Health Connector - Massachusetts Health Connector

Striving for meaningful choice: Non-group health plans on the Massachusetts Health Connector product shelf

January 2019—This brief is designed to provide data and analysis relative to the breadth of choices offered since the Health Connector’s inception to members purchasing outside the curated plan sets of Commonwealth Care or ConnectorCare. Although subsidized plans represent a larger share of the Health Connector’s membership, there are a limited number of standardized plans serving those members. Through examination of the way in which consumers select a single plan from the dozens available, the Health Connector will continue to refine its approach to plan offerings as well as tailoring decision support tools.

Massachusetts Medicaid Buy-in Study

October 2018—Report on the feasibility of establishing a small employer premium sharing plan for participation in the MassHealth program.

ABCs of Health Insurance: Words to Know

Not really sure how a co-payment is different from co-insurance? Do you only “Kinda, sorta” understand deductibles? Health insurance has a language of its own and you want to be sure you’re choosing the right plan. Here, we’ll try to help you by explaining some of the most common terms you’ll see while you’re shopping for—and using—your insurance. Premium The amount you pay each month for your health insurance. You must pay your premium every month, whether or not you use health care services. The Health Connector will send you a bill for your premium each month. The premium will always be due by the 23rd of the month. Deductible The total amount you must pay in a plan year before your plan will pay for part or all of your services. Some services may not have a deductible. They may be free or just have a co-pay, even though you haven’t met the deductible yet. Co-pay A fixed price you pay when you get certain health care services. Not all services require a co-pay. Co-insurance If a health care service has co-insurance, you pay a percentage (part) of the cost for that service. Usually, you start to pay co-insurance after you meet your deductible. It is not a fixed cost like a co-pay. The amount you pay depends on the total cost of [...]

Join the Massachusetts Health Connector for a “Day of Coverage” January 17, 2019

On Thursday, January 17, 2019, the Massachusetts Health Connector embarks on a one-day, multi-city tour that includes stops at six locations across the Commonwealth to remind Massachusetts residents there is still time to get 2019 health coverage before Open Enrollment ends January 23. On Thursday, January 17, 2019, the Massachusetts Health Connector holds its “Day of Coverage” featuring activities across the Commonwealth designed to help people #GetCovered and #StayCovered with health insurance for the new year.“Day of Coverage” activities will be held in Boston, Lawrence, Framingham, Worcester, Hyannis, and Vineyard Haven. Open Enrollment is happening now and runs through January 23, 2019. Massachusetts residents who want to enroll in coverage or switch plans to start February 1, must sign up through the Health Connector by January 23rd. Residents can sign up for coverage at www.MAhealthconnector.org, over the phone at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765), or in person through a local navigator organization. Here's where we'll be throughout the day on January 17th. We hope you'll join us or help spread the word by following the Health Connector on social media. Day of Coverage Locations & Times Boston Forest Hills MBTA Station, Jamaica Plain TIME: 7:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. A Health Connector team will be at the Forest Hill MBTA station distributing information about Open Enrollment. Red Sox 2018 World Series trophy stop Join us between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. to view the Commissioner's Trophy! Vineyard Haven Martha’s Vineyard Hospital TIME: 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. A Health Connector team and Navigators will have an information table [...]

3 Tips to Find the Right Health Care Provider

You’re in the market for a new primary care provider. Maybe you’re in college and you’ve aged out of the pediatrician you’ve been seeing since you were young. Maybe you’re moving to a new city. Or, maybe your current provider is retiring. Either way, finding a provider can be challenging. Here are some tips to help make your search easier. 1. Ask your friends and family Do you have any family members or friends who live in your area? After all, you’re looking for someone to take care of you and keep you healthy, so who better to ask than people you trust and care about you? While you can look reviews online—and this is a good option if you don’t know anyone in your local area—it is helpful to be able to ask questions about a person’s experiences with area providers. You can count on people you know to give you detailed answers to not only find providers, but help you make decisions. 2. Contact your health plan Some insurance plans may assign you to a provider. This is helpful when you don’t have time to search for a provider who not only takes your insurance, but is also taking new patients. However, you may also be assigned to a provider whose office is difficult to get to from your home or work. If you call your health plan, they may be able to give you a list of the providers in your area [...]

