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How is income now measured for determining who can get help paying for insurance?

Eligibility for help paying for insurance is no longer determined by your gross (total) income. Under national health reform, Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is now used instead. Under MAGI you can factor in business expenses that you write off for tax purposes (your Schedule C losses) when calculating your income. This means that many more people may qualify for help who might not have been able to get it in the past. Most people can look at their adjusted gross income (line 8b on their Form 1040 income tax return) to see what their MAGI number will most likely be. This is an important change to understand for those who are self-employed or have combination income sources that include self-employment income.

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 →

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.

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.

What if my income changes during the year? How will that affect my eligibility for a tax credit?

It’s common for income to change throughout the year, particularly if you are self-employed, have a seasonal job, or more than one job. To get the most accurate tax credit amount, you should let the Health Connector know if you have any income changes during the year, as they happen. If you expect your income to go up during the year, you may want to consider changing the amount of tax credit that you apply to your monthly premiums, so that you take less than the full amount available to you. If you use your tax credit during the year and your actual income is over the amount that makes you eligible, you may need to pay back some or all of the credit. You always have the option of waiting until you file your taxes next year to take the credit on your tax return, instead of applying it to your premiums in advance. This may make sense for you if you aren’t sure what your income will be for the year, and are concerned about having to pay money back at tax time.

Do I have to buy through the Health Connector if I want to get help paying for insurance?

Yes, help paying for insurance through tax credits and low-cost ConnectorCare plans is only available through the Health Connector. Even if you enroll in a plan without help paying for it through the Health Connector, if you end up qualifying for a tax credit based on your income for that year, the IRS will let you to claim the tax credit when you file your taxes at the end of the year. But the tax credit is not available for someone who buys a plan outside of the Health Connector. You can also apply through the Health Connector website to see if you qualify for MassHealth coverage.

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.

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.