Last year, Massachusetts launched the largest expansion in health care affordability since the Health Connector was first created nearly two decades ago. As a result, more than 55,000 Massachusetts residents were able to access more affordable health insurance this year.

With the rise of the gig economy, people newly moving into Massachusetts, and individuals transitioning out of the MassHealth program, more middle-income residents needed affordable coverage than ever before.

Massachusetts stepped up to the plate and had their backs. Thanks to support from Governor Maura Healey and the state Legislature, in 2024 we broadly increased income eligibility limits in our flagship ConnectorCare program as part of a two-year pilot, opening the door to more affordable coverage to tens of thousands of people. In 2025, individuals earning up to $75,300 and families of four earning up to $156,000 can be eligible for ConnectorCare plans.

Access to that coverage is available right now, with Open Enrollment ongoing and the Dec. 23 deadline for coverage to start the new year coming up soon.

The ConnectorCare program helps pay for monthly premiums, includes low co-pays, and eliminates deductibles and costs for preventative services and prescriptions for some chronic illnesses like diabetes. Having affordable health insurance opens doors to accessing services, while also offering financial stability, and our members noticed and appreciated the benefits of the ConnectorCare program.

“Before this year’s plan rolled out, I was struggling with the decision to end my mental health treatment due to the cost,” said one new ConnectorCare member. “I was able to continue treatment this year, which has helped immensely.”

“I can now go to the doctor without second-guessing how much it will cost me,” said another new ConnectorCare member. “It’s given me peace of mind. On my former plan, I was always stressed about medical bills even for very basic, preventative tests.”

Today, more than 340,000 people have health insurance through the Health Connector, more than ever before, and nearly 300,000 of those people are in a ConnectorCare plan. We know that the way people make a living will continue to evolve, but more than ever, we can assure Massachusetts residents that the Health Connector is ready and able to deliver affordable health coverage to those who need it.

Everyone in Massachusetts should have health insurance that is not only affordable, but provides easy and low-cost access to health care, like annual checkups, specialized care, prescription medications, and emergency services.

This includes people who are in our gig or creative economies, branching out on their own and creating their own small business, and others who work independently and don’t receive coverage from an employer. These workers keep our communities buzzing and we need to ensure they too can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from affordable health coverage.

With expanded income limits in ConnectorCare, we are talking to more middle-income families in communities across the state, including making available information and access to in-person support from our local Navigators during a series of pop-up enrollment events across Massachusetts.

Our message is simple: regardless of your job or your lifestyle, we’ve got a plan for you.

Open Enrollment is happening now and runs through Jan. 23, 2025. However, the deadline to start the New Year with coverage is Dec. 23 so now is the time to take action and to sign up now before the holidays.

People can apply for ConnectorCare or other Health Connector coverage at MAhealthconnector.org, which includes location information for our community Navigator locations. Local Navigators like Upham's Corner Health Center and Father's Uplift in Dorchester are part of the backbone of the Health Connector. They are enrollment experts available to provide walk-in assistance in multiple languages.

Whether you are new to Massachusetts, working independently, or need health insurance for any reason, there is no better time to get covered than right now, and we’ve got a plan for you.

Audrey Morse Gasteier is Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector.