Enrollment in Massachusetts Health Connector extended amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Matt Reed

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Massachusetts officials are urging uninsured residents to sign up for insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector as the deadline to enroll in the state's health care plan is extended.

“If you do not have health insurance, now is the time to get covered,” Health & Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said.

Open enrollment for the Health Connector has been extended through July 23, and there is new federal assistance for individuals and families thanks to the American Rescue Plan.

“This help is available to more people than ever here in Lawrence. Older adults may be eligible for subsidies for the first time — up to $85,000 a year, nearly double the previous income limit," Health Connector Executive Director Louis Gutierrez said.

“There are thousands of Massachusetts residents who would benefit from these health care savings, and it's on us to get the word out,” Lori Trahan said.

Hispanic and Latinx residents, who account for 12% of the state’s population, make up roughly one-quarter of Massachusetts’ uninsured.

While the number of Massachusetts residents vaccinated against COVID-19 continues to grow, there are concerns about the vaccination rate nationwide and the delta variant, which is believed to be up to 60% more contagious than previous variants.

"We know that the delta variant is in Massachusetts, and the best way to deal with the Delta variant is getting people vaccinated, which is why we have more than 4 million people vaccinated, and our goal is to get as many shots in arms and to stay ahead of this,” Sudders said.

Click here to enroll in Massachusetts Health Connector.