Temporary Coverage information and resources
If you have questions or need more information please call 1-855-MA-4-HLTH (855-624-4584).
If you submitted an application for subsidized coverage but have not received a determination for benefits, you will most likely be automatically enrolled in temporary health insurance coverage that starts January 1, 2014. You will continue to get this temporary coverage until we are able to determine which plans and programs you can qualify for. If this applies to you, you should get a letter in the mail with more information. You will not need to take any immediate action or make any payment to get this temporary coverage.
If you qualify for temporary coverage:
- You will not need to take any action or pay any money to get this temporary coverage.
- You will be enrolled automatically for coverage.
- Your temporary benefits will cover a wide range of health care services. Read the Summary of Benefits for a list of covered services.
- You can get covered health care services from providers that participate in the MassHealth program.
- You will get a letter when we finish processing your application letting you know if you qualify for a health insurance plan through the Health Connector or through MassHealth.
- Once we have processed your application and made a decision about your eligibility, your temporary benefits will end.
What kind of care does this cover?
Read the Summary of Benefits for a list of services that are covered through the Temporary Coverage.
Your temporary benefits will cover a wide range of health care services, including doctor and clinic visits, hospital stays, prescription medicines, mental health, family planning, and laboratory services.
You will get a letter in the mail letting you know if you qualify for this coverage. You can use the letter as proof of coverage when you go to get health care services, the same way that you would use a health insurance card.
Which providers can I use?
MassHealth has an extensive network of participating providers (such as a doctor or hospital) including all of the hospitals in Massachusetts, thousands of physicians who provide primary care and specialty services, and a statewide network of pharmacies.
If you qualify for this temporary coverage, you should find out first whether a provider is in the MassHealth network before you go to get any of these covered services. You can find out if a provider is in the MassHealth network by:
- contacting the provider and asking if they accept MassHealth; or
- calling MassHealth Customer Service at 1-800-841-2900 (TTY: 1-800-497-4648 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled). They can help you find a provider near you.
Questions?
Download a copy of frequently asked questions about temporary coverage for applicants for subsidized health insurance. If you have additional questions or need more information please call 1-855-MA-4-HLTH (855-624-4584).
