The Massachusetts Health Connector and MassHealth have created a number of alternative pathways to coverage in recent weeks to ensure that everyone who needs coverage on January 1, 2014, has it. This includes current Health Connector members and those who are seeking coverage from the Health Connector for the first time.

Which types of coverage will be extended until March 31, 2014?

The following programs will provide extended benefits through March 31, 2014, which will give members until March 24 to re-apply for new coverage through MAhealthconnector.org:

  • Commonwealth Care—Benefits will be extended for current members who are not transferring to MassHealth. Commonwealth Care members should have already gotten information about this extension in the mail. (If you are transferring to MassHealth coverage, you should have gotten a letter in the mail letting you know about your new benefits, which start January 1, 2014).
  • Medical Security Program (MSP)– MSP members will be getting more information about this extension in the mail in the next week or two.
    • If you currently get Direct Coverage through the Medical Security Program, your coverage is being extended by the Health Connector through March 31, 2014. You do not need to take any action at this time in order to keep your coverage.  If you have questions about your continued coverage, please contact the Health Connector at 877-623-6765.
    • If you currently get Premium Assistance through the Medical Security Program, your help with paying for health insurance benefits will still end on December 31, 2013. However, you now have the option to enroll in no-cost, temporary coverage through Network Health. This insurance will cover you from January 1, through March 31, 2014. You must call 1-866-216-4845 or visit NetworkHealthExtend.com by December 31 to enroll for January 1.
  • Insurance Partnership (IP)– People who get help paying for health insurance through Insurance Partnership will be getting more information in the next week or two. You will either:
    • Continue to get help with your health insurance from MassHealth, or;
    • Continue to have your Insurance Partnership benefits until March 31, 2014. At that time, you will need to apply and enroll in a new plan through the Health Connector in order to continue getting help paying for health insurance. If you want to enroll in a Health Connector plan, you must apply and enroll by March 24, 2014, for coverage that starts April 1.

The above listed programs are still ending, and  if you get one of these types of coverage and have been told that you need to re-apply  for a new plan, you will still need to do so before your extension ends to avoid a gap in coverage. The deadline for enrolling in April 1, 2014 coverage is March 24.

What happens for people who applied for subsidized coverage for the first time?

The Health Connector and MassHealth are processing applications for new coverage. Your next steps depend on whether you qualify for health insurance coverage through MassHealth or the Health Connector.

If you qualify for MassHealth, your coverage will start right away when MassHealth determines that you are eligible, and you will receive more information from MassHealth about your benefits and health plan options.

If you qualify for ConnectorCare coverage from the Health Connector, you will receive a notice that includes details on what plans are available for you, and instructions on how to complete plan selection by mail or phone.

If you submitted an application for subsidized coverage and you have not yet received a decision, you will most likely be automatically enrolled in temporary health insurance coverage that starts January 1, 2014. You will continue to get this temporary coverage until we are able to determine which plans and programs you can qualify for. If this applies to you, you will get a letter in the mail next couple of weeks with more information. You will not need to take any immediate action or make any payment to get this temporary coverage.

What happens for people who applied for unsubsidized coverage?

Those applying for the first time for coverage starting January 1 must complete the process – including selecting a plan and making payment – by December 31. Current Commonwealth Choice members will need to re-apply and enroll in a new plan before their plan end date in order to avoid gaps in coverage. Commonwealth Choice members have plans that end December 31, January 31, February 28, or March 31.

Here are important deadlines for enrollment:

  • For coverage that starts January 1, 2014, apply and enroll in a plan by December 31, 2013
  • For coverage that starts February 1, 2014, apply and enroll by January 24
  • For coverage that starts March 1, 2014, apply and enroll by February 21
  • For coverage that starts April 1, 2014, apply and enroll by March 24—this is the last date to enroll for new coverage during open enrollment!

What is the best way to apply for coverage?

The best way for people to apply is online. You can also apply over the phone if you make an appointment with a Customer Service representative. Call Customer Service at 1-877 MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or TTY: 711. During open enrollment through March 31, 2014, we are available Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Our standard hours outside of open enrollment are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).

New: Customer Service will have extra extended hours on Sunday, December 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For in-person help with completing an application, members should call a a Navigator or Certified Application Counselor. Navigators and Certified Application Counselors have been trained to help people apply for insurance through the Health Connector. For a list of Navigators and Certified Application Counselors, visit  the ““Contact”” page.

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