Press Release

Patrick-Murray Administration Announces Key Milestone in Affordable Care Act Implementation

Health Connector Releases Seal of Approval Request for Responses for Health Insurance Plans Effective January 2014 BOSTON—February 21, 2013—As the Commonwealth gears up for the launch of federal health care reform in 2014, the Patrick-Murray Administration today announced the release of the Health Connector's 2014 Seal of Approval Request for Responses soliciting a host of new health insurance products—including tiered-network and stand-alone dental plans—that will offer Massachusetts residents even more choice, more value, and more savings opportunities. "With this significant milestone in the Commonwealth's implementation of the far-reaching Affordable Care Act, we are poised to take health care reform in Massachusetts to the next level, building on our remarkable achievement of near-universal health insurance coverage of our residents," said Governor Deval Patrick. "Through this Seal of Approval process, we are furthering our nation-leading efforts to lower health care costs in Massachusetts." For the first time, carriers seeking to offer plans through the Health Connector in 2014 must meet not only state requirements but also federal requirements to receive the Health Connector's Seal of Approval. The Seal of Approval Request for Responses solicits leading insurance carriers to submit for consideration a variety of products that provide the best quality and value for Massachusetts individuals, families and small businesses. "Thanks to robust collaboration with carriers, brokers, small business owners and consumers, the Health Connector is well positioned to leverage the tools made available under the Affordable Care Act to offer an updated and improved health insurance marketplace that will offer affordable, leadingedge [...]

Health Connector Announces Next Phase of Wellness Program

On January 1, 2019, the Health Connector launched the new ConnectWell rebate program that replaces Wellness Track. Learn more → Health Connector’s 15% wellness rebate program now open to even more small businesses BOSTON—February 6, 2013—The Patrick-Murray Administration has taken another step in its commitment to promoting health and wellness by opening up the Health Connector’s free Wellness Track rebate program to all small businesses (excluding sole proprietorships) that purchase health insurance plans for up to 25 employees through the Health Connector. “When we launched health care reform in Massachusetts, one of our fundamental goals was to promote the overall health and wellness of the residents of the Commonwealth,” said Glen Shor, Secretary of Administration and Finance. “These changes help us further that goal.” New regulations published by the Connector eliminate previous employee salary caps, include the employer’s share of health insurance costs for owners and family member employees when calculating the rebate, and make the rebate available for up to three years for participating businesses. Wellness Track offers an up to 15% rebate on the employer’s share of employee health insurance premiums. “By expanding eligibility for the wellness program, the Health Connector is supporting a key goal of the Commonwealth to provide small businesses with the tools to encourage their employees to adopt healthier lifestyles,” said Jean Yang, executive director, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority. “Supporting wellness at work not only benefits the health and well-being of the individual employee, but also leads to a more productive, healthier [...]

The Health Connector and Health Care For All Launch Targeted Campaign to Spanish- and Portuguese-Speaking Communities

LAWRENCE, Mass.—January 11, 2013—Building on the Patrick-Murray Administration's success in ensuring all Massachusetts residents have access to affordable, high quality health insurance, the Massachusetts Health Connector and Health Care for All today launched a public outreach campaign targeted to small businesses, individuals, and families in the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking communities about available health coverage options. Conducted in partnership with 10 community organizations, the six-week initiative will include public events, an ethnic media PR and advertising campaign, and door-to-door distribution of educational materials to small businesses and individuals statewide. These efforts will direct consumers to Health Care for All's HelpLine (1- 800-272-4232), staffed by Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking counselors, for information about their subsidized and unsubsidized health care options. "In the past two years, the Health Connector has achieved $103 million in savings in its program for low-tomoderate income adults," said Governor Deval Patrick. "These savings have preserved eligibility and affordability for consumers even during challenging fiscal times. Our goal remains to expand access to coverage in every community." The Health Connector offers small businesses a large number of affordable plans and a wellness program, specifically designed for businesses with fewer than 25 employees, that offers up to a 15% rebate on premium costs. "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and many of these employers want to provide health insurance to their workers," said Glen Shor, Secretary of Administration and Finance. "However, often they don't know their options. This campaign will help them learn what's available to them, their employees, [...]