Open Enrollment is happening now through January 23, 2026

Now is the time to sign up for health or dental coverage for 2026. The deadline to enroll for January 1st is December 23rd. Scroll down to review the steps you need to take and important information to get started.

If you’re applying for the first time, here are the steps you’ll need to take:

STEP 1: What do you need to get started?

Find out what information you may need to have on hand, below, to fill out your application.

STEP 2: Apply for coverage

Complete all of the required information to find out what type of coverage or savings you qualify for, like a ConnectorCare plan or MassHealth coverage.

STEP 3: Shop and compare plans

If you qualify for a Health Connector or ConnectorCare plan, you can use our shopping guides and plan finder tool to help find a quality health and dental plan to meet your needs and budget.

STEP 4: Make a payment

One you choose a plan, you must make your first premium payment by the 23rd of the month before your coverage start date. You can set up monthly recurring payments online so your bill will always be paid on time each month.

You’re Enrolled!

Congratulations! You can expect a welcome packet from your insurer that includes your member ID cards. Here’s some tips to help get you started with your new coverage.
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Information you will need before you start your application

It will be helpful to have some of this information ready to look at as you fill out your application. Also, you may be asked to send us copies of some of these documents or others if we need more proof from you after you complete your application.

  • Social Security numbers for all people who are applying (if they have one).

  • Immigration documents for all non-U.S. citizens who are applying (if they have one). Find more information about immigration documents.

  • A copy of your federal tax return from last year. If you did not file taxes last year, or your income has changed since last year, have information about your current income ready (such as recent pay stubs or an unemployment award letter).

  • Home address or mailing address (if applicable) for everyone in your household who needs insurance, unless they are homeless.

  • If you are found eligible for coverage through the Health Connector and you plan to make a payment online, you will need your banking institution routing number and account number for either your checking or savings account (if you have a premium).

  • If you are found eligible for coverage through the Health Connector and you plan to make a payment by mail or in-person, you will need a personal check or money order to make a payment for your first month’s premium (if you have one).

  • If your employer offers health insurance, ask your employer these questions:

  • Do any of the health plans that the employer offers meet the “minimum value” standard?
  • What is the employee contribution to the lowest-cost health plan offered by your employer for an individual?
    • How often?
      • Weekly
      • Every 2 weeks
      • Twice a month
      • Monthly

People you can include on your application

  • Yourself
  • Your spouse
  • Your natural, adoptive, or step-children under age 19
  • Your unmarried partner if you have children together who are under age 19
  • Your unmarried partner’s children who live with you and who are under age 19, if you also include your unmarried partner
  • Anyone you include on your tax return (even if they do not live with you)
  • Anyone your unmarried partner included on his or her tax return (even if they do not live with you), if you also include your unmarried partner
  • Anyone else under age 19 who you live with and take care of

You do not have to include

  • Your unmarried partner, unless you have children together
  • Your unmarried partner’s children, unless they live with you
  • Your parents who you live with and who file their own taxes if they do not claim you as a tax dependent (if you are aged 19 or older)
  • Other adult relatives who you do not claim as a tax dependent

Important Dates & Deadlines

Enrollment Deadline Coverage Start Date
December 23, 2025 January 1, 2026
January 23, 2026 February 1, 2026
February 23, 2026 March 1, 2026

Did you know…

You can enroll in coverage at any time of the year if

  • You qualify for MassHealth
  • You now qualify for a ConnectorCare plan through the Health Connector after not qualifying in the past, or if you are applying for the first time
  • You are applying for dental coverage
  • You are a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Alaska Native shareholder
  • You experience a Qualifying Event
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FREE help is available!

Find help in your community with an Enrollment Assister. These certified enrollment experts can help you understand your coverage options, answer questions you may have, and help you find the most affordable coverage that meets your needs.

Contact an enrollment expert near you →