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. Can I get help paying for my health insurance if I buy a plan outside the Health Connector?
  2. Consumer Protections Against Surprise Billing through the No Surprises Act
  3. How does national health reform help Massachusetts small business owners?
  4. Where can I get more information?
  5. What’s the difference between the Health Connector and MassHealth?

Individuals & Families

  1. Where do I find out if I qualify for help to pay for my health insurance?
  2. Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
  3. Hardship exemption and how to apply
  4. Who can shop as a business, and who needs to shop as an individual or family through the Health Connector?
  5. What information do I need to apply?

Small Businesses

  1. How will the employer-related policies in Massachusetts’ health reform law be reconciled with the implementation of national health reform?
  2. Who can shop as a business, and who needs to shop as an individual or family through the Health Connector?
  3. How do I find out if my small business could be eligible for the small business tax credits created by national health reform?
  4. Will there be new penalties for employers and how do they apply?
  5. What does national health reform mean for employers?

Students

  1. Some Schools are considering whether SHIP enrollment can be extended beyond the term of its expiration for Students who have just graduated. Are these extensions of SHIP coverage permissible?
  2. What kind of health insurance are Massachusetts students required to have?
  3. Do students have to purchase a SHIP plan?
  4. My family is not from Massachusetts. Can I still get help paying for my health insurance?
  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.