Publications

Health Care Reform in Massachusetts: 20 Years of Impact

April 2026 - Twenty years after the Massachusetts Legislature passed and Governor Mitt Romney signed Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006, "An Act Providing Access to Affordable, Quality, Accountable Health Care," Massachusetts continues to lead the nation with the highest rate of health insurance coverage. Chapter 58 was the result of years of analysis, strategy development, and collaboration among state leaders in the Legislature, the Governor’s office and the Executive Branch, consumer advocates, business leaders, health care providers and payers, and other stakeholders to establish a groundbreaking, bipartisan approach to near universal health coverage.

Comment Letter on the proposed rule, “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds”

The Massachusetts Health Connector has strongly opposed the Department of Homeland Security's proposed rule on "Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds." In a detailed comment letter, the Health Connector argues that the rule would create widespread fear and uncertainty, discouraging immigrant families, including those with U.S. citizen children, from enrolling in the health coverage they are legally entitled to receive.

Connected to Coverage: Member Transitions to the Health Connector During the Medicaid Redeterminations Process

July 2025—In April 2023, after three years of COVID-era federal Public Health Emergency coverage protections, the Health Connector began welcoming tens of thousands of newly-eligible residents. These residents came to the Health Connector seeking access to affordable health care coverage, a process that ran through 2024 as MassHealth redetermined the eligibility of all 2.4 million of its members. In Massachusetts, the Medicaid and CHIP programs are known together as MassHealth.

ConnectorCare Expansion Pilot Annual Report to the Legislature

July 2025—The ConnectorCare Expansion Pilot Annual Report highlights the significant impact of extending health coverage in Massachusetts to individuals earning up to 500% of the federal poverty level. Since the pilot began in 2024, over 115,000 individuals have gained more affordable insurance, with 63,000 actively enrolled as of mid-2025. The program offers benefits such as lower premiums, no deductibles, and reduced co-pays, helping residents access necessary care, including preventive services and medications for chronic conditions.

2024 Report to the Massachusetts Legislature: Activities and Accomplishments of the Massachusetts Marketplace

May 2025—The 2024 Report to the Massachusetts Legislature highlights a 40 percent increase in enrollment, reaching more than 360,000 members. This growth includes a rise in ConnectorCare enrollment, which expanded eligibility to individuals earning up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level. Additionally, thanks to effective outreach and community support, over 145,000 residents transitioned to new coverage after losing MassHealth during the unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision.

Student Health Insurance Program Report for Academic Year 2023-2024

March 2025—The Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Report for Academic Year 2023-2024 details how health insurance is provided to students in Massachusetts. In the reported year, a total of 91 institutions offered SHIPs and covered over 120,000 students. The program remains a cost-effective and comprehensive coverage option for students in Massachusetts.

Comment Letter on the proposed rule, “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability”

The Massachusetts Health Connector submitted a public comment letter addressing concerns about the proposed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule, "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability." The letter highlights potential negative impacts on Massachusetts's unique merged individual and small group insurance market, including increased premiums, harm to the risk pool, and administrative burdens. The letter also emphasizes the Commonwealth's success in achieving near-universal coverage and maintaining program integrity through tailored, data-driven approaches.

Comment Letter on the proposed rule, “HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2026”

The Massachusetts Health Connector provided detailed feedback on the 2026 NBPP proposed rule, advocating for key measures that enhance transparency in Marketplace operations and codify the use of silver-loading practices to maintain affordability. The agency also supports incorporating Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) into risk adjustment models to promote equitable access to preventive care. Highlighting the burden of medical debt, especially on vulnerable communities, the Health Connector emphasizes the need for increased education on financial assistance programs.

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