Help Center

Getting Started Guide

Use 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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Get Local Help

Enrollment Assisters are trained and certified individuals who can help you from application through enrollment and answer your questions about your eligibility, application, payments, plan details, sending proof, and more.

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Resources and Guides

Visit our download center for information and resources on subsidies through the Health Connector, how to shop for plans, renewal information, and more.

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. How do I get started?
  2. What is an Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC)?
  3. When is Open Enrollment and when do Health Connector plans start?
  4. What are Health Connector Plans (also known as Qualified Health Plan – QHP)?
  5. When can I apply for coverage?

Individuals & Families

  1. How to update your account to apply for subsidies
  2. Can I get subsidies through the Health Connector if I choose to leave my employer-sponsored insurance (ESI)?
  3. How long does it take to process a paper application?
  4. I would like to apply for health insurance coverage using a paper application, can I download an application?
  5. How do I get started?

Small Businesses

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

Students

  1. When is Open Enrollment and when do Health Connector plans start?
  2. Where do I find out if I qualify for help to pay for my health insurance?
  3. My family is not from Massachusetts. Can I still get help paying for my health insurance?
  4. Do students have to purchase a SHIP plan?
  5. What kind of health insurance are Massachusetts students required to have?