Presentation explains how to choose between MassHealth and the Health Connector
June 17, 2026 | Department of Early Education and Care, Executive , Massachusetts
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A presenter at a public information session explained how Massachusetts residents should decide between MassHealth and the state Health Connector, stressing that the two systems serve different populations and use a single application to determine eligibility.
The presenter said MassHealth (the state Medicaid program) provides year‑round enrollment and covers children, families, older adults and people with disabilities; benefits include medical visits, dental care, behavioral health, prescriptions and long‑term supports. Eligibility is based on factors such as income, age and immigration status. "MassHealth has a continuous one‑year enrollment," the presenter said, describing how applicants may enroll any time of year when eligible.
By contrast, the Health Connector is the state marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses shop for plans and, in most cases, enroll during an open or special enrollment period. Financial assistance for Connector plans is determined primarily by gross household income and family size; the presenter advised entering expected gross income on the application.
The session also covered MassHealth Premium Assistance, which can help eligible MassHealth members who have access to employer‑sponsored insurance pay a share of premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs for that employer plan.
Presenters reviewed application logistics: a single application determines eligibility for both MassHealth and the Health Connector; the application and assistance are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese; applicants should avoid creating duplicate accounts and should contact customer service for account access help. Required documentation includes Social Security numbers for applicants, immigration documents where applicable, and income verification for those seeking financial help.
The presenters pointed attendees to phone numbers and local resources for in‑person or virtual help: the MassHealth consumer service line and local application centers, as well as Connector navigators and community partners who provide free, certified assistance in commonly spoken languages.
The presentation concluded with a question‑and‑answer period in which presenters repeated key eligibility rules and recommended that people update their applications when income or household circumstances change. Attendees were directed to the official Connector and MassHealth contacts provided during the session for enrollment support.
The presenter said MassHealth (the state Medicaid program) provides year‑round enrollment and covers children, families, older adults and people with disabilities; benefits include medical visits, dental care, behavioral health, prescriptions and long‑term supports. Eligibility is based on factors such as income, age and immigration status. "MassHealth has a continuous one‑year enrollment," the presenter said, describing how applicants may enroll any time of year when eligible.
By contrast, the Health Connector is the state marketplace where individuals, families and small businesses shop for plans and, in most cases, enroll during an open or special enrollment period. Financial assistance for Connector plans is determined primarily by gross household income and family size; the presenter advised entering expected gross income on the application.
The session also covered MassHealth Premium Assistance, which can help eligible MassHealth members who have access to employer‑sponsored insurance pay a share of premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs for that employer plan.
Presenters reviewed application logistics: a single application determines eligibility for both MassHealth and the Health Connector; the application and assistance are available in English, Spanish and Portuguese; applicants should avoid creating duplicate accounts and should contact customer service for account access help. Required documentation includes Social Security numbers for applicants, immigration documents where applicable, and income verification for those seeking financial help.
The presenters pointed attendees to phone numbers and local resources for in‑person or virtual help: the MassHealth consumer service line and local application centers, as well as Connector navigators and community partners who provide free, certified assistance in commonly spoken languages.
The presentation concluded with a question‑and‑answer period in which presenters repeated key eligibility rules and recommended that people update their applications when income or household circumstances change. Attendees were directed to the official Connector and MassHealth contacts provided during the session for enrollment support.
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