for [...]

The Massachusetts Health Connector Board of Directors voted on Thursday, May 11, to ensure that health insurance plans used by five million Commonwealth residents to meet the state’s individual mandate continue to deliver high-value preventive services at no cost to consumers. This vote follows a March 2023 decision by a federal District Court in Texas to limit the scope of preventive services covered under the Affordable Care Act. The proposed regulation amendments guarantee that Massachusetts residents with health insurance plans meeting state Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC) standards will continue to receive key preventive services like cancer screenings, HIV prevention, and cholesterol-lowering medication without cost-sharing. These proposed regulation amendments protect coverage standards that are current practice in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts leads the nation in health care coverage, with 97 percent of residents having health insurance. State standards, like the ones protected by today’s vote and the corresponding change in regulations, ensure residents can continue to access vital preventive services at no cost despite a recent federal court ruling. “Here in Massachusetts, we will always stand up against efforts to restrict access to health care – from preventive care to reproductive freedom. We are committed to protecting people’s civil rights and freedom,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I applaud the Health Connector Board of Directors for taking this critical step today to ensure that Massachusetts residents can continue to access preventive services – like cancer screenings, mental health screenings and contraception – at no cost.” “MCC standards ensure five million people in Massachusetts [...]