Plans from insurance carriers outside of the United States and coverage by foreign national health service programs are not able to be used to waive participation in the SHIP plan. More details on what plans can and cannot be used to waive participation can be found at 956 CMR 8.05.
The Health Connector’s regulations at 956 CMR 8.00 only describe the obligation for Schools to offer a SHIP, and for Students to either enroll in the SHIP or waive the SHIP by demonstrating they have comparable coverage. To the degree Schools have questions about who may validly be considered eligible to enroll in the SHIP, the Health Connector encourages Schools to work with their health insurance carriers, Third-Party Administrators, and the Division of Insurance (as applicable) to ensure that enrollment flexibility and extension of coverage modifications are permitted and, if so, are clearly explained in SHIP evidences of coverage, are available according to clear and consistently applied standards across all eligible newly graduated students, and remain consistent with applicable state law and federal requirements, including 45 CFR § 147.145.
The Health Connector strongly encourages Schools to work with their health insurance carriers and Third-Party Administrators to ensure they can timely disenroll individuals from the SHIP if Students have comparable coverage as defined in Question 3. To avoid undue operational complexity associated with disenrollment requests after SHIP coverage has begun for the academic year, the Health Connector urges Schools to offer an additional opportunity for Students to waive their SHIP. Note: Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and COVID-19 Under 956 CMR 8.00, institutions of higher education, referred to as Schools in this Frequently Asked Question (FAQ), in Massachusetts are required to offer a Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to Students, and Students must either enroll in the SHIP or provide proof of comparable coverage. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Schools are considering expanding remote coursework beginning in Academic Year (AY) 2020-2021, as well as arrangements to support graduating Students. This FAQ aims to help stakeholders understand options for Schools that are consistent with SHIP regulatory requirements as stakeholders consider the impact of a transition to remote learning or post-graduation arrangements on SHIP offerings and enrollment.
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, 2025. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The 2026 Open Enrollment period ended January 23, 2026. The 2027 Open Enrollment starts November 1, 2026. 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 at 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 standalone 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.
Yes! Students can shop on the Health Connector for health and dental coverage. Get Started Now →
