The Massachusetts Health Connector submitted feedback on the proposed 2023 NBPP rule, raising concerns about the State Exchange Improper Payment Measurement program due to its potential burden on state flexibility and innovation. The letter advocates for maintaining flexibility in actuarial value variations to preserve affordable plan options for consumers.
Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation American Rescue Plan & Health Connector Coverage The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 helps lower health insurance premiums for Health Connector members and provides new help paying for health insurance premiums for people who’ve never qualified before. Learn more and find frequently asked questions→ Questions & Answers Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is used to determine your eligibility for subsidies through the Health Connector. More information and a form to assist you in calculating your annual projected income can be found below. Questions in the application will guide you through the information that you need to supply. In general, we recommend that you read the tooltips in the application if you have questions. It’s also helpful to have a copy of your most recent tax return handy so that you can compare your income or account for deductions that you might also have for 2022. Get full details at https://www.mahealthconnector.org/how-do-i-answer-questions-about-income Estimating your income while on unemployment can be difficult as your employment status may change, and for that reason we encourage people to return to their application any time they have a change in circumstances, including a change in their income. When estimating your yearly/annual income, combine the income you expect to earn in 2022 prior to becoming unemployed with your weekly unemployment benefit amount for the duration of the expected unemployed period (up to 39 weeks). If you think [...]
Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation American Rescue Plan & Health Connector Coverage The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 helps lower health insurance premiums for Health Connector members and provides new help paying for health insurance premiums for people who’ve never qualified before. Learn more and find frequently asked questions→ Questions & Answers Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is used to determine your eligibility for subsidies through the Health Connector. More information and a form to assist you in calculating your annual projected income can be found below. Questions in the application will guide you through the information that you need to supply. In general, we recommend that you read the tooltips in the application if you have questions. It’s also helpful to have a copy of your most recent tax return handy so that you can compare your income or account for deductions that you might also have for 2021. Get full details at https://www.mahealthconnector.org/how-do-i-answer-questions-about-income Estimating your income while on unemployment can be difficult as your employment status may change, and for that reason we encourage people to return to their application any time they have a change in circumstances, including a change in their income. When estimating your yearly/annual income, combine the income you earned in 2021 (or expect to earn in 2022) prior to becoming unemployed with your weekly unemployment benefit amount for the duration of the expected unemployed period (up to 39 [...]
Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation American Rescue Plan & Health Connector Coverage The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 helps lower health insurance premiums for Health Connector members and provides new help paying for health insurance premiums for people who’ve never qualified before. Learn more and find frequently asked questions→ Questions & Answers Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is used to determine your eligibility for subsidies through the Health Connector. More information and a form to assist you in calculating your annual projected income can be found below. Questions in the application will guide you through the information that you need to supply. In general, we recommend that you read the tooltips in the application if you have questions. It’s also helpful to have a copy of your most recent tax return handy so that you can compare your income or account for deductions that you might also have for 2021. Get full details at https://www.mahealthconnector.org/how-do-i-answer-questions-about-income Estimating your income while on unemployment can be difficult as your employment status may change, and for that reason we encourage people to return to their application any time they have a change in circumstances, including a change in their income. When estimating your yearly/annual income, combine the income you earned in 2021 (or expect to earn in 2021) prior to becoming unemployed with your weekly unemployment benefit amount for the duration of the expected unemployed period (up to 39 [...]
Nov. 1, 2021 – Open Enrollment for 2022 health insurance begins today at the Massachusetts Health Connector, with more opportunities for enrollees to find financial assistance with their monthly premiums. Open Enrollment runs through Jan. 23, 2022, with a deadline to apply, pick a plan, and make a first premium payment by Dec. 23, for coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2022. Open Enrollment is the time when individuals without health insurance can find coverage through the Health Connector without a qualifying reason. “Access to affordable health care for individuals and families in Massachusetts is vital,” said Marylou Sudders, Secretary of Health and Human Services and Chair of the Health Connector’s Board of Directors. “Massachusetts has the highest insured rate in the nation, and Open Enrollment offers individuals the opportunity to apply and choose a coverage plan that meets their needs and provides security for their health and wellbeing.” “There has not been a more important time to obtain coverage through the Health Connector than now,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “There is more assistance than ever available to help pay for coverage, and more individuals are eligible for assistance to lower the cost of health coverage than ever before.” Through the federal American Rescue Plan, millions of dollars in new federal assistance are available to Massachusetts residents to lower the cost of their health insurance premiums. The ConnectorCare program offers lower-income members premium assistance – including $0 premiums for some– with low or no [...]
