Health Connector, Author at Massachusetts Health Connector

Massachusetts Health Connector to Provide New, Additional Financial Help for Health Insurance Premiums

Extended enrollment to run through July 23 to maximize opportunity for residents to gain access to new premium support March 23, 2021 – The Massachusetts Health Connector will be able to provide hundreds of thousands of people with new and increased help paying for their health insurance premiums as a result of the recently enacted American Rescue Plan, starting for May coverage. The new law will make federal premium subsidies, known as Advance Premium Tax Credits, more generous in two ways: It will increase them for many of the Massachusetts residents who already receive them, and it will make federal premium subsidies available to more people who have never qualified before. Most of the Health Connector’s 270,000 current members, along with new enrollees, will experience lower health premiums for 2021 and 2022 under the new law. Current members who are in ConnectorCare or who receive Advance Premium Tax Credits to reduce their premiums will see even lower premiums starting with their May premium payment. Many other people, both Health Connector members and those who don’t currently purchase through the Health Connector, who previously did not get help paying their premiums will become newly eligible for subsidies and can start to access lower premiums during May, for June coverage. “The changes created by the American Rescue Plan represent the most significant expansion of financial assistance since the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Massachusetts residents will get more help [...]

Information about the Public Charge rule and how it may impact you

Information about the Public Charge ruleOn March 9, 2021 the Federal Government announced it is going back to the long-standing Public Charge Guidance in effect from the 1990s through 2019. Here is the Federal announcement and a link to the Guidance.This means that Medicaid (MassHealth), public housing, and SNAP do not count as part of the Public Charge determination. The only benefits considered in public charge are programs (including Medicaid) that pay for long-term care in a medical institution such as a nursing home and needs-based cash assistance benefits such as SSI, TAFDC and EAEDC.Unemployment benefits, WIC benefits, Pandemic EBT and Health Connector subsidies (Advance Premium Tax Credits/ConnectorCare) are also not subject to the public charge rules. The Guidance lists examples of many other benefits that are not subject to public charge, and the many types of immigrants who are not subject to the public charge test.If you have questions about how this impacts you, we recommend speaking to an immigration expert.For a list of immigration services in the community, click here. Information is available in multiple languages on the site.Information about COVID-19All individuals who qualify for MassHealth, Children’s Medical Security Plan, or Health Safety Net have access to the following services for free. None of these services are considered in the public charge test:COVID-19 testing and treatment (find COVID-19 testing sites near you here)COVID-19 vaccines (learn about when you’re eligible to get a vaccine and how to schedule an appointment here) andHelp with transportation to the location where you have scheduled a [...]

Webinar: Recently lost health insurance from your job? Know your options and how to shop for plans.

Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation 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 2020 (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 weeks). If you think you are returning to work, include the amount that you expect to earn for the remainder of the year. The table and tips below can help you know what needs to be included or not when answering the current income question and [...]

Webinar: Recently lost health insurance from your job? Know your options and how to shop for plans.

Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation 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 2020 (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 weeks). If you think you are returning to work, include the amount that you expect to earn for the remainder of the year. The table and tips below can help you know what needs to be included or not when answering the current income question and [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector extends Open Enrollment through May 23 for anyone to get health insurance

February 3, 2021 – The Massachusetts Health Connector announced today a further extension of its Open Enrollment through May 23, providing residents impacted by COVID-19 the opportunity to get access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance. The Health Connector previously announced an extension of Open Enrollment through March 23, two additional months beyond the original Jan. 23 deadline. Open Enrollment started Nov. 1, and the new deadline of May 23 aligns the Massachusetts health insurance exchange with the new open enrollment period for the federal exchange platform, healthcare.gov, which reopens Feb. 15 and remains open through May 15, and will be accompanied by a national marketing and awareness campaign. Many people need help applying for coverage or picking plan, and the Health Connector has 18 Navigator organizations available around the state, many with newly added capacity – including evening and weekend hours – to help those with questions. People who need help can find a local Navigator at www.MAhealthconnector.org/navigators. Tens of thousands of Health Connector members applicants are staying covered or getting covered during Open Enrollment, and people are encouraged to reach out to a Navigator as soon as possible to get the support needed to get coverage. About the Massachusetts Health Connector The Massachusetts Health Connector is the Commonwealth’s health insurance exchange, and currently serves more than 300,000 individuals and small-employer members with health and dental insurance. Massachusetts residents who do not have health insurance from an employer or other entity can use the exchange to gain coverage. Through the ConnectorCare [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector continues Open Enrollment through March 23

