State/Federally Funded Insurance Programs
The following low-cost insurance programs are available to uninsured children and adults who qualify.
Click on each program's name to obtain more information about eligibility and registration. Also, ask insurance carriers in your county if they offer low-cost coverage for young adults.
MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. MassHealth offers free or low-cost coverage for doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital stays, and many other important services.
Applying for and renewing MassHealth coverage
Individuals and families must apply for MassHealth to determine if they are eligible for the program. Eligibility is based on age, household income, disability status, and other factors.
For individuals under age 65:
For individuals ages 65 and over and/or in need of long-term care:
Enrolling in a MassHealth plan
Learn more about the health plans that MassHealth offers that are available in your area, compare them, and then enroll in one. Please note: You must be a MassHealth member to enroll in a health plan. If you are not already a member, you must apply for MassHealth coverage (see above).
Members under age 65 with MassHealth as their primary coverage:
Dual eligible (Medicare Medicaid) members ages 21 to 64:
Older adults in need of a wide range of medical and social services:
Accessing behavioral health care through MassHealth
Members under age 65 with MassHealth as their primary coverage:
Dual eligible (One Care), PACE and SCO members:
For members enrolled in One Care, PACE or SCO, the behavioral health care provider network will depend on the plan.
Massachusetts Health Connector
The Health Connector offers health and dental coverage from the state’s leading insurers and provides tools for Massachusetts residents and small businesses with up to 50 employees to find cost savings and plans. The Open Enrollment period for Massachusetts individuals and families ended in January. However, you can apply at any time of the year if you are applying for dental plans or help paying for health coverage including MassHealth, Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP), Health Safety Net, or ConnectorCare. Or, if you experienced a qualifying event. Visit the links below to learn more.
Find information about health insurance and dental insurance carriers
Contact the Massachusetts Health Connector for assistance
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
- People who are 65 or older
- Certain younger people with disabilities
- People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD)
The different parts of Medicare help cover specific services:
Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)
Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage)
Part D adds prescription drug coverage to:
- Original Medicare
- Some Medicare Cost Plans
- Some Medicare Private-Fee-for-Service Plans
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
These plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer prescription drug coverage that follows the same rules as Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Learn more about Medicare, sign up, and find a health care provider
Organizations that Can Help You Apply for State/Federally Funded Insurance Programs
Health Care For All
Call (800) 272-4232 for help.
The Health Care For All Helpline is the only statewide, multilingual phone service that helps Massachusetts residents at all income levels with enrolling into health insurance coverage, answering questions about insurance, and troubleshooting cases.
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers
There are 52 community health centers across Massachusetts. Each one has staff that can help you apply for publicly funded health insurance programs. Find a health center that is in or near your community for assistance.
Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE)
The SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) Program provides free health insurance information and counseling to all Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers. People who have Medicare or who are about to become eligible for Medicare, can meet with a counselor to learn about benefits and options available. A counselor will review programs that help people with limited income to pay health care costs. You can reach a SHINE Counselor at (800) 243-4636, press 3 or press 5 if calling from cell phone. TTY (877) 610-0241.