Getting Started Guide

Read our guide to find the information you need to know before you start your application, plus answers to frequently asked questions that will help you all the way through enrollment.

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Resources

Visit our download center to find information and resources to learn more about subsidies, how to shop for plans, renewal information, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions and Information

  1. Metallic Tiers
  2. Premium tax credit (Advanced Premium Tax Credit – APTC)
  3. Are there different ways to get help paying for health insurance?
  4. What is the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)?
  5. Hardship exemption and how to apply

General Information

  1. What does national health reform mean for employers?
  2. Can I get help paying for my health insurance if I buy a plan outside the Health Connector?
  3. Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  4. What is an Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC)?
  5. When can I apply for coverage?

Individuals & Families

  1. What’s the difference between the Health Connector and MassHealth?
  2. What to Know If You Get Help Paying for Health Insurance from Both the Health Connector and Your Employer
  3. Are there different ways to get help paying for health insurance?
  4. Important information about identity (ID) proofing
  5. Do I have to buy through the Health Connector if I want to get help paying for insurance?

Small Businesses

  1. How will the employer-related policies in Massachusetts’ health reform law be reconciled with the implementation of national health reform?
  2. Where can I learn more about plans and coverage?
  3. Will there be new penalties for employers and how do they apply?
  4. How does national health reform help Massachusetts small business owners?
  5. Who can shop as a business, and who needs to shop as an individual or family through the Health Connector?

Students

  1. What kind of health insurance are Massachusetts students required to have?
  2. Some Schools have already opened their SHIP waiver processes for the upcoming academic year. If a School decides to move to remote-only learning, or if a Student decides to access courses remotely, after Students have already enrolled in the SHIP, should Students be allowed a SHIP premium refund?
  3. Can international students purchase a health plan through the Health Connector?
  4. When is Open Enrollment and when do Health Connector plans start?
  5. Can I get help paying for my health insurance if I buy a plan outside the Health Connector?

Find an Enrollment Assister

Enrollment Assisters can help you understand new coverage options available as a result of national health care reform and find the most affordable coverage that meets your needs.

These trained and certified individuals can help you from application through enrollment into new health insurance plans and answer your questions about your eligibility, application, payments, plan details, and health care reform rules and requirements.