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Halloween Safety

It’s spooky season! Happy Halloween! Before going out trick or treating, make sure you’re following these tips to make Halloween a fun and safe holiday: Supervise kids under the age of 12 for trick-or-treating. Walk safely! Make sure your kids use sidewalks, traffic signals, and crosswalks. Have them look several times before crossing the street. Have your kids wear bright colors or carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. When selecting a costume, make sure it is comfortable and a good size to prevent any falls. Try to use face paint or makeup instead of a mask that can obstruct a child’s vision. If you’re giving out candy, be alert of any allergies. Always check candy before eating it. If you’re driving, slow down and be alert. Popular trick or treating hours are 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. Make sure your kids are home early and in a safe neighborhood. Wear a mask and try to social distance yourself outdoors as much as possible. Limit your group size if you are celebrating together and practice good hygiene together. Don’t go out if you feel sick. Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Health Literacy Month

October is Health Literacy Month! Now is the time to promote the importance of making health information understandable. Health literacy is "the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others." (Source) Understanding your health insurance is an essential part of this. At the Health Connector, we strive to make health information and coverage accessible for people throughout Massachusetts. To observe Health Literacy Month, find and share resources to help you understand the importance of understandable health information. Learn more about Health Literacy Month Learn more about health insurance terms Learn more about the health initiatives through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Learn more about how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 Learn more about what to know about savings and shopping for health plans in our Resource Download Center Health Literacy is critical all year-round, but it is vital during Open Enrollment, which starts November 1, 2021, and ends January 23, 2022. If you need health insurance or want to change your plan, learn your options through the Health Connector. If you aren't covered yet, this can be your first step to becoming more health literate. So let's stay healthy and covered together! Follow us on social media to countdown Open Enrollment.

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Worcester and Framingham

WORCESTER AND FRAMINGHAM—November 1, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in Worcester and Framingham, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Worcester and Framingham, communities with a higher rate of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Family Health Center of Worcester (Navigator) 11:00 a.m. Meet & Greet staff and Board of Navigator Address: 26 Queen Street, Worcester Agnes Rivera to cover Navigator [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Boston and North Shore

Boston and North Shore—October 30, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in Boston and North Shore communities, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Boston and North Shore, including stops in Lawrence, Methuen and Salem, all communities with a higher rate of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Cooking Matters 11:00 a.m. Meet community members at close of cooking class, 10-minute Q&A [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard—October 25, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour on Martha’s Vineyard, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Martha’s Vineyard, a community with a higher rate of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Vineyard Health Care Access/County of Dukes County (Navigator) 10:30 a.m. Meet Management team of Navigator site, photo opp, walk over to local businesses to pitch to staff and [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Cape Cod

Cape Cod—October 23, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour on Cape Cod, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Cape Cod, a region with a higher rate of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands (Navigator) 12:00 p.m. Meet CACCI team, photo op, walk over to Main Street businesses to pitch to staff and hang [...]

Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour Visits Western Mass.

October 18, 2018 — In Western Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Health Connector continues its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in Western Massachusetts, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will visit Western Mass including stops in Springfield and Holyoke, all communities with higher rates of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging commuters, local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Puerto Rico Convenience Store 11:00 a.m. Meet staff, hang a window sign, photo Address: La Plaza del Mercado, [...]

Start of Massachusetts Health Connector Statewide Pre-Open Enrollment Tour

October 16, 2018—The Massachusetts Health Connector kicks off its three-week statewide Pre-Open Enrollment tour in the SouthCoast, connecting with residents and community leaders in advance of the first day of Open Enrollment. The Massachusetts Health Connector starts Open Enrollment on Nov. 1 with affordable, high-quality plans available to the state’s uninsured residents, and a #StayCovered campaign reminding everyone in the Commonwealth of the need to stay insured through the state’s individual mandate. Open Enrollment in Massachusetts runs Nov. 1, 2018, through Jan. 23, 2019, and is the time of year anyone without health insurance can sign up for coverage, and when Health Connector members can shop for the best plan for the New Year. The Health Connector will offer 57 plans from nine carriers. In addition to getting people who need coverage into plans for 2019, the Health Connector is also reminding people who already have health insurance that the state’s individual mandate remains in place. Residents who do not have health insurance that meets state standards may face a tax penalty if they do not #StayCovered. The Pre-Open Enrollment Tour will kick off on the South Coast including stops in Brockton, Fall River and New Bedford, all communities with higher rates of uninsured residents than the population at large. Tour stops will include Health Connector outreach workers engaging commuters, local businesses, and local Navigator organizations. WHAT: Massachusetts Health Connector Pre-Open Enrollment Tour WHERE: Cape Verdean Association 10:00 a.m. Meet staff and management, hang window sign Address: 575 N Montello [...]

Location Information for the July 12, 2018 Board Meeting

The Health Connector's July 12, 2018 Board Meeting will be at a new location: Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) offices at 50 Milk Street 8th Floor Boston, MA 02109 Get Directions Contrary to our Milk Street address, our main entrance is on Devonshire St, directly off of Milk St. All provided directions will direct you to our Devonshire entrance. We are located on the 8th floor of the building; in order to access the elevator/stairs, you must check in with security at the main desk at the Devonshire entrance. If you are looking for our public meeting room, you will go up the elevators, get off on the 8th floor, and turn down the hallway that is on your far left when facing away from our reception area. The meeting room will be at the end of the hallway on your right. Public Transportation MBTA Orange Line State Street Station: (Walk, 1 minute) Exit onto Devonshire St Turn Right Entrance to 50 Milk St will be on your right halfway up the block on Devonshire Haymarket Station: (Walk, 8 minutes) Head Southeast on Congress St toward Hanover St (walk towards Faneuil Hall and the Old State House) Turn Right on Devonshire St Entrance to 50 Milk St will be on your right on Devonshire Downtown Crossing Station: (Walk, 4 minutes) Head northeast on Washington St toward Bromfield St (walk towards the [...]