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:

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.

Learn how to update your income →

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.