December 16, 2024—Massachusetts residents have just one week left before the deadline to get health insurance for the new year, but still have the opportunity to make sure they can go into 2025 with coverage that affordably takes care of their health and wellness needs.
Open Enrollment started Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 23. However, most people who need health insurance—including people who have recently moved to Massachusetts, who are participants in the state’s growing gig and creative economies, or who simply haven’t had health coverage in many months or years—want coverage to start the new year. The deadline for a plan starting Jan. 1 is Monday, Dec. 23.
“Everyone who needs health insurance should make a plan to enroll in health coverage for the new year through the Health Connector so they can start off 2025 with the peace of mind that high-quality health coverage provides,” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “With the deadline for January coverage coming up quickly, now is the time for anyone who needs coverage to look at their options and enroll in a plan. Our members often feel relieved after learning how affordable coverage can be and having it ready to use to get the care they need.”
Most people who apply for a plan with the Health Connector are eligible for the Health Connector’s unique ConnectorCare program. There are currently more than 344,000 people in a Health Connector health insurance plan, and 291,000 of them—nearly 85 percent—are enrolled in the ConnectorCare program. A two-year pilot program started earlier this year expands the income eligibility to the program, with income limits for 2025 plans at $75,300 for an individual and $156,000 for a family of four. ConnectorCare plans make coverage more affordable through lower premiums and co-pays, and the elimination of deductibles. ConnectorCare plans also provide no-cost prescriptions for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Everyone in Massachusetts is required to have health insurance and may face a state tax penalty if they do not. Massachusetts residents who need coverage can go to MAhealthconnector.org to complete an application and see what coverage and plans are available. People who need help can call Health Connector customer service at 888-MA-ENROLL, with special additional hours on Saturday, Dec. 21, with customer service open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Monday, Dec. 23, customer service is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with anyone in the queue at 6 p.m. being able to access help even after 6 p.m.
Also, in-person help with the application and selecting a plan is available at more than 50 Navigator locations around the state. Navigators are trained, knowledgeable experts at finding health insurance for people in their communities and provide assistance in more than 30 languages. Residents can find a Navigator in their community by clicking the “Help Center” button at the top of the Health Connector’s homepage.
About the Massachusetts Health Connector
The Massachusetts Health Connector is the Commonwealth’s health insurance Marketplace, and currently serves more than 388,000 individuals and small-employer members with health and dental insurance. Massachusetts residents can use the Marketplace to enroll in coverage, and residents who do not have health insurance from an employer or other entity may qualify for subsidies. Through the ConnectorCare program, income-qualifying residents can access coverage that includes low-cost premiums and co-pays, and no deductibles.
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