Massachusetts Residents Have Until Dec. 23 to Get Health Coverage for January

BOSTON — Massachusetts residents have less than one week left before the deadline to get health insurance for the new year through the Massachusetts Health Connector, but still have the opportunity to make sure they can go into 2025 with coverage that affordably takes care of their health and wellness needs.

Open Enrollment started Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 23. However, most people who need health insurance — including people who have recently moved to Massachusetts, are participants in the state’s growing gig and creative economies, or simply haven’t had health coverage in many months or years — want coverage to start the new year. The deadline for a plan starting Jan. 1 is Monday, Dec. 23.

“Everyone who needs health insurance should make a plan to enroll in health coverage for the new year through the Health Connector so they can start off 2025 with the peace of mind that high-quality health coverage provides,” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “With the deadline for January coverage coming up quickly, now is the time for anyone who needs coverage to look at their options and enroll in a plan. Our members often feel relieved after learning how affordable coverage can be and having it ready to use to get the care they need.”

Most people who apply for a plan with the Health Connector are eligible for the Health Connector’s ConnectorCare program. There are currently more 344,000 people in a Health Connector health-insurance plan, and 291,000 of them — nearly 85% — are enrolled in the ConnectorCare program.

A two-year pilot program, started earlier this year, expands the income eligibility to the program, with income limits for 2025 plans at $75,300 for an individual and $156,000 for a family of four. ConnectorCare plans make coverage more affordable through lower premiums and co-pays and the elimination of deductibles. ConnectorCare plans also provide no-cost prescriptions for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Everyone in Massachusetts is required to have health insurance and may face a state tax penalty if they do not. Massachusetts residents who need coverage can go to mahealthconnector.org to complete an application and see what coverage and plans are available. People who need help can call Health Connector customer service at (888) 623-6765.