In general, people who are married can only qualify for a premium tax credit if they file a joint tax return with their spouse. However, these rules have recently changed for anyone who is the victim of domestic violence. If you are the victim of domestic violence, filing a tax return separately from a spouse will no longer prevent you from being able get help paying for coverage through premium tax credits.

Because this rule was recently announced, the Health Connector will have a special enrollment period from April 1, 2014, to May 31, 2014, for anyone that this situation applies to. The special enrollment period allows victims of domestic violence to apply for and enroll in health insurance outside of the recently closed open enrollment period.

If you are a victim of domestic violence who did not apply for coverage through the Health Connector during open enrollment:

  • Go to MAhealthconnector.org and fill out a new application
  • When asked for information about how you plan to file next year’s federal income tax return, indicate that you will file as single/unmarried
  • Do not include your spouse on the application and do not include your spouse’s income when answering questions about the household income
  • You may also be asked to confirm that you are applying for coverage outside of the open enrollment period because the special enrollment related to domestic violence applies to you

If you are a victim of domestic violence who:

  • Is currently enrolled in a Health Connector Plan without help paying for coverage, or
  • Tried to apply during open enrollment and did not enroll because you did not qualify for a tax credit

Please call Health Connector Customer Service at 1-877 MA ENROLL (1-877-623-6765), TTY: 711. You will be able to change your tax filing status from your original application and will be able to shop for a new plan with help paying for coverage, if you qualify.