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Massachusetts health care programs offer free or low-cost health services to eligible Massachusetts residents. Health care programs pay for medical treatment given by doctors, clinics, HMOs, hospitals, and pharmacies. Different health care programs have different eligibility requirements. All low-income children in Massachusetts are eligible for free health insurance. Noncitizens, including undocumented noncitizens, are eligible for certain health care benefits.
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Health Care Programs
- IN MASSACHUSETTS -
Click on a program name for more information:
MassHealth is a public health insurance program for residents of Massachusetts. To get MassHealth, you must meet general and financial eligibility requirements. Use the online MassHealth Eligibility Check to see if you might qualify for benefits.
Commonwealth Care is a state-funded health insurance program for uninsured low and moderate-income Massachusetts residents who don't qualify for MassHealth. Eligible residents may choose from several health plans offered by private health insurance companies. Monthly fees are based on income. Coverage is free for very low income residents.
Commonwealth Care Bridge is the replacement health insurance program for special status legal immigrants who lost their Commonwealth Care coverage on August 31, 2009 because of changes in state law.
Commonwealth Choice is a health insurance program for uninsured adult Massachusetts residents whose incomes are too high for Commonwealth Care. The program offers "good value" private health insurance that meets the requirements of the state's new mandatory health insurance law. Members must pay monthly premiums and other cost-sharing fees.
The Health Safety Net is a program for Massachusetts residents who are not eligible for health insurance or cannot afford to buy it. Low income residents who qualify for the Safety Net can get medically necessary health services at community health centers and hospitals in Massachusetts at no charge or at a reduced charge. The Safety Net also helps families with medical hardships who do not have enough income to pay their medical bills.
The Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP) is a basic health insurance program for Massachusetts children and teens under the age of 19 years who are not eligible for MassHealth. Primary and preventive medical and dental care services are included. Eligibility does not depend on immigration status or income.
Prescription Advantage is a state-sponsored prescription drug insurance plan for Massachusetts seniors and disabled residents who meet eligibility requirements. For people on Medicare, Prescription Advantage helps pay Part D Prescription Drug Plan costs. For people not on Medicare, the program allows members to buy a wide range of prescription drugs, while limiting the amount they must spend each year for the medicine they need.
Medicare is a national health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain people under 65 with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). Medicare is basic protection, and does not cover all medical expenses or most long-term care. Medicare is not a need-based program. Income and assets do not affect eligibility.
Several other programs help people with special health care needs. Each of these special programs has its own eligibility requirements, benefits, and application process. These programs include:
Special health care programs and services for people living with HIV/AIDS include:
The Massachusetts Health Reform Act requires all adult Massachusetts residents to have health insurance if they can afford it. Residents without health insurance face a tax penalty.
Massachusetts residents with limited incomes may be eligible for MassHealth or Commonwealth Care. For other residents, the state has decided how much you should be able to spend on health insurance, based on your income and family size.
If there is no affordable insurance that you can get, you will not face a tax penalty if you do not have coverage. You can also request an exemption if you faced a hardship during the year.
For more information, see:
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Health insurance requirements: The Massachusetts Health Reform Act requires all adult Massachusetts residents to have health insurance if they can afford it. Residents without health insurance face a tax penalty. 