Join the Massachusetts Health Connector for a “Day of Coverage” December 18, 2018

On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, the Massachusetts Health Connector is embarking on a one-day, multi-city tour that includes stops at seven locations across the Commonwealth to remind Massachusetts residents there is still time to get 2019 health coverage before Open Enrollment ends January 23. On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, the Massachusetts Health Connector will hold its “Day of Coverage” featuring activities across the Commonwealth designed to help people #GetCovered and #StayCovered with health insurance for the new year.“Day of Coverage” activities will be held in Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Fall River, Holyoke, New Bedford and Springfield, all communities with higher rates of uninsured residents than the population at large. Open Enrollment is happening now and runs through January 23, however, residents who want to start the new year with coverage must sign up through the Health Connector by Dec. 23. Residents can sign up for coverage at www.MAhealthconnector.org, over the phone at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765), or in person through a local navigator organization. Here's where we'll be throughout the day on December 18th. We hope you'll join us or help spread the word by following the Health Connector on social media. Day of Coverage Locations & Times Boston Ashmont MBTA Station, Dorchester TIME: 7:30 a.m. A team will be handing out coffee, donuts, and Health Connector information for morning commuters. Chelsea Chelsea Silver Line Station TIME: 7:30 a.m. A team will be handing out coffee, donuts, and Health Connector information for morning commuters. New Bedford Lydia's Bakery 1668 Achushnet Ave., New Bedford [...]

Massachusetts residents have until Dec. 23 to get covered and #StayCovered for Jan. 1, 2019, coverage

BOSTON – December 10, 2018 – Massachusetts residents who do not have health insurance or need to take action to #StayCovered have until Dec. 23 to enroll or renew coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector, which holds Open Enrollment longer than the federal government. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts extends through Jan. 23 in Massachusetts, for those who obtain coverage starting in February 2019. Massachusetts residents can go to MAhealthconnector.org to apply and pick a plan. “Dec. 23 is an important deadline for people in Massachusetts who need to get covered or stay covered for the start of the New Year, and we want people to know they have an extra week compared to the federal deadline” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “We want everyone in Massachusetts to have access to affordable health care, and we want to extend every opportunity for residents to sign up or maintain their coverage.” As of Dec. 3, more than 261,000 were already enrolled for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2019. Members or applicants who need help finding coverage for next year can go to the Health Connector website and find a local organization with trained assisters who can help. Included are 16 Navigator organizations across the state, who have 94 individuals available to help, providing assistance in 15 languages. Along with reaching out to the state’s uninsured population through a series of community-based outreach and marketing efforts, the Health Connector is also encouraging people who already have insurance to [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Worcester and Framingham

WORCESTER AND FRAMINGHAM—November 1, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in Worcester and Framingham, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Worcester and Framingham, communities with a higher rate of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Family Health Center of Worcester (Navigator) 11:00 a.m. Meet & Greet staff and Board of Navigator Address: 26 Queen Street, Worcester Agnes Rivera to cover Navigator [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Boston and North Shore

Boston and North Shore—October 30, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in Boston and North Shore communities, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Boston and North Shore, including stops in Lawrence, Methuen and Salem, all communities with a higher rate of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Cooking Matters 11:00 a.m. Meet community members at close of cooking class, 10-minute Q&A [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard—October 25, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour on Martha’s Vineyard, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Martha’s Vineyard, a community with a higher rate of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Vineyard Health Care Access/County of Dukes County (Navigator) 10:30 a.m. Meet Management team of Navigator site, photo opp, walk over to local businesses to pitch to staff and [...]

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