Low Income Health Insurance in Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers several health-insurance options for low-income residents who cannot afford to buy their own coverage. These insurance programs allow policyholders to receive health-care services free or at little cost. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements that include income guidelines and the inability to pay for traditional coverage. Some of the programs are designed for children (those under the age of 19).

MassHealth

• MassHealth, which is available to low-income residents of Massachusetts, receives equal funding from both the federal and state governments. MassHealth is a combination of the Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It pays for some or all of the health-care services offered to its members, which include dental services, home health services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, a personal-care attendant program, and transportation services.

Commonwealth Care

• Commonwealth Care is offered to low-income Massachusetts residents who do not have insurance. The program is maintained by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority and receives funding from the state. Members receive free or low-cost health-care services that are offered through managed health-care plans that members can choose from. Individuals are eligible for the program if they are uninsured, age 19 or older, unable to get coverage as a dependent on a family member's plan, meet the income levels, and have not received an offer for health insurance through an employer in the last six months. Eligible individuals cannot have income levels greater than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. Benefits offered through Commonwealth Care include outpatient and inpatient medical care, mental health and substance abuse services, prescription drugs, rehabilitation services, vision and dental care, emergency care, and wellness care.

Health Safety Net Fund

• The Health Safety Net Fund is designed for low-income Massachusetts residents unable to get or afford to buy medical insurance. The program also helps families that cannot afford to pay their high medical bills. The Health Safety Net covers the costs of medically necessary services provided at community health centers and hospitals throughout the state. The Health Safety Net Fund is maintained by the Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy. Applications can be made at local hospitals and community health centers.

Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP)

• The Children's Medical Security Plan (CMSP) offers basic coverage to individuals under the age of 19 who are not eligible for coverage with MassHealth. CMSP does not offer all of the services available through the MassHealth insurance program. Benefits offered through CMSP include routine checkups, immunizations, office visits for sick or injured children, lab tests and x-rays, family planning services, prescription medicines, eye exams and ear testing, outpatient mental health services, and dental coverage.