It’s spooky season! Happy Halloween! Before going out trick or treating, make sure you’re following these tips to make Halloween a fun and safe holiday: Supervise kids under the age of 12 for trick-or-treating. Walk safely! Make sure your kids use sidewalks, traffic signals, and crosswalks. Have them look several times before crossing the street. Have your kids wear bright colors or carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. When selecting a costume, make sure it is comfortable and a good size to prevent any falls. Try to use face paint or makeup instead of a mask that can obstruct a child’s vision. If you’re giving out candy, be alert of any allergies. Always check candy before eating it. If you’re driving, slow down and be alert. Popular trick or treating hours are 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Make sure your kids are home early and in a safe neighborhood. Wear a mask and try to social distance yourself outdoors as much as possible. Limit your group size if you are celebrating together and practice good hygiene together. Don’t go out if you feel sick. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation American Rescue Plan & Health Connector Coverage The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 helps lower health insurance premiums for Health Connector members and provides new help paying for health insurance premiums for people who’ve never qualified before. Learn more and find frequently asked questions→ Questions & Answers Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is used to determine your eligibility for subsidies through the Health Connector. More information and a form to assist you in calculating your annual projected income can be found below. Questions in the application will guide you through the information that you need to supply. In general, we recommend that you read the tooltips in the application if you have questions. It’s also helpful to have a copy of your most recent tax return handy so that you can compare your income or account for deductions that you might also have for 2021. Get full details at https://www.mahealthconnector.org/how-do-i-answer-questions-about-income Estimating your income while on unemployment can be difficult as your employment status may change, and for that reason we encourage people to return to their application any time they have a change in circumstances, including a change in their income. When estimating your yearly/annual income, combine the income you earned in 2021 (or expect to earn in 2021) prior to becoming unemployed with your weekly unemployment benefit amount for the duration of the expected unemployed period (up to 39 [...]
The Health Connector call center is experiencing a telecommunications system outage. Our team is working urgently to resolve this issue. Please check back later and follow us on social media as we provide updates. If you need to apply for coverage, update your information, reset your login, cancel your plan, submit proof, or make a payment, Please use the self-service functions in your account. You can also contact a Navigator for assistance. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Not all companies selling health insurance are actually selling you good coverage. Some companies may try to sign you up for a “scam plan” that doesn’t meet legal requirements or may not even be real. These plans look affordable on the surface, but they may not offer the services or benefits you need to meet state standards. They may end up leaving you with big bills if you need care.That’s why it’s important to be a smart insurance shopper. Use these tips to watch out for plans that won’t be there for you when you need them, and learn how to find a health plan you can trust.Checklist for choosing health insurance you can trustBeware of unsolicited offers of health coverage over the phone or online. Many predatory companies will call you on your phone. They may use high-pressure sales tactics and claim that they can offer you low-cost access to name-brand health plans. If you get a call from a salesperson offering you health insurance, follow these tips to protect yourself:Research a phone number or company online to check its history.Never share personal information with an unsolicited telemarketer.Know that legitimate calls from the Health Connector about your coverage will only come from 1-877-623-6765, and state that “we’re calling from the Massachusetts Health Connector.”Check with the Division of Insurance (DOI) to make sure the health plan is legitimate. You should only buy health insurance from a company that is licensed by the DOI or part of a public program like [...]
October is Health Literacy Month! Now is the time to promote the importance of making health information understandable. Health literacy is "the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others." (Source) Understanding your health insurance is an essential part of this. At the Health Connector, we strive to make health information and coverage accessible for people throughout Massachusetts. To observe Health Literacy Month, find and share resources to help you understand the importance of understandable health information. Learn more about Health Literacy Month Learn more about health insurance terms Learn more about the health initiatives through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Learn more about how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 Learn more about what to know about savings and shopping for health plans in our Resource Download Center Health Literacy is critical all year-round, but it is vital during Open Enrollment, which starts November 1, 2021, and ends January 23, 2022. If you need health insurance or want to change your plan, learn your options through the Health Connector. If you aren't covered yet, this can be your first step to becoming more health literate. So let's stay healthy and covered together! Follow us on social media to countdown Open Enrollment.
