Health Connector - Massachusetts Health Connector

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Cape Cod

Cape Cod—October 23, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour on Cape Cod, 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 Cape Cod, a region 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: Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands (Navigator) 12:00 p.m. Meet CACCI team, photo op, walk over to Main Street businesses to pitch to staff and hang [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Western Mass.

October 18, 2018 — In Western Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in Western Massachusetts, 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 Western Mass including stops in Springfield and Holyoke, all communities with higher rates of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging commuters, local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Puerto Rico Convenience Store 11:00 a.m. Meet staff, hang a window sign, photo Address: La Plaza del Mercado, [...]

Start of Massachusetts Health Connector Statewide Pre-Open Enrollment Tour

October 16, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector kicks off its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in the SouthCoast, 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 kick off on the South Coast including stops in Brockton, Fall River and New Bedford, all communities with higher rates of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging commuters, local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Cape Verdean Association 10:00 a.m. Meet staff and management, hang window sign Address: 575 N Montello [...]

World Osteoporosis Day: Three Top Exercises to Do with Osteoporosis

If you’re age 50 or over, you are more likely to develop Osteoporosis, a condition that causes your bones to lose mass and density when you age, and can potentially lead to broken bones. Even though exercises that are hard on the joints such as running will be more challenging, there’s no reason you shouldn’t feel strong and in shape. Here are some types of exercises that will not only give you a good workout, but also help you rebuild strength in your bones. 1. Weight Bearing Aerobics According to the Mayo Clinic, weight-bearing aerobics are important because they work with the bones in your legs, hips and lower spine to slow mineral loss, thus maintaining bone density. These also provide cardiovascular benefits which can boost your heart and circulatory system health. Examples of these types of exercises include dancing, gardening, or even taking a walk around your neighborhood. 2. Stretching Stretching is important for any athlete to reduce joint stiffness and increase flexibility. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, stretching once or twice a day will help reduce back pain and promote good posture if you have osteoporosis. Yoga and Pilates can be excellent for getting these stretches in, but make sure to avoid certain positions, specifically ones that require you to bend forward because they increase the chance of you breaking a bone in the spine. 3. Strength Training According to Meredith Gibson, a physical therapist at the Cleveland Clinic, strength exercises are important for stimulating bone growth, [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Open Enrollment Encourages Uninsured to Sign up, and Urges Everyone to #StayCovered

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 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. “Massachusetts is a leader in health care access and affordability because throughout the Commonwealth people recognize the need and importance of having health insurance, and financial and health benefits that come with being covered,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Throughout Open Enrollment we will provide a stable experience to people who are signing up for coverage, while also making sure people who already have health insurance maintain coverage in 2019.” Massachusetts has the highest insured rate in the nation, with 97 percent of all residents covered. According to data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Health [...]

National Child Health Day: 5 Tips to Keeping Your Child Healthier

The first Monday in October is National Child Health Day. As the New England air is getting chillier, and cold and flu season is upon us, here are five tips to help keep your child healthy this season. 1. Get the flu shot Needles might make your child nervous—and maybe you, too—but getting the flu shot may help prevent serious illness for the whole family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness by up to 60 percent. Find out where you can get a flu vaccine by asking your primary care provider, going to a local pharmacy, or visiting HealthMap Vaccine Finder at VaccineFinder.org 2. Teach your good child hand hygiene It’s never too early to teach your child to wash their hands after they cough or sneeze, before they eat, when using the bathroom, and when they come in from outside. Regular hand washing throughout the day helps remove potentially harmful germs from their hands that can make them (and other family members) sick. One tip to make sure they cleanse their hands for a the 20-seconds is to have them sing “Happy Birthday” or the “ABC” song while washing their hands. 3. Keep your child active Does your child like sports? Not only are sports fun and a good way to learn teamwork, but physical activity also contributes to good health and helps keep their immune systems healthy. According to Harvard Medical School, exercise may contribute to [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector to provide premium waivers to residents and businesses in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover impacted by Columbia Gas incident

