Programs for the unemployed

 

MASSHEALTH ESSENTIAL -  this program is a stripped down version of a program called MassHealth Basic that was eliminated in the state budget in 2003. The primary differences are that the program's eligibility limit was reduced from 133% of the federal poverty level to 100% of the federal poverty level. Until recently the program had an enrollment cap of 36,000 people, meaning that it was not necessarily true that someone meeting the eligibility requirements of the program will be able to get benefits from it. While this CAP was in effect more than 3500 people were placed on a waiting list. Just recently, the federal government approved an increase in enrollment and so currently new individuals can enroll in the program. It is not clear whether the funding provided will allow the program to keep enrolling people indefinitely. It is available to individuals under 65 years old who have either not worked during the last year or worked too little to qualify for unemployment benefits and who do not have health insurance benefits otherwise available to them. To qualify, your household income must be less than 100% of the federal poverty level. Note: if you are not working because you are disabled, there may be better programs available to you with better coverage, look at the disabled discussion above. To apply for MassHealth Essential call 1-888-665-9993..

MASSHEALTH ESSENTIAL PREMIUM ASSISTANCE -  Part of MassHealth Essential, this is a program that will pay all or part of your private insurance premiums if you meet the requirements for Essential (under age 65 and unemployed for more than a year or unemployed after working too little to collect unemployment benefits) for people who have private health insurance available to them. This program. instead of providing your health insurance directly, pays a part of your premiums for the private coverage you have available.

MEDICAL SECURITY PLAN - If you are receiving unemployment benefits, the state unemployment system provides medical insurance through this program if you have household income below 400% of the federal poverty income levels. If you still have medical insurance available through your employer, the program will pay 75% of the premiums for you to continue to get the coverage available. If you do not have coverage available the program will provide you with coverage. There are no premiums for the coverage but there are some deductibles and copayments. If you have household income below 200% of the federal poverty level and have health insurance available to you, you can elect to participate in the direct coverage plan instead of keeping your existing coverage and paying some of the premiums. Click here for more information about this plan.

You should receive an application for the plan when you are determined eligible for unemployment. If you are receiving unemployment and haven't gotten an application, call the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Security Plan customer service office at 1-800-914-4455 (TTY/TTD 617- 956-3801) to have an application mailed to you. If you want to talk to someone to learn more about the program, call the Medical Security Plan Customer Service Office, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The toll-free number is 1-800-914-4455. The TTY/TDD: 617- 956-3801.