Announcements - Massachusetts Health Connector

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. Website Facebook Twitter Instagram North Adams Greylock Works 508 State Road North Adams, MA TIME: 9:00 a.m. This former mill is being renovated into an event space and a new home for food-based entrepreneurism that will feature regional and local products Website Facebook [...]

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 [...]

Infographic: Open Enrollment Preparedness and Customer Service

The Massachusetts Health Connector is committed to helping our state’s residents find the right health insurance. In preparation for the Open Enrollment period, November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016, the Health Connector has dedicated additional resources to the customer service experience. Check out the infographic below to learn how:

Upcoming Maintenance Schedule for the week of August 24, 2015

The Health Connector online application is scheduled for planned maintenance during the week of August 24, 2015. During the following maintenance periods, you will not be able to access your application. We apologize for the inconvenience. Maintenance Start Time Maintenance End Time Monday, August 24 at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 25 at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 26 at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 27 at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m. Friday, August 28 at 6:30 a.m. Friday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 29 at 6:30 a.m. Please note that the above schedule is subject to change.

Navigator Program: Notice of Grant Opportunity

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers new opportunities for individuals, families and small businesses to access insurance in Massachusetts as well as new opportunities to assist them in enrolling in affordable health and dental coverage. In Massachusetts, the Health Connector serves as the ACA-compliant Marketplace offering the Commonwealth more affordable health and dental coverage options that are easy to compare. The Health Connector also administers the federally-required Navigator program, which is designed to help consumers and small businesses that are seeking health or dental coverage, understand their coverage options and access any applicable state and federal subsidies that may make their coverage more affordable. The Health Connector is pleased to announce that we are seeking applications from qualified and eligible organizations to serve as Navigators for the second year of the program. The Notice of Grant Opportunity can be found on COMMBUYS at https://www.commbuys.com/bso/. Please note the following important deadlines, which apply to all interested applicants: Required Letter of Intent due Friday, May 30, 2014 This letter should be emailed to Paul.S.Landesman@state.ma.us Completed grant application due Friday, June 13, 2014 Please share this announcement with any interested stakeholders. The Health Connector

FFRDC Technical Assistance Report: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Health Connector

The Commonwealth requested technical assistance from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), its federal partner, in evaluating the construction of the Massachusetts health care Marketplace (HIX/IES). CMS requested IT and systems engineering assistance from The MITRE Corporation (MITRE), operator of the CMS Alliance to Modernize Healthcare (CAMH) Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). MITRE has developed substantive knowledge and understanding of the Commonwealth’s systems development life cycle. MITRE has also provided technical guidance and assistance to the Commonwealth through its engagement with CMS in supporting and assessing various stages of development through gate reviews. Download the Report

A better Massachusetts Health Connector

It is the start of the new National Open Enrollment period and we would like to welcome you to the newly enhanced Massachusetts Health Connector. Because of national health reform, Massachusetts residents can now find even more options, enhanced benefits, and savings for individuals, families, and small businesses. National health reform expands health insurance programs that are already in place and working well in Massachusetts. Residents will also benefit from expanded funding for community health centers, assistance with prescription drug costs for seniors, and tax credits for small employers. From October 1 through March 31, 2014, individuals and families may be able to find out right away what programs and subsidies that make health insurance more affordable thyey may qualify for. New tools and features will be available to help make the right choices for you, your family or your small business. And now, the Health Connector offers dental plans from the state's leading carriers for individuals, families, and small businesses. During Open Enrollment, when you shop and compare dental plans, you will be able compare plans side-by-side. Just like medical plans, you will be able to read plan details so you can learn about coverage and to help you choose the right plan for you, your family, or small business. Again, welcome to the even better Health Connector.

Something to smile about: Dental plans coming October 1

Beginning October 1, 2013, the Massachusetts Health Connector will offer dental plans from the state’s leading carriers for individuals, families, and small businesses. There will be three ways to get dental coverage through the Health Connector: Stand-alone pediatric-only dental plans, which covers children through age 18. Stand-alone dental plan for families and individual adults aged 19 years and up. With a health plan that includes dental coverage. A small number of Health Connector medical plans include pediatric dental coverage. These embedded dental plans will offer the same benefits as the stand-alone pediatric-only dental plans available through the Health Connector. During Open Enrollment, when you shop and compare dental plans, you will be able compare plans side-by-side. Just like medical plans, you will be able to read plan details so you can learn about coverage and cost-sharing to help you choose the right plan for you, your family, or small business. Remember, oral care is an important part of great overall health. New dental plans are just one of the new options and benefits you’ll find at the Health Connector beginning this fall. You can shop for health and dental coverage during Open Enrollment, October 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014, for coverage beginning January 1, 2014.