COVID-19 Resources & Information
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Health Connector is dedicated to sharing important updates and resources with our members and Massachusetts residents who need health coverage.
Have you recently lost your coverage through your job or other source? Know your options through the Health Connector.
If you need coverage outside the Open Enrollment period, you may enroll in coverage through the Health Connector if you qualify for some programs or experience certain life events (called “qualifying events”) that may allow you to get coverage during a 60-day special enrollment period, even after Open Enrollment ends.
You can enroll any time of the year if:
- You experience a qualifying event
- You qualify for MassHealth
- You now qualify for a ConnectorCare plan through the Health Connector after not having qualified in the past, or after applying for the first time
- You are applying for dental coverage
- You are a member of a federally recognized tribe or Alaska Native shareholder
- You have a waiver from the Office of Patient Protection
Coverage Start Date | Enrollment Deadline |
---|---|
September 1 | August 23 |
October 1 | September 23 |
November 1 | October 23 |
December 1 | November 23 |
Please note that if you or family members are eligible for MassHealth programs, your coverage may start sooner than the 1st of the month.
Latest Updates
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Special Note for current MassHealth Members
As of March 18, 2020, MassHealth will protect coverage for all individuals who have Medicaid coverage and for all individuals approved for coverage during the COVID-19 outbreak national emergency and for one month after the emergency period ends. Coverage will only end if an individual requests termination of eligibility or if they are no longer resident of the state. Members will not lose coverage or have a decrease in benefits for any other reason.
For individuals who sees on the screen and/or have received notices that their coverage is ending after March 18, 2020, no change in coverage will occur. These individuals do not have to send in any paperwork to keep their coverage, we will take steps to ensure their coverage does not terminate.
Customer Service is Here to Help
The Health Connector Customer Service team is dedicated to serving our members during this time. If you need help with apply for coverage, our call center remains open during normal business hours. We ask for your patience if you experience longer call wait times than usual.
Call 1-877-623-6765 (TTY: 1-877-623-7773 for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled)
Business Hours
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Contact a Navigator
Having trouble affording your health insurance premium? Know your options through the Health Connector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check back for updated FAQs.
If you are applying for the first time, or a current Health Connector or MassHealth member updating your income, you may have new types of income to enter, including
- Unemployment Income
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation $600 unemployment “bump” (see sample benefit statement)
- One-time, federal “recovery rebate” or “stimulus payment” ($1,200 per adult and $500 per qualifying child)
When filling out your income information, use the chart below to help complete your application:
Type of Income | Include in Current Income? | Include in Projected Annual Income? |
Unemployment extension to up to 39 weeks of benefits | Yes, regular unemployment should be reported as long as it is received | Yes, make your best prediction about your yearly income accounting for how long you expect to receive unemployment |
$600 unemployment “bump” (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation) | No, do not include this amount in the unemployment benefits you report | Yes! Do add the $600 per week in when reporting expected yearly income. Someone on unemployment from early April through July 31 will earn about $10,000 from this bump |
One-time “recovery rebate” or “stimulus payment” of $1200 per adult and $500 per qualifying child | No, do not include this income | No, do not include this income |
Tips for entering income:
- If you are applying or updating your income, you should enter your current income (as it is right now) without the $600 in additional UI income, then update your expected yearly income based on what they think they’ll make over the course of the year
- When entering your yearly income, consider how much has been earned so far this year, add any unemployment, including the extra $600 per week, and include what might be earned if and when you return to work later this year
- If your income changes later, update your income information again so it is as correct as possible
- If you receive an Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC), you can always adjust the amount you take by using the slide on the Eligibility Results page of your application
If your income has changed and you are not able to afford your premium, please update your income as soon as possible. By updating your income, you make sure that your eligibility for subsidies and certain programs stays up-to-date and may be more affordable for you. You can update your income online or by phone.
You can pay online or by mail. Get detailed payment information here →
Insurers in Massachusetts, including those that offer health plans through the Health Connector, are now required to cover the cost of testing and treatment for members who may be affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) has asked health insurance companies to take several steps to help protect people in Massachusetts against coronavirus, including the following:
- Set up telephone helplines to answer questions about coronavirus
- Make telehealth services more available and at a lower cost to members. This is so members can be seen and treated by a doctor without having to go into an office whenever possible
- Remove coronavirus testing and treatment costs (like co-pays) when medically needed
More information
- Contact your health insurance company if you have specific questions about your benefits
- Learn more about the coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Learn more about the DOI guidelines for health insurers in Massachusetts
Affordability of a plan is based on the cost of the plan as a percentage (part) of your income. If your income is lower now because you’ve been furloughed, the plan may not be considered affordable to you now, even if it was in the past. You can enter information about your current income and your employer health plan in our online tool to check to see if the plan is currently considered affordable by law.
If your employer is no longer offering health coverage, or if the plan offered through your job is not considered affordable, you may be able to get financial help through the Health Connector. This is true whether or not you are furloughed.
Learn more about applying for Health Connector health coverage.
If you decide to end the health plan from your job and enroll through the Health Connector, please make sure to talk to your employer first. You will need to let them know about the new health plan you are enrolling in before you end your current plan.
Are you a current member and need help accessing health services?
Please contact your health insurance plan directly. Member service numbers and websites are listed below.
AllWays Health Partners Website →
- Member Services: 1-866-414-5533
- COVID-19 Hotline: Call the member services on the back of your insurance card and follow the system prompts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Website →
- Member Services: 1-800-262-2583
- COVID-19 Hotline:1-888-372-1970
Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan Website →
- Member Services: 855-833-8120 (TTY: 711)
- COVID-19 Hotline:
- BMCHP Health Connector Plan or ConnectorCare Member: 855-833-8120 and press the # option
- BMCHP MassHealth Member: 888-566-0010 and press the # option
- Well Sense members: 877-957-1300 and press the # option
- BMCHP Senior Care Options: 855-833-8125 and press the # option
- Member Services: 800-868-5200
- COVID-19 Hotline: 855-508-6227
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Website →
- Member Services: 888-888-4742 (TTY: 711)
- COVID-19 Hotline: Call the member services on the back of your insurance card and follow the system prompts
- Member Services: 800-310-2835
- COVID-19 Hotline: Call member services and follow the system prompts
- Member Services: 888-257-1985
COVID-19 Resources
- Tufts Direct Members:
The NurseLine is available for COVID-19 needs. If members have questions about coronavirus or any related health issue, call the free 24/7 NurseLine at 888-697-6546. Speak to a registered nurse about any concerns you may have about coronavirus. - Tufts Premier Members:
Tufts Health Plan Premier members should call the number on your insurance ID card, which is 800-462-0224. When calling that number, there will be an option to talk to someone about the coronavirus/COVID-19.
- Member Services:
- COVID-19 Hotline: Call member services and follow the system prompts
If you have recently enrolled and your coverage has started, but you have not yet received your insurance ID cards, find out how to access health services here →
COVID-19 Information & Resources
Find information about COVID-19 including public health information and how to protect yourself and others to #StopTheSpread:
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH)
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- For general emergency preparedness tips and information, go to Know Plan Prepare – From the Mass. Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management
Be sure to check your local city or town’s website and social media to stay updated about your local community. You can find a list here →