CHP Prepares for Surge in Open Enrollment as More Residents Eligible for Subsidized Health Plans
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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — With Open Enrollment for MA Health Connector insurance beginning Nov. 1, the CHP insurance enrollment team is preparing to assist many more area residents who will now qualify for subsidized insurance plans.
The income limit for Health Connector plans has risen to $69,400 for an individual and $155,000 for a family of four, or 500 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Previously, subsidized health plans were available only to people within 300 percent of the FPL.
"Many people who have been paying for costly private health plans may now qualify for more affordable insurance, and we are ready to help," said William Cruz, lead patient navigator for the CHP Berkshires insurance enrollment team. "Prior income guidelines excluded so many hard-working people who were required to buy private insurance on the open market, so this will bring some financial relief for many."
Health Connector plans were previously available to people within 300 percent of the federal poverty level, but last spring, the state adopted a new two-year pilot program to raise the income limits to 500 percent of the poverty level.
Many state residents are either self-employed or do not have insurance through an employer, and they depend on subsidized plans to meet the state law requiring everyone to have health insurance. The state estimates that another 50,000 state residents will now qualify for Health Connector plans.
"Every day, too many families in Massachusetts must make tough financial choices that leave out health insurance," said Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll last spring, when the expanded access plan was announced.
This expanded program will cover current Health Connector customers who will qualify for new or additional subsidy support, people who are transitioning out of MassHealth due to higher incomes, and people who previously were not eligible because they earned too much money. New Health Connector applicants are also eligible.
Along with extending income eligibility, all carriers who participate in the Marketplace will offer plans in ConnectorCare. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and UnitedHealthcare join current participating carriers Fallon Health, Health New England, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan, and WellSense Health Plan.
For information or an appointment to review insurance options, contact the CHP insurance enrollment team at enrollment@chpberkshires.org, or call (413) 854-2816
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