Announcements - Massachusetts Health Connector

Important information about coverage for coronavirus (COVID-19)

Insurers in Massachusetts, including those that offer health plans through the Health Connector, are now required to cover the cost of testing and treatment for members who may be affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) has asked health insurance companies to take several steps to help protect people in Massachusetts against coronavirus, including the following: Set up telephone helplines to answer questions about coronavirus Make telehealth services more available and at a lower cost to members. This is so members can be seen and treated by a doctor without having to go into an office whenever possible Remove coronavirus testing and treatment costs (like co-pays) when medically needed More information Contact your health insurance company if you have specific questions about your benefits Learn more about the coronavirus from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Learn more about the DOI guidelines for health insurers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Health Connector offers extended enrollment for uninsured individuals to ease coronavirus fears

On March 30, the special enrollment deadline was extended an additional month to May 25, 2020. Learn more → BOSTON – March 11, 2020 – To ensure everyone who wants access to covered coronavirus services has it, the Massachusetts Health Connector announced today that uninsured residents can apply and get into coverage through a 45-day window running until April 25. On March 6, the Division of Insurance announced that Massachusetts health insurers are now required to cover the cost of testing and treatment for members who may be affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), including not charging co-pays or deductibles for those services. The Health Connector’s decision to open enrollment to anyone without coverage ensures Massachusetts residents concerned about contracting coronavirus can access necessary services without cost barriers. Additionally, the Health Connector will be delivering to current members information about the Division of Insurance guidance, reassuring members that coronavirus-related services are available at no cost. “The coronavirus represents a significant and growing public health threat, and the Massachusetts Health Connector is committed to making sure residents have access to testing, treatment and other related services as necessary,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “With 97 percent of residents covered, almost everyone in Massachusetts understands the ongoing value and need for coverage, but if anyone is considering signing up now, we encourage them to do.” Typically, the only time of year anyone can newly access coverage is during Open Enrollment, which runs from November through January. However, because of [...]

Join the Massachusetts Health Connector for a “Day of Coverage” January 15, 2020

On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, the Massachusetts Health Connector embarks on a one-day, multi-city tour that includes stops at six locations along the North and South Shore to remind Massachusetts residents there is still time to get 2020 health coverage before Open Enrollment ends January 23. On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, the Massachusetts Health Connector holds its “Day of Coverage” featuring activities across the Commonwealth designed to help people #GetCovered with health insurance for the new year.“Day of Coverage” activities will be held in Boston, Hyannis, Lawrence, New Bedford, and Lowell. Open Enrollment is happening now and runs through January 23, 2020. 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 15th. 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.–9:00 a.m. A Health Connector team will be at the Forest Hill MBTA station giving out free coffee, doughnuts, and health insurance information to commuters. Hyannis The Mayflower Bakery & Café 87 Falmouth Rd, Hyannis, MA TIME: 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Join us for a Coffee and Pastries Happy Hour! Enjoy a cup of coffee or hot [...]

Join the Massachusetts Health Connector for a “Day of Coverage” December 18, 2019

On Wednesday, December 18, 2019, the Massachusetts Health Connector embarks on a one-day, multi-city tour that includes stops at four locations across the Commonwealth to remind Massachusetts residents there is still time to enroll in health insurance by Dec. 23 for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2020. On Wednesday, December 18, 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 Framingham, Springfield, Boston, and Deerfield. Open Enrollment is happening now and runs through January 23, 2020. Massachusetts residents who want to enroll in coverage or switch plans to start January 1, must sign up through the Health Connector by December 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 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 Framingham Batucada Drum Corp Tour starts at City Hall, 150 Concord Street with stops around downtown Framingham (just follow the sounds of the drums!) TIME: 12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Health Connector will be joined by an exciting Brazilian drum corps (known as a batucada) and is visiting Framingham businesses to encourage city residents to get covered before the end of Open Enrollment, Jan. 23rd. Springfield [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Open Enrollment Continues through January 23, Offering High-Quality and Affordable Coverage to Residents

BOSTON – December 9, 2019 – Open Enrollment for health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector continues through January 23, 2020, providing residents time to find affordable coverage that delivers a wide range of benefits to make it easier and less costly to get health care. Uninsured residents have until December 23 to apply, pick a plan and make a payment in order to have coverage starting January 1, and they have until January 23 to apply for coverage starting February 1. In contrast, Open Enrollment in other states served through the federal marketplace ends as early as December 15. “As a state-based exchange, we extend our Open Enrollment deadline to provide our residents with ample time to apply and enroll in high-quality coverage,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Massachusetts leads the nation with 97 percent of residents insured, but now is the time for people without coverage to sign up as we work to get to 100 percent and ensure everyone has access to quality health care.” The Health Connector provides some of the lowest premiums of any exchange in the country for people who need coverage, with a broad range of plans to help members find the best fit for their health care needs. Low-income residents have access to affordable coverage through the ConnectorCare program, with subsidized premiums, low co-pays and no deductibles. In the first five weeks of Open Enrollment, 288,000 people were enrolled in new or continued health coverage for 2020. [...]

Shop smart to avoid health insurance scams

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 trust Beware 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 [...]

Open Enrollment begins through Massachusetts Health Connector

BOSTON – Nov. 1, 2019 – The Massachusetts Health Connector started Open Enrollment this morning, making affordable coverage available to anyone in Massachusetts without health insurance, including lower-income people who can take advantage of low premiums and co-pays through the ConnectorCare program. The Health Connector is Massachusetts’ state-based health insurance exchange, and provides health insurance to residents who do not get coverage through their employer. More than 97 percent of Massachusetts residents have health insurance, a result of the state’s 13-year old law which sought to ensure everyone in the Commonwealth has coverage. Nearly 290,000 people in Massachusetts get their health insurance through the Health Connector, and about three-quarters of those members are in ConnectorCare, benefitting from both state and federal subsidies to help make premiums and cost-sharing more affordable. For those shopping without financial assistance, the Health Connector year-over-year offers the lowest rates of any exchange in the nation. “Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in health insurance coverage, but we remain focused on getting to 100 percent – getting everyone covered,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Open Enrollment is the best time for people without coverage to get it, and we are ready to offer a stable and supportive experience to people looking for insurance.” Open Enrollment starts today and runs through Jan. 23, 2020. Not only can residents sign up for new coverage, but current Health Connector members can review their options and select a new plan if they choose [...]

Join the Massachusetts Health Connector for a Day of Coverage June 27, 2019

On Thursday, June 27, 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 to enroll in health coverage. All events are free and open to the public. On Thursday, June 27, 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 .“Day of Coverage” activities will be held in Salem, Somerville, Westfield, Boston's Chinatown, Brockton, and Jamaica Plain. Eligible Massachusetts residents can enroll in coverage anytime of the year if they are eligible for certain programs or experience a qualifying life event. Learn more about these now → 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 June 27th. We hope you'll join us or help spread the word by following the Health Connector on social media. Day of Coverage Locations & Times Salem Salem Waffle Breakfast at the Commuter Rail stop 252 Bridge St, Salem, MA 01970 TIME: 6:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. A Health Connector team will be at the Commuter Rail station serving waffles, coffee, and information on how to sign up for health and dental coverage. Somerville See Cate Great! in Davis Square TIME: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. The brilliant Cate Great! will perform a 30-minute show including unicycling, juggling, and sharing her experiences as a [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]