Health and Mental Health

On January 1, 2014, health care became less expensive for many Massachusetts residents. This is because the Affordable Care Act, the federal health reform law, went into effect.

• If you have a low income and you could not get MassHealth before, you may be able to get it now. MassHealth is Massachusetts’ Medicaid program.
• If you have a medium income and you buy your own health insurance, your health insurance plan should cost less if you buy it through the Massachusetts Health Connector.
• If your income is higher you can also shop for insurance through the Connector from Oct 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014.

If you are offered a health care plan that you can afford, you must get it in 2014. If you do not get it, you may have to pay a penalty when you file your federal taxes next year.

Some people still may not be able to find health insurance they can afford. If you cannot afford health insurance you should not have to pay a penalty.

• For general information on MassHealth, see the MassHealth website.
• Get answers to your questions about how the Affordable Care Act will affect MassHealth. See The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and MassHealth Member-Related FAQ. 
• For more background information and updates see Massachusetts Health Connector’s Learn section.
• See the insurance plans the Massachusetts Health Connector offers and apply for them, on the Health Connector website.
• For more information about health care in Massachusetts, see MassResources.org.
• The Health Connector web page Get Help lists organizations that can help you apply for health insurance from MassHealth or the Health Connector.

If you need mental health care services, the Mental Health section of MassLegalHelp explains how to get your insurance to pay for your mental health care services.