Programs for families with children and pregnant women

 

MASSHEALTH - MassHealth is the largest need based health insurance program in Massachusetts. MassHealth is the named used in Massachusetts for the federal Medicaid program.  MassHealth covers different categories of people at different income levels. Generally speaking, MassHealth is the best and most comprehensive program, providing the most benefits for the most things. The basic categories are as follows:

• families with children under 19 (including the parents) if the household''s gross income is less than 133% of the federal poverty level children under 19 in families (but not the parents) if the household's income is between 133% and 150% of the federal poverty level  Pregnant women and infants are eligible if their household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level (if you are pregnant your coming baby counts as a person in determining your family size)

Things you should know about MassHealth:

• MassHealth eligibility can begin 10 days before you submit an application, so if you are uninsured and you incur a big medical expense you should immediately apply for MassHealth and you may be able to have it cover the already incurred expense
• MassHealth uses a managed care system to deliver most of the care. This means you need to choose a doctor who acts as the person who guides the rest of your care. Click here for more information about how MassHealth managed care works.
• MassHealth coverage includes benefits for prescription medications, mental health care, some dental care and durable medical equipment. It is at least as comprehensive as most private medical insurance and much better than some.
• MassHealth now covers families when both parents are in the home.
• You can get immediate coverage for your children even before you show proof of your income if you need it.
• If you are on MassHealth and you get a job which raises your income above the eligibility limits, some families can get continued coverage for up to twelve months after your income goes up.
• Click here for more answers to frequently asked questions about MassHealth

How Do I apply for MassHealth?

Call the MassHealth enrollment office at 1-888-665-9993. The MassHealth program is run by the Division of Medical Assistance.

 HEALTHY START - Healthy Start is a program for pregnant women with more income than MassHealth allows - its is available to uninsured women with income below 200% of the federal poverty level. Healthy Start provides free obstetrical and maternal health care so that your baby will be born healthy and strong. To apply for Healthy Start, call 1-888-665-9993. For more information, click here. 

CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SECURITY PLAN - In Massachusetts, EVERY child is eligible for some form of coverage, that's the purpose of the Children's Medical Security Plan. The program covers most outpatient medical services, well child visits, some emergency care, limited prescription drugs and limited dental services. It generally doesn't pay for inpatient hospital care and most surgical procedures. The program is available to children under 19 who do not qualify for MassHealth and have no other health insurance. The providers who participate in this plan are limited and the plan rules are complicated.  Call 1-800-909-2677 for more information and to enroll your children in the plan. Click here for more information about this plan.