11. How do you apply for ConnectorCare?

MassHealth and the Health Connector use a common application that also serves as an application for the Health Safety Net and the Children’s Medical Secruity Program (CMSP). It uses a common computer-based eligibility system called HIX (the Health Insurance Exchange). While there are limitations on when you can enroll in ConnectorCare, described in a later Q & A on open enrollment, there are no limitations on when you can apply. 

There are many ways to apply including by completing an online application at mahealthconnector.org, by completing a paper application form and submitting it by mail or fax as directed on the form, by telephone at 800-841-2900,  or in person at one of the five MassHealth offices (in Taunton, Chelsea, Quincy, Tewksbury and Springfield) or one of the four Health Connector Walk-In Centers (in Boston, Brockton, Worcester, and Springfield) or with the assistance of a Navigator or Certified Application Counselor, sometimes called Enrollment Assisters or Patient Financial Counselors.

Individuals age 65 or older. Older adults who are not enrolled in Medicare Part A or Medicare Advantage who want to submit a single application to see if they qualify for MassHealth, the Health Safety Net and/or ConnectorCare, must complete the paper application called “Application for Health Coverage for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services” (SACA-2) and they must check the boxes for MassHealth or Health Safety Net AND Health Connector Programs on page one of the form. Seniors who are only interested in ConnectorCare may apply online at mahealthconnector.org.

Identity-proofing. In order to apply online, an individual must verify his or her identity in order to create an online account. This is not an eligibility criterion but a security measure specific to the online application. The screen asks various questions to verify an applicant’s identity; if the applicant is unable to answer the questions correctly he or she will be asked to submit proof of identity before proceeding with the online application. More information about this step is available here: https://www.mahealthconnector.org/identity-id-proofing-whatyou-need-to-know

Enrollment Assistance. Under the ACA, the Health Connector makes annual grants to organizations that can act as Navigators to spread the word about available coverage options and to assist individuals in applying for and enrolling in subsidized coverage. In addition, the Office of Medicaid trains and certifies application counselors to similarly assist individuals in applying for and enrolling in subsidized coverage. Both Navigators and certified application counsellors are required to complete an initial training on program rules and using the HIX for online applications, and selecting a plan. They are also provided additional trainings throughout the year about policy and operational changes and have access to MassHealth and the Connector through an online assister portal and an assister telephone line. More information on how to locate enrollment assistance is in the Resources section of this Guide.