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When can I apply for coverage?

In general, an open enrollment period is the time of year when people applying for health insurance can enroll or change a plan for any reason. The next Open Enrollment for Massachusetts begins November 1, 2024. If you qualify for help paying for coverage through programs like MassHealth or a ConnectorCare plan, or experience a qualifying life event, you may enroll at any time during the year. If you do not qualify for help paying for coverage, there are certain qualifying events that allow you to enroll in coverage at other times during the year. Qualifying events include (but are not limited to): adding a dependent through birth or marriage, moving to a new permanent address in Massachusetts, becoming a citizen, national, or lawfully present individual, or getting a waiver from the Office of Patient Protection. For more information on qualifying events, go to our Closed Enrollment information page.

What is the best way to apply for coverage?

The fastest way to apply is through the online application. If you would like help applying for insurance, you can get free help with an Enrollment Assister organization in your area. Find a location near you →You may also apply by phone by calling customer service at 1-877 MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or TTY: 711.You can also apply through a paper application. Download a copy of the paper application from the Forms page or call 1-877 MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or TTY: 711 to have a paper copy mailed to you.

How do I find out if my small business could be eligible for the small business tax credits created by national health reform?

The Affordable Care Act established new tax credits for certain small employers to make it more affordable to cover their employees. Eligible employers can achieve even greater savings by using these tax credits in tandem with participating in the Health Connector’s new ConnectWell program, which qualifies them for up to an additional 15 percent premium rebate. Employers can get up to a 50 percent federal tax credit when they buy health insurance through the Health Connector, if they: have 25 or fewer full-time employees, and pay average annual wages below $50,000, and pay at least half of the premiums for employee health insurance. The Health Connector also exclusively offers ConnectWell, a free program offered to eligible employers enrolled in a small business group health plan through the Health Connector. Employers who are not the sole owner and employee of a company and who have fewer than 25 employees total are eligible for the program. Eligible employers who participate may qualify for a ConnectWell rebate of up to 15 percent on their group’s health insurance premium contribution for coverage purchased through the Health Connector.

How does national health reform help Massachusetts small business owners?

The ACA provides additional tools for covering workers, which can help Massachusetts employers ensure that their workforces have the health insurance they need. For example: National health reform established new tax credits for certain small employers to make it more affordable to cover their employees (eligible employers can achieve even greater savings by using these tax credits in tandem with participating in the Health Connector’s ConnectWell program, which qualifies them for an additional 15 percent premium discount) Very low-income employees who cannot afford their employer’s coverage may be newly eligible for MassHealth (Massachusetts’ Medicaid program) without penalties for employers The ACA newly offers “one-stop” shopping for medical and dental coverage through the Health Connector The ACA invests in initiatives and innovations designed to improve the health care delivery system, which will create a healthier workforce and cost savings for Massachusetts’ employers In 2017, the Health Connector began offering small businesses new ways to offer health insurance to their employees, including options that allow the business to offer a number of plans to employees.

What does national health reform mean for employers?

National health reform includes new responsibilities and opportunities for employers. The law provides incentives to help make offering health insurance coverage to workers easier and, in some cases, more affordable. The ACA helps level the playing field for Massachusetts’ employers, setting nationwide standards for benefits and consumer protections that had already been required or commonplace in the Commonwealth.

What is an Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC)?

An Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) is a federal tax credit that is calculated on a per tax household basis. If you are eligible to receive APTC, you may use it right away to lower what you pay for your monthly health plan premiums. Households who qualify can take the tax credit as advance payments to lower their monthly health plan premiums, making insurance more affordable.The maximum amount of APTC a tax household is eligible for is calculated and adjusted according to income, family size and the value of the second-lowest cost Silver Plan that all members of your shopping group is eligible for.In order to use APTC, you must enroll in a plan through the Health Connector. Once you enroll, you can control how much of your tax credit you want to use to help pay your monthly health plan premiums. The premium tax credit is sent directly to your insurance company each month and applied to your premium, so you pay less out of your own pocket.Download the Guide to Subsidies (PDF) → Massachusetts Health Connector health insurance plans are sold in four levels of coverage: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. As the metal category increases in value, so does the percentage of medical expenses that a health insurance plan covers compared with what you are expected to pay in co-pays and deductibles. On average, Platinum-level plans cover 90 percent of health care costs, and you pay 10 percent; Gold plans cover 80 percent, while [...]

What are Health Connector Plans (also known as Qualified Health Plan – QHP)?

All of the health plans offered provide full health benefits, including visits to the doctor or hospital, and prescriptions. The Health Connector’s plans are described below using metallic terms to make it easier for you to compare them. Platinum plans have the highest premium, but the lowest co-pays and deductibles. Gold and Silver plans have lower premiums, but higher co-pays and deductibles. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums, but the highest co-pays and deductibles. Each health plan also has different doctors, hospitals, and other providers in its networks.

What are ConnectorCare plans?

ConnectorCare plans are a set of plans that offer lower monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs, because they are partially paid for by the state. If you qualify for a ConnectorCare plan, you will be able to get the most savings possible. Learn more about ConnectorCare plans

Where can I learn more about plans and coverage?

Visit the "Plan Information" section for information, summaries of benefits and coverage, and service area maps for health and dental carriers.

How do I get started?

Click "Get Started" now to learn what you need to do to apply for and enroll in coverage. Or, visit the "Getting Started Guide" section for important information that can help you get started. It includes information you should have on-hand as well as step-by-step instructions.