January 22, 2021 – The Massachusetts Health Connector announced today it is continuing Open Enrollment until March 23, providing additional time for state residents to access affordable, quality health insurance, particularly those hurt by the economic impacts of COVID-19. With Open Enrollment ongoing, Massachusetts residents who do not have health insurance have a new opportunity to get coverage through the Health Connector. This includes commercial plans through the ConnectorCare program, which provides help paying monthly premiums, and also offers low co-pays and no deductibles. “Having health insurance means having the peace of mind that if sick or injured, access to health care and services is readily available,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Hopefully those who don’t have coverage can take advantage of this opportunity to enroll and enjoy that peace of mind that comes with being insured.” Along with people who do not have health insurance, people who are currently in COBRA coverage after losing their jobs can switch to a Health Connector plan during this period. For people who are current paying full premiums for COBRA plans, qualifying for ConnectorCare would represent significant savings. It is likely that for COBRA participants could also find lower-cost plans available without subsidy. Many people need help applying for coverage or picking plan, and the Health Connector has 18 Navigator organizations available around the state, many with newly added capacity – including evening and weekend hours – to help those with questions. People who need help can [...]

Webinar: Recently lost health insurance from your job? Know your options and how to shop for plans.

Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation 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 2020 or 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 2020 (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 weeks). If you think you are returning to work, include the amount that you expect to earn for the remainder of the year. The table and tips below can help you know what needs to be included or not when answering the current income [...]

Webinar: Recently lost health insurance from your job? Know your options and how to shop for plans.

Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation 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 2020 or 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 2020 (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 weeks). If you think you are returning to work, include the amount that you expect to earn for the remainder of the year. The table and tips below can help you know what needs to be included or not when answering the current income [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector remains open to new enrollments through Jan. 23

Deadline for New Year coverage is Dec. 23, beyond federal end date of Dec. 15 December 14, 2020 – The Massachusetts Health Connector, which provides affordable commercial health insurance to more than 275,000 people, remains open to new enrollments through Jan. 23, with a deadline of Dec. 23 for anyone who needs coverage to start the New Year. Those deadlines are beyond the federal Open Enrollment deadline. The federal government’s healthcare.gov closes to new coverage on Dec. 15. In order to ensure everyone who needs coverage has the opportunity to sign up, the Health Connector maintains deadlines that extend beyond the federal government timing. “Having health insurance is always vital to ensure people’s physical and financial health, but more than ever, having coverage is necessary as we try to keep people safe from COVID-19 and deliver COVID-19 testing and treatment benefits to Massachusetts residents,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “We encourage everyone to get covered and stay covered – that means having health insurance and wearing a mask and staying socially distant.” The Health Connector is the state-based health insurance exchange for Massachusetts, offering affordable commercial plans to people who do not get coverage through their employer or other sources. The Health Connector offers subsidized plans to those who are income-eligible through the ConnectorCare program, which offers lower premiums and co-pays, and no-deductibles to those enrolling in a plan. Most people who shop through the Health Connector qualify for subsidies to help make coverage [...]

Webinar: Recently lost health insurance from your job? Know your options.

Video Download Presentation PDF Download Presentation 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 2020 or 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 2020 (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 weeks). If you think you are returning to work, include the amount that you expect to earn for the remainder of the year. The table and tips below can help you know what needs to be included or not when answering the current income [...]

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