Announcements

Massachusetts Health Connector Board takes steps to keep access to vital preventive services at no cost to state residents

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 [...]

Audrey Morse Gasteier Named Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector

BOSTON — Audrey Morse Gasteier, who has served as a policy leader at the Massachusetts Health Connector for more than a decade, was named executive director of the state-based Marketplace today by Secretary of Health and Human Services and Health Connector Board Chair Kate Walsh. Morse Gasteier had been serving as acting executive director since January. “Since its establishment in 2006, the Health Connector has been where Massachusetts residents can find affordable health care,” said Secretary Walsh. “Audrey has been a key part of that important work for many years, and I look forward to working with her as we continue to make health care coverage accessible to everyone in Massachusetts.” “This is an incredibly exciting time to lead the Health Connector, with hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents potentially needing Health Connector coverage as the Commonwealth makes its way through the upcoming Medicaid redetermination process, and I am grateful to Secretary Walsh for this opportunity,” said Morse Gasteier. “The Health Connector plays a vital role in connecting Massachusetts residents from all walks of life to the affordable health coverage they deserve, and we are well-positioned to continue to deliver on that promise now and into the future.” Morse Gasteier has served at the Health Connector since 2012, leading policy development and strategy related to the Health Connector’s role as the state’s Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplace. Her first work experience at the Health Connector was as a graduate school intern in 2007 as a Rappaport Institute Public [...]

Residents needing health insurance can now get covered through the Massachusetts Health Connector

With more help to pay for coverage for more people than ever before, Health Connector plans can be purchased by Dec. 23 to start the New Year November 1, 2022 – Starting today, people who need health insurance can get coverage that delivers high-quality, comprehensive benefits – including new $0 co-pays for some chronic illnesses – while also getting help paying for their coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Open Enrollment runs through Jan. 23, 2023, with a deadline of Dec. 23 for people who want to start the New Year with coverage. The Health Connector is the only place where Massachusetts residents can access help paying for coverage, and all Health Connector plans meet state and federal standards, delivering the peace of mind that comes with having usable, affordable health insurance. Adult residents in Massachusetts are required to have health insurance coverage. People can find coverage at www.MAhealthconnector.org. “Massachusetts leads the nation in health care coverage, with more than 97 percent of about 7 million people covered, and we want every single person to have access to affordable health care that delivers strong benefits,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “With more help than ever, including thousands of dollars in financial support for premiums a year, going into 2023 with health insurance is the right choice for everyone.” New in 2023 are $0 co-pays for ConnectorCare members for a number of important medications for chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease and [...]

Health Equity Initiatives in the 2023 Seal of Approval

Starting in 2023, Health Connector coverage will include new benefits, protections, and reduced cost-sharing to advance health equity objectives. The Health Connector is among the leaders of state-based marketplaces in leveraging its plan certification process to explicitly advance and invest in targeted health equity priorities. Informed by state and national health policy research and data, and stakeholder engagement, Health Connector staff identified health equity concerns in the health coverage landscape and designed its 2023 Seal of Approval plan certification process to advance objectives tailored to address those equity issues. The 2023 Seal of Approval addresses the opportunity to address equity issues related to the racially disparate incidence of key chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease, and hypertension) and how they relate to inequities in health outcomes, disparities in foregone health care services due to cost concerns, and disparate burdens associated with medical debt. These issues – if left unaddressed – further exacerbate health status and life expectancy disparities, as well as economic inequities. The Seal of Approval for 2023 also prioritizes equity objectives as they relate to behavioral health care access, gender-affirming care, meaningful access to care for residents with limited English proficiency and/or who are immigrants, and equitable access to provider and carrier choices for all residents obtaining coverage on-marketplace in accordance with the spirit of state health reform and the Affordable Care Act. Health equity problem Targeted Health Connector 2023 Seal of Approval response Health disparities in health status and chronic [...]

Simple Sign-up health insurance enrollment is as easy as checking a box on the state tax form

New program will simplify sign up for coverage through the Health Connector February 7, 2022 – Uninsured Massachusetts residents can check a box on their state tax forms to quickly start the process of getting health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector’s new Simple Sign-up program. The program will increase access to health insurance, and provide assistance signing up for coverage to thousands of residents. Through the Simple Sign-up program, when checking the box on the tax form, individuals authorize the Department of Revenue to communicate select elements of the tax filer’s information with the Health Connector. The Health Connector will use this information to create and send tailored information to the tax filer, and to work with residents towards obtaining the most appropriate health plan. Many communities of color have higher rates of uninsured residents, an inequity that the new Health Connector program seeks to address. Every resident completing their state taxes must have health insurance or face an individual mandate penalty. The new checkbox on the state tax form will make it easy for uninsured residents to get covered through the Health Connector, the Commonwealth’s health insurance exchange. “Simple Sign-up is a convenient new way for residents without coverage to find a path to health insurance coverage,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “The Health Connector will be able to send information directly to those who check the box, and provide assistance obtaining the coverage and help paying for health insurance to meet their [...]

