RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY Last Updated July 30, 2012 How to Apply for Health Insurance How to Apply for Health Insurance As of July 1, 2007, Massachusetts law requires Massachusetts residents, age 18 and over, to have health insurance. With few exceptions, adults must be able to show that they have health insurance. Those who cannot will lose the tax benefit of their personal exemption on their Massachusetts income tax return. Penalties will accrue on a monthly basis for each month that an individual over 18 is uninsured. You may be eligible for Commonwealth Care if:  Your family's income before taxes is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level; (ex: a family of 3 can earn $55,596)  You are uninsured; (in some cases you may be eligible if you are under insured)  You are a U.S. citizen/national, qualified alien, or alien with special status If you have Health Safety Net (formerly known as Free Care) now, and your job does not offer health insurance or you cannot afford the health insurance offered through your job, the Health Connector has health insurance choices for you and your family. (Having Health Safety Net is considered “not insured” under the new law.) For help, you can go to the Lowell Community Health Center, the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA), Massachusetts Association for Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), Latino Health Institute, the Senior Center, Lowell General Hospital or Saints Medical Center. See page 2: “Help in the Community to Apply for Health Insurance” and the attachment “LCHC Health Benefits (HB) Department Staff” for details.) What do you need to bring when you apply to the Commonwealth Health Connector?  Proof of Income - Payroll stubs: 2 weekly payroll stubs, 1 payroll stub if pay is bi-weekly, or unemployment pay roll check stubs, social security award letter, letter from your employer, tax returns, or bank statements.  Proof of Citizenship - if you are a US Citizen (photo ID and birth certificate, or passport)  Non-citizens need to bring proof of immigration status, if any. For more information, and to compare different health plans, go to www.gethealthcoverage.net; go to “Focus on Patients” you see information in other languages, or www.mahealthconnector.org. Lowell Adult Education Center - Page 1 RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY Last Updated July 30, 2012 Helpful Insurance Resources      Health Care for All Helpline The Connector (Commonwealth Care) MassHealth Enrollment Center MassHealth Customer Service Health Safety Net (Free Care) Helpline  Virtual Gateway: Check your insurance status and next steps: 1-888-665-9993  My Account Page (MAP): view current, upcoming benefits, notices and update some household information: www.mass.gov/vg/selfservice. 1-800-408-1253 1-877-623-6763 1-800-408-1253 1-800-841-2900 1-877-910-2100 Help in the Community to Apply and Use Health Insurance: Lowell Community Health Center (LCHC) For contact information, see LCHC Health Benefits (HB) Department Staff attachment. Help at LCHC applying for and using insurance is available only to patients of LCHC or those who wish to become a new patient. Latino Health Institute 9 Central Street, Suite 403 Lowell, MA 01852 Yvette Gomez, Health Insurance Coordinator 978-459-3366 or cell 978-421-5674 Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 9 am— 4pm [email protected] Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) 120 Cross Street Lowell, MA