What Is the Safety Net?

The Health Safety Net is a program for Massachusetts residents who are not eligible for health insurance or can't afford to buy it. The Health Safety Net is sometimes called Free Care. The goal of the Safety Net is to make sure that all Massachusetts residents can get health care when they need it, regardless of income.

Am I Eligible?

The Health Safety Net (Free Care) is for uninsured or underinsured Massachusetts residents who do not have access to affordable health coverage. People of any income with large medical bills that they cannot pay are also eligible. Your citizenship or immigration status does not affect your eligibility.

What Benefits Will I Get?

For low income residents, the Health Safety Net (Free Care) pays for medically necessary services at Massachusetts community health centers (CHCs) and hospitals. To be covered, services must be on the MassHealth Standard list of covered services. The Safety Net pays all of the cost, or part of the cost, depending on age and income. The Safety Net also helps families with medical hardships who do not have enough income to pay their medical bills.

How Do I Apply?

Most people must file a MassHealth application to get Health Safety Net (Free Care) benefits. You can file your application at a community health center (CHC) or hospital, or you can send your application directly to MassHealth. If you are applying for Medical Hardship, you must file a Special Circumstances Application (SPCA) at a CHC or hospital. You can call the Help Desk at 1-877-910-2100 for more information.

How Do I Use My Benefits?

You will usually be approved for the Health Safety Net (Free Care) for one year. In most cases, you must go to a community health center for non-urgent health care. You must report any changes that might affect your eligibility. Medical Hardship patients must pay the required contribution amount shown in the approval notice before the Safety Net will pay the rest.

Useful Links

Links to other web sites with related information about the Health Safety Net in Massachusetts.