Our walk-in centers have re-opened

Have you heard? Our walk-in centers in Boston, Springfield, and Worcester have re-opened! Now our members and applicants can receive in-person assistance as Open Enrollment continues through January 23, 2022 and beyond for ongoing assistance and enrollment needs. Visitors to our newly reopened walk-in centers must adhere to face covering, social distancing, and capacity requirements to maintain health and safety to visitors and staff. Boston Walk-in Center is located at 133 Portland Street, Boston, MA 02114 Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Springfield Walk-in Center is located at 88 Industrial Avenue, Suite D, Springfield, MA 01104 Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Worcester Walk-in Center is located at 146 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you need health insurance, or are already a Health Connector members and you need to update your account or pick a new plan for 2022, please visit www.MAhealthconnector.org to apply and enroll in a plan. If you need assistance, you can visit a walk-in center, find a local Navigator or Certified Enrollment Counselor through the website, or call the Health Connector at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (TTY: 711). Let’s get covered together. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @HealthConnector to countdown Open Enrollment!

Massachusetts Health Connector walk-in center in Worcester reopens to the public today

January 10, 2022 – The Massachusetts Health Connector has reopened its public walk-in center in Worcester, providing the option to members and applicants to receive in-person assistance as Open Enrollment continues through Jan. 23, and beyond for ongoing assistance and enrollment needs. The full-service walk-in center provides assistance to members regarding their coverage and assisting applicants completing their application and enrollment process. Members may also make their premium payments at the walk-in center in the form of check or money order. “Many of our members appreciate the in-person support offered by our walk-in centers, and reopening during Open Enrollment is a priority for the Health Connector,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Members in Worcester can access quality, in-person help, through Open Enrollment and beyond.” The Health Connector closed its walk-in centers in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to the reopened walk-in center must adhere to mask and capacity requirements to maintain health and safety to visitors and staff. The Worcester walk-in center is located at 146 Main St., in downtown Worcester, and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. People who need health insurance, or members who need to update their accounts or pick a new plan for 2022 can visit www.MAhealthconnector.org to apply and enroll in a plan. Those who need assistance can visit a walk-in center, find a local Navigator or Certified Enrollment Counselor through the website, or call the Health Connector at 877-MA-ENROLL (TTY 711). About the Massachusetts Health [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector walk-in center in Springfield reopens to public on Dec. 15

December 15, 2021 – The Massachusetts Health Connector is reopening its public walk-in center in Springfield today, providing the option to members and applicants to receive in-person assistance as Open Enrollment continues through January 23, 2022, and beyond for ongoing assistance and enrollment needs. The full-service walk-in center will provide assistance to members regarding their coverage and assisting applicants completing their application and enrollment process. Members may also make their premium payments at the walk-in center in the form of check or money order. “Many of our members appreciate the in-person support offered by our walk-in centers, and reopening during Open Enrollment is a priority for the Health Connector,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Members in Springfield can access quality, in-person help starting this week, through Open Enrollment and beyond.” The Health Connector closed its walk-in centers in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to the newly reopened walk-in center must adhere to mask and capacity requirements to maintain health and safety to visitors and staff. The Springfield walk-in center is located at the MassHealth Enrollment Center at 88 Industrial Ave., and is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. People who need health insurance, or members who need to update their accounts or pick a new plan for 2022 can visit www.MAhealthconnector.org to apply and enroll in a plan. Those who need assistance can visit a walk-in center, find a local Navigator or Certified Enrollment Counselor through the website, or call the Health [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector walk-in center in Boston reopens to public on Dec. 13

December 13, 2021 – The Massachusetts Health Connector is reopening its public walk-in center in Boston today, providing the option to members and applicants to receive in-person assistance as Open Enrollment continues through January 23, 2022, and beyond for ongoing assistance and enrollment needs. The full-service walk-in center will provide assistance to members regarding their coverage and assisting applicants completing their application and enrollment process. Members may also make their premium payments at the walk-in center in the form of check or money order. “Many of our members appreciate the in-person support offered by our walk-in centers, and reopening during Open Enrollment is a priority for the Health Connector,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Members in Boston can access quality, in-person help starting this week, through Open Enrollment and beyond.” The Health Connector closed its walk-in centers in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to the newly reopened walk-in center must adhere to mask and capacity requirements to maintain health and safety to visitors and staff. The Boston walk-in center is located at 133 Portland St., within walking distance of Haymarket buses, all MBTA subway lines, and North Station Commuter Rail, and is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Further walk-in center openings in Springfield and Worcester will be announced in coming days. People who need health insurance, or members who need to update their accounts or pick a new plan for 2022 can visit www.MAhealthconnector.org to apply and enroll in a plan. [...]

Open Enrollment Begins at the Massachusetts Health Connector – Increase in Financial Support for 2022 Coverage

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 [...]