Mass Health Insurance

Mass. Health insurance, technically known as MassHealth, is government-subsidized health insurance for children, families, seniors and the disabled in the state of Massachusetts. With health care reform sweeping the nation, there are plenty of reasons people might turn to a government-run insurance plan like MassHealth. A 2006 Massachusetts state law requires every resident of the state to purchase health insurance, but the fact is that not everyone can afford it. That’s where Mass. Health comes in.

Eligibility requirements for Mass. Health insurance

The state of Massachusetts takes a number of factors into account when determine whether a family can qualify to buy into the state’s health insurance program. The number one factor that determines eligibility is income. This number, paired with family size, is the first indicator of whether or not someone may qualify for the state plan.

Another factor that determines eligibility for Mass. Health is age. Massachusetts residents over the age of 65 do generally qualify for Mass. Health because this program also covers the state’s Medicaid program.

Documents need to apply for Mass. Health insurance

Those who are under the age of 65 and who wish to apply for MassHealth will need to fill out an application and send documentation proving their household income. Anyone who already receives SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is already eligible for MassHealth.

How Mass. Health insurance works

Most people who apply for MassHealth will receive a notice about whether or not they have been accepted within 10 days of their application. In some cases, people do need to provide more information to the state so a decision can be made. If more information is required, then a decision is usually made within two months. However, the decision can take up to three months if disability is the reason for the application to MassHealth.

People who are under the age of 65 and can’t afford other health insurance are required to enroll in MassHealth and choose a doctor. Some patients will also have to enroll in a health plan before they can receive any health care services. Patients who enroll in MassHealth must purchase health insurance immediately when the program decides they can afford to. They also must give MassHealth information about any health insurance that they are able to get. If the services of that insurance meet the standards of MassHealth, then the program may even pay a portion of the health insurance premium.

Children who are born to a mother who is on a MassHealth plan are usually automatically eligible to receive MassHealth insurance at birth for up to one year, as long as the child continues to reside in the state of Massachusetts. After a year, MassHealth will decide if the child is still eligible to receive MassHealth insurance benefits.