Announcements

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 for [...]

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 [...]

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

On Thursday, January 18, 2018, the Massachusetts Health Connector is embarking 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 2018 health coverage before the last day of Open Enrollment, which is January 23. Teams from the Health Connector with Archipelago Strategies Group, Navigator organizations, local businesses, and local health care leaders and will be hitting the road visiting 6 locations around the state as part of the "Day of Coverage" to remind Massachusetts residents that there's still time to get health insurance for 2018. The tour is days away from the January 23, 2018 deadline to enroll in coverage through the Health Connector that starts February 1, 2018. At each stop, the teams will be speaking with local residents, placing enrollment signs at local businesses, and answer questions about the benefits of getting health insurance through the Health Connector that includes ConnectorCare, which provides plans with low premiums and co-pays, and no deductibles, to those who qualify. Plus, there is a free Open Enrollment event in Lawrence with Navigator organization Greater Lawrence Community Action Council (GLCAC) from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. where residents can sign up for coverage with an enrollment expert. See more details below. Here's where we'll be throughout the day on January 18th. We hope you'll join us, or help spread the word. Day of Coverage Locations & Times Quincy Quincy Center Red Line MBTA Station TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 [...]

Join the Massachusetts Health Connector for a “Day of Coverage” December 18, 2017

On Monday, December 18, 2017, the Massachusetts Health Connector is embarking 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 2018 health coverage. Teams from the Health Connector with Archipelago Strategies Group, Navigator organizations, local businesses, and local health care leaders and will be hitting the road visiting 6 locations around the state as part of the "Day of Coverage" to remind Massachusetts residents that there's still time to get health insurance for 2018. The tour is days away from the December 23, 2017 deadline to enroll in coverage through the Health Connector that starts January 1, 2018. At each stop, the teams will be speaking with local residents, placing enrollment signs at local businesses, and answer questions about the benefits of getting health insurance through the Health Connector that includes ConnectorCare, which provides plans with low premiums and co-pays, and no deductibles, to those who qualify. Plus, there is a free Open Enrollment event in Fall River with Navigator organization SSTAR Family HealthCare Center from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. where residents can sign up for coverage with an enrollment expert. See more details below. Here's where we'll be throughout the day on December 18th. We hope you'll join us, or help spread the word. Day of Coverage Locations & Times Dorchester Field’s Corner Red Line MBTA Station, Dorchester TIME: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. A team will be handing out coffee, donuts, and [...]

Join the Massachusetts Health Connector’s One-Day, Statewide ‘Hidden Gems’ Tour October 25, 2016

On Tuesday, October 25, 2016, the Massachusetts Health Connector is embarking on a one-day, statewide tour that includes stops at "Hidden Gems" across the Commonwealth. Teams from the Health Connector will be hitting the road visiting more than 15 locations around the state as part of the "Hidden Gems" tour. The tour is one week ahead of Open Enrollment, which starts November 1 and is the time of year when anyone without health insurance can apply for coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector. At each stop, the teams will be highlighting the local gem, and you can learn about the benefits of getting health insurance through the Health Connector – including ConnectorCare, which provides plans with low premiums and co-pays, and no deductibles, to those who qualify. You can also meet local officials and representatives from Navigator organizations who have trained staff ready to help you enroll into coverage. Here's where we'll be throughout the day on October 25th. We hope you'll join us: Hidden Gem Locations & Times Follow Revere The Bagel Bin Deli 207 Shirley Avenue Revere, MA TIME: 8:30 a.m. Serving everything from eggs benedict in the morning to Yankee pot roast at night, a local favorite near Revere Beach. [/fusion_fontawesome]Website [/fusion_fontawesome]Facebook [/fusion_fontawesome]Twitter [/fusion_fontawesome]Instagram North Adams Greylock Works 508 State Road North Adams, MA TIME: 9:00 a.m. This former mill is being renovated into event space and a new home for food-based entrepreneurism that will feature regional and local products [...]

The Springfield MassHealth Enrollment Center and Health Connector Walk-in Center is moving

Due to the move, the current location at 333 Bridge Street in Springfield will be open limited hours on Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30, 2016. See the chart below for the hours: MassHealth Enrollment Center Thursday, September 29 Open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Friday, September 30 Open 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Health Connector Walk-in Center Thursday, September 29 Open 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Friday, September 30 Closed . If you need while the location is closed during the move, you can call customer service or visit another help center location → We will re-open at our new location on Monday, October 3 at 9:00 a.m. Starting October 3, 2016, the new address will be: 88 Industry Avenue Springfield, MA 01104 The hours will be the same as the current location: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Getting to the new location Pioneer Valley Bus Transportation: Take Route G2-Carew-East Springfield/Belmont-Dwight Road By Car (parking is available): From the NORTH: Follow I-91 South to MassPike (I-90) East to Exit 6 (Springfield). Take left onto I-291 West. On I-291, take exit 5. At the light, turn left onto Page Boulevard. Continue on Page Boulevard for a ¼ mile, then turn right onto Robbins Road. At the traffic light, Industry Avenue is straight ahead. Continue on Industry Avenue to number 88. Parking is on the left. From the EAST: Follow MassPike (I-90) West to Exit 6 (Springfield). Take left onto I-291 West. On I-291, take exit 5. [...]

Massachusetts Health Care Law Turns 10

Since the landmark Massachusetts heath care reform law was enacted by former Governor Mitt Romney on April 12, 2006, the Commonwealth has since gained one of the highest insured rates in the nation. Over the past decade, hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents and small businesses have been able to access high-quality and affordable coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector. PRESS RELEASE: State House Leaders Issue Statements on Ten Year Anniversary of Universal Health Care in Massachusetts Health Care Reform Timeline Health Reform is signed into law. Commonwealth Care opens enrollment for people with incomes below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. Commonwealth Care opens for people with incomes of up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Open enrollment begins for Commonwealth Choice. With some exceptions, Massachusetts adults must have health insurance. Any health insurance plan licensed for sale in Massachusetts qualifies at this date. All employers with 11 or more full-time-equivalent employees in Massachusetts must offer a Section 125 Plan that meets Health Connector standards. Employers who fail to do this may be charged part of the cost when an employee needs state help to pay for urgently needed medical care. Employers with 11 or more full-time-equivalent Massachusetts employees must make a “fair and reasonable” contribution toward an employee health plan or pay a state assessment of up to $295 per employee, per year. Massachusetts adults must show that they have enrolled in a health insurance plan or lose their personal income tax deduction on [...]