How to Get Health Insurance in Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts has laws in place that make it mandatory for all residents to carry health insurance benefits that they can afford. The state imposes tax penalties on those who do not do so. Affordability is determined by the income, family size and the lowest-cost plan available through the Health Connector, which is an independent state agency for finding health insurance coverage. Different options are available for those families and individuals not having access to employer health insurance plans or with low income or other reasons. Call 877-623-6765. Listen for the Commonwealth Care or Commonwealth Choice options.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Reliable Internet access

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Instructions

Getting Insured

• 1

  Ascertain your health insurance needs.

• 2

  Check if your gross household income, family size and family circumstances make you eligible for MassHealth/Medicaid and Commonwealth Care benefits. Individuals or families who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance and with low incomes are eligible for MassHealth and Commonwealth Care benefits.

  Use the "Find Insurance" calculator in the Health Connector, the independent state agency that helps Massachusetts residents find health care coverage.

  MassHealth/Medicaid coverage is available for the following categories provided they meet the income requirements: Pregnant women, parents living together with children, persons with disabilities or persons spending a large part of their income on health care, adults without children based on their work status. Children are eligible for coverage if their parents are not.

• 3

  To apply for MassHealth/Medicaid, contact 888-665-9993 or-888-665-9997 TTY.
  Contact community-based organizations, hospitals, and community health centers to obtain and fill out the application forms or help you apply by computer with assistance from staff.

• 4

  Check if your income makes you eligible for Commonwealth Care. Apply for Commonwealth Care by calling 877-623-6765 or 877-623-7773 TTY.

• 5

  Download and fill out the same application for applying for coverage under both MassHealth/Medicaid and Commonwealth Care for yourself, your spouse and your dependents. Commonwealth Care is only for adults. Coverage for your children is provided under MassHealth.

• 6

  Furnish documents supporting your identity, Social Security number, citizenship status, proof of residency, earnings, and any claimed disability.

  Sign and date the application and send it to:
  MassHealth Enrollment Center
  Central Processing Unit
  P.O. Box 290794
  Charlestown, MA 02129-0214

• 7

  You can choose Commonwealth Choice irrespective of your income or employer-sponsored health insurance. Major insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Tufts Health Plan offer Commonwealth Choice health insurance plans.

• 8

  Use the Health Connector to compare polices based on cost and out-of-pocket expenses at the time of treatment.