Getting Started Guide

The Health Connector application website is used to determine both MassHeath and Health Connector eligibility for people who apply for coverage and help paying for costs. During the application process, you will be asked some specific questions and will need to provide information about how each person in your household is related to one another. Because of this requirement, when you complete your application, and have dependents listed, the system will ask you how you are related to each dependent more than once. As a result, completing this section of the application may be a little confusing. These questions cannot be skipped in order to get an accurate eligibility determination. Please read all the options carefully before answering these questions and ensure you double-check your work before submitting your application.

To determine your eligibility for subsidized health insurance, the Health Connector must collect information about your household’s income. Income sources to include: For each of the following sources, make your best estimate for what your income will be in 2022. Wages Salaries Tips Net income from any self-employment or business Unemployment compensation Social Security payments, including disability payments Alimony Any other taxable income such as retirement income, investment income, pension income, rental income, prizes, awards, and gambling winnings Do NOT include the following as income: Child support Gifts Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Veterans’ disability payments Workers’ compensation Proceeds from loans (such as student loans, home equity loans, or bank loans) Do NOT include any money that an employer takes out of your paycheck such as: Child care Health insurance Retirement plans These “not taxable” items should be listed explicitly on your paycheck. Please be sure to double check that the information you have entered is correct. There is a summary page at the end of the Income section of the application where you can review your information. Take care to note that the income amount has the appropriate yearly/monthly/or weekly label. Continue to read the full guide on how to answer questions on different types of income →

The final step to complete your application is reading and attesting (agreeing) to the statements in the “Rights and Responsibilities” page of the application and providing your electronic signature (e-Signature). This page includes important information about getting coverage through MassHealth or the Health Connector. You will need to read and attest to all statements by clicking the check boxes on the screen before you can submit your application and see what programs you are eligible for. If you need help understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can get help from a customer service representative or an Enrollment Assister. Incarcerated household members Because of Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid rules, people who are in jail because they have been convicted of a crime are not eligible to get coverage through the Marketplace. However, if someone in your household is in jail awaiting trial (pending disposition), or they will be released within the next 60 days, that person is still eligible to apply for coverage through the Health Connector website. When you apply, you will be asked on the “Rights and Responsibilities” page if someone applying for coverage is incarcerated. Only respond “Yes” if there is a person who is applying with you and they are in jail because they were convicted of a crime (not awaiting disposition).

If you have trouble finding your document or a number on your document, but you know your alien or I-94 number, select “Other documents or status types” when asked to select your document. Then, you’ll see another drop-down list where you should select “Other.” Then, enter a description of your document in the text field and your alien and/or I-94 number. If you have trouble finding information on your document or you’re getting errors when trying to submit your application, answer “Yes” if you have eligible immigration status when asked this question, then continue your application without entering your document numbers. If you don’t enter your document information, you may be asked to provide a copy of your document after you submit your application. Click here to see the different types of immigration documents and how to find the information you need →

When you enter your document type, you may need to enter one or more of these fields: Alien number: The alien number (also called alien registration number or USCIS number) can be found on the immigration document. It starts with an “A” and ends with 8 or 9 numbers. If your card has 8 numbers enter the A before the 8 numbers, if your card has 9 numbers please enter just the 9 numbers. If you also have a card number, you should enter both, if possible. If you have a card number, but don’t enter it, it will take longer to verify your status. Card number: The card number can be found on several immigration documents, including the I-766 Employment Authorization Card and the I-551 Lawful Permanent Resident Card. A card number number starts with 3 letters and ends with 10 numbers. If you also have an alien number or if other document information is requested, you should enter all, if possible. If you have a card number, but don’t enter it, it will take longer to verify your status. I-94 number: The I-94 number (also called the admission number) is printed on the I-94 or I-94A. This is an 11-digit number and is usually found at the top, left-hand side of the document. Note: In some cases, Customs and Border Protection may have struck out the pre-printed I-94 number and hand-written a different number on the form. If this is the case, enter the hand-written number. Passport number: [...]

“Minimum value” standards mean that the health plan will pay at least 60% of the total cost of medical services for a standard population. The other 40% of costs would be paid by members through deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. Most employer plans meet minimum value standards. To find out for sure if your employer’s plan meets these standards, talk to your human resources department or the health plan. You can use the worksheet we provide to collect their answers. Download the worksheet by clicking here. How do I know if my employer’s plan is affordable? Click here for the affordability worksheet →  

Even small errors on your application like a misspelled name or incorrect address may cause you to experience a delay in getting an eligibility determination or shopping for a plan. To avoid any delay in processing your application or choosing a plan, before you hit a “Save and Continue” button at any point during the application, carefully review what you have entered into the application to make sure the information you entered is correct. You should also carefully review your application again from beginning to end on summary pages before you click the “Submit” button.