LAWRENCE – September 24, 2018 – To ensure residents impacted by the Columbia Gas incident on Sept. 13 are assured continued health insurance coverage, the Massachusetts Health Connector is expanding its existing premium hardship waiver program to members and small businesses who need assistance. The waivers, for Health Connector and Health Connector for Business members, including ConnectorCare, impacted by the incident, are available through the end of 2018, covering up to three months of premiums and coverage upon demonstrated need. “This crisis turned lives upside-down, and many people are going to be dealing with the impacts for months. Many residents need the financial reassurance that their health insurance is not in danger and they can continue to access care,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “The waiver process is straightforward for members and small businesses, and will allow them to quickly move on to other concerns while ensuring their Health Connector coverage remains in place.” There are currently about 7,500 Health Connector members who live in the three communities impacted by the Sept. 13 gas fires, along with 23 small businesses that provide coverage to employees through Health Connector for Business. Additionally, affected residents who had been in the process of getting into coverage may apply for an extension so they have more time to complete the process. To request a waiver, a member who purchases health insurance for themselves or their family through the Health Connector must contact the Health Connector’s customer service center [...]

Assistance for Residents of Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover

Massachusetts Health Connector is ready to help the individuals, families, and small businesses in the Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover areas who have been affected by recent events. If you currently have Health Connector health coverage If you are already enrolled in a Health Connector health plan but are worried about making your monthly payments during this period, please call us. We will help you with your payments so that you don’t risk losing your health coverage. Individuals and families If you are enrolled in an individual or family plan and need help, please call Health Connector Customer Service at 1-877-MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or TTY: 711. When you call, let the Customer Service representative know that you live in the Lawrence, North Andover, or Andover area. You can also reach us online. To send a message to our Ombudsman, use our online contact form now. Small businesses If you are a business owner with a Health Connector for Business health plan for your employees and are concerned about maintaining coverage during this time, please contact Health Connector for Business at 1-888-813-9220 (TTY: 711). When you call, let our Customer Service representative know that you live in the Lawrence, North Andover, or Andover area. You can also email us at SmallBusiness@state.ma.us If you need health insurance coverage The Health Connector offers affordable, high-quality health insurance coverage. Most people who apply for health insurance through us are able to get a $0 or low monthly cost plan. In less than one hour, [...]

September is Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month

Let’s face it, eating healthy can be expensive. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be. Replace your vending machine chips and candy with high-quality, nutritious fruits and vegetables from a local farmers’ market. By purchasing produce from a farmers’ market, you are not only supporting local farmers and the economy, but also these additional benefits: You can often find organic fruits and vegetables for a lower cost than supermarkets. Because produce is from local farms, you can find fresher (and tastier) options than foods that are shipped from long distances. You can enjoy more varieties of seasonal fruits and vegetables you may not find in a supermarket. It’s social! You can meet the farmers who are producing the food as well as connect with other people in your community. Ready to check out a farmers’ market? You can find a map of markets near you from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. If you want to know what produce is in season, use the Massachusetts-Grown Produce Availability Calendar. Resources: MassGrown Map—Find local markets throughout Massachusetts Massachusetts-Grown Produce Availability Calendar—Find out what is in season in Massachusetts so you know what is best to buy each month Farmers’ Markets information from Mass.gov—Find general information about farmers market programs and links to additional state resources Massachusetts farmers’ markets at VisitNewEngland.com—Includes information about markets where you will not only find fresh produce, but other specialty items such as handmade crafts, baked goods, flowers, and more. Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® is a health initiative focused on [...]

Ready for Open Enrollment, Health Connector sets 2019 plans with lower premium increases, selects community organizations to provide in-person support to residents

Boston – September 13, 2018 – The Massachusetts Health Connector Board of Directors today approved 57 Qualified Health Plans from nine carriers for individuals and families, with new plan designs that create better value for members and premium increases that average under 5 percent from 2018. Also during today’s meeting, the Health Connector announced 16 community groups from around Massachusetts have been selected as Navigators organizations. Their staff use their experience and knowledge to help people get covered and stay covered, both during Open Enrollment and throughout the year. Finalizing the carriers and plans, and selecting Navigator organizations, are part of the process of preparing for Open Enrollment. 2019 Open Enrollment starts Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time when anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and people with existing coverage can make changes for the New Year. “Through expanded plan offerings and an overall commitment to making health insurance more affordable, we are confident our members will have an Open Enrollment shopping experience that provides valuable options,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “One of the reasons Massachusetts remains the national leader in health care access, with 97 percent of our residents covered, is because of the great work our Navigator organizations do reaching out to their communities and sitting down directly with their clients and ensuring they have strong health insurance.” Since initiating state-based health care reform in 2006 and implementing the Affordable Care Act, [...]

ccaadmin

About Health Connector