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Who can shop as a business, and who needs to shop as an individual or family through the Health Connector?

The rules around shopping as a small business through the Health Connector have changed. If you are the owner of a business that has no eligible employees other than your tax dependents, you will need to shop as an individual or family, instead of as a small business. However, most of the health plans available to small businesses are the same as the health plans offered to individuals through the Health Connector. And, you may be able to qualify for help paying for your coverage through programs that are available only for individuals and families.

What is the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP)?

Student Health Insurance Programs (SHIPs) are the health insurance plans that are offered by Massachusetts colleges and universities. These plans meet the Massachusetts and federal requirements for insurance coverage.Learn more now →

Do students have to purchase a SHIP plan?

Students are required to have health insurance to attend college full-time in Massachusetts. A student has to purchase a SHIP through their college only if they do not currently have health insurance coverage that is considered “comparable coverage.” For example, a student with MassHealth coverage, a ConnectorCare plan, or a student who is under age 26 who has coverage through a parent’s health insurance plan, does not need to purchase a SHIP.

Can students shop on the Health Connector?

Yes! Students can shop on the Health Connector for health and dental coverage. Get Started Now →

When is Open Enrollment and when do Health Connector plans start?

The most recent Open Enrollment period was November 1, 2023 through January 23, 2024. the next begins November 1, 2024. In general, Open Enrollment is the only time of year when you can purchase or change insurance plans for any reason. However, you may be allowed to enroll any time of year if you experience certain life events, such as losing your current insurance. If you qualify for MassHealth, or for a ConnectorCare plan, or want to purchase a stand alone dental plan, you may enroll at any time during the year. Find out more now → When you enroll in a health or dental plan by the enrollment deadline - which is the 23rd day of each month - then the earliest plan start date is the first day of the following month. For example, if you complete enrollment by September 23, then your coverage start date will be October 1.

Where do I find out if I qualify for help to pay for my health insurance?

You can use our new Get an Estimate tool to see if you qualify for savings. Or, you can apply online now to find out if you qualify for any of the programs that help you pay for insurance, including MassHealth, premium tax credits, and ConnectorCare plans.

Can international students purchase a health plan through the Health Connector?

International students who are legally in the United States and a resident of Massachusetts can buy a plan through the Health Connector. To qualify for premium tax credits, you will also have to file taxes.

Can I get help paying for my health insurance if I buy a plan outside the Health Connector?

No. You can’t qualify for help paying for a health insurance plan with an Advance Premium Tax Credit if you bought it outside of the Health Connector, such as directly with a carrier.

My family is not from Massachusetts. Can I still get help paying for my health insurance?

Yes, as long as you, the applicant, are residing in Massachusetts and are planning to stay. When you apply, indicate that you are the only person seeking health insurance. You will still need to enter information about your entire tax household, including your parents’ household income if you are claimed as their dependent, and information about other family members.

Are there different ways to get help paying for health insurance?

Yes. When you apply, you will be able to find out which programs you can qualify for. The three main ways to get help paying for coverage are through MassHealth (Massachusetts’ Medicaid program), ConnectorCare health plans, and tax credits that lower your monthly insurance premium.All applications for help paying for coverage can be done through the online application, or by filling out a paper application that is used by both the Health Connector and MassHealth.