The state of Massachusetts requires every resident to have health care.
Every resident in Massachusetts is mandated by state law to have health care or face tax penalties. An independent state agency, Health Connector, helps residents compare health insurance options and choose the plan that fits their needs. Residents with little or no income can receive subsidized health care, and private health insurance companies offer a range of plans for other residents.
Commonwealth Care
This health insurance program is for adults 19 and older who are uninsured and meet certain income eligibility requirements before taxes. For example, a single person making $32,496 or less, or a family of four making $66,156 or less, is eligible for this health plan. The income requirements are revised every March 1. Included in coverage are regular check-ups, prescriptions, vision care, mental health or substance abuse treatment, treatment for injuries or sickness. Dental care is offered in some cases. Companies offering Commonwealth Care include Boston Medical Center Healthnet Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan and Network Health.
Commonwealth Choice
Health Connector uses Commonwealth Choice to help residents compare and enroll in private health insurance plans. Residents can enroll in insurance through their employers or can buy individual plans.
There are different plan levels: young adult (ages 18 to 26), bronze, silver and gold. The bronze level provides low monthly premiums, but higher costs for medical services. The silver option has higher monthly premiums, but lower medical service costs. The gold level has the highest premiums, but the lowest costs when receiving medical care.
Private insurers who offer Commonwealth Choice include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, CeltiCare, Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, Health New England, Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and Fallon Community Health Plan.
MassHealth
MassHealth is the Medicaid program provided by the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services. It helps pay all or part of health-care costs for low- to medium-income people in Massachusetts, and includes a program for people that are HIV-positive.
Other programs managed under MassHealth include the Insurance Partnership for small businesses, Healthy Start Program (HSP), the Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP), and the Special Kids/Special Care Pilot Program.
Eligibility for the program varies by coverage type. Coverage types include Standard, CommonHealth, Family Assistance, Basic, Essential, Prenatal, Limited, Senior Buy-in, and Buy-in. Those interested in applying should fill out a Medical Benefit Request or a Senior Medical Benefit Request (for those 65 or older).
Tags: health insurance, Commonwealth Choice, health care, Benefit Request, Commonwealth Care, have health
