MassHealth (Medicaid) & Children's Medical Security Plan
Last updated August 2026
MassHealth is Massachusetts Medicaid, and it offers six coverage types for people under 65 and families: Standard, CommonHealth, CarePlus, Family Assistance, Premium Assistance, and Limited. One application decides which you get, and MassHealth gives the most complete coverage you qualify for. Apply online at the Health Connector, or call 800-841-2900.
Two features make it friendlier than people expect. For most people under 65, eligibility is based on income and household size alone, with no asset test, so savings do not disqualify you. And the expansion covers adults under 65 up to effectively 138 percent of poverty through Standard or CarePlus.
Children reach much higher. Kids and young adults under 21 qualify for Standard up to about 155 percent of poverty, and children under 19 qualify for Family Assistance up to about 305 percent, with the Children's Medical Security Plan reaching higher still. So a working parent should apply for the kids even when the adult line is out of reach.
Disability has its own door. CommonHealth covers disabled adults and children who cannot get Standard and has no upper income limit, charging a sliding-scale monthly premium above 150 percent of poverty. Pregnant people and infants qualify for Standard up to about 205 percent.
If you earn too much for MassHealth, you are not out of options. People between 100 and 400 percent of poverty may qualify for ConnectorCare through the Health Connector, with $0 or low monthly premiums, low copays, and no deductibles. Some low-income members pay no premium and can be auto-enrolled.
The best path for many is free expert help: a trained, certified enrollment assister or navigator, available statewide at no cost. You can also apply by phone at 800-841-2900 or by mailing the ACA-3 paper application. People 65 and older use the SACA-2 application, where income and assets both count.
Phone 1-800-841-2900
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts residents who meet the income rules for their coverage group; coverage reaches low-income adults 19 to 64 as well as children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities
- The Children's Medical Security Plan covers uninsured children under 19 who are not eligible for MassHealth, regardless of immigration status, so apply even if you were denied before
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online at the Health Connector with an MA Login account; you may get a real-time decision.
- 2
One application covers both MassHealth and ConnectorCare.
- 3
For free help, work with a certified enrollment assister or navigator, or call 800-841-2900.
- 4
If offered ConnectorCare, pick a plan and pay any first premium by the 23rd for coverage the 1st.
What to have ready
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers for those applying
- Proof of income (MAGI-based for most under 65)
- Immigration information where it applies; there is no asset test for most under 65.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Is there an asset test for MassHealth?
Not for most people under 65; eligibility is based on income and household size alone. For most people 65 and older, both income and assets count.
Can my kids qualify if I earn too much?
Often yes. Children reach much higher incomes, up to about 305 percent of poverty through Family Assistance, with the Children's Medical Security Plan higher still.
What if I earn too much for MassHealth entirely?
People between 100 and 400 percent of poverty may qualify for ConnectorCare, with $0 or low premiums, low copays, and no deductibles.
How do I apply?
Online at the Health Connector, by phone at 800-841-2900, by mailing the ACA-3 application, or with a free certified assister. People 65+ use the SACA-2.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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