Living with Diabetes
Massachusetts
Health Insurance and Assistance Programs Available to Uninsured People in Massachusetts
The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Division of Insurance - (888) 283-3757
Residents of Massachusetts cannot be turned down from purchasing an individual health insurance policy regardless of any health conditions they may have. This is called guaranteed issue. In addition, residents cannot be charged a higher rate for their policy because of their health status. This is called community rating. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance may be able to help you locate names and phone numbers of possible insurers in the state.
If you are self-employed with no employees, you are eligible to purchase a small group policy on your own. However, you can also purchase an individual policy, as mentioned above.
If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Division of Insurance. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.
MassHealth -Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (800) 841-2900
MassHealth is both the state Medicaid program as well as the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to a wide range of people who meet the eligibility rules. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines.
Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training - COBRA subsidies - (800) 914-4455
Individuals who have lost their job and job-based health insurance coverage and who are collecting unemployment benefits can apply for assistance with their COBRA health insurance payments. Visit our Web site to find more information on COBRA. In Massachusetts, individuals can receive a subsidy of 65% of the cost of their monthly COBRA premium. Contact the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training for more information.
Massachusetts Free Care - 1-888-665-9993
To obtain care under the Massachusetts Uncompensated Care Pool (also called the Massachusetts Free Care Program), individuals must be under the age of 64 and have an income between 200-400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Applications for enrollments must be filled out at a Massachusetts hospital or community health clinic. To obtain more information, contact the phone number above.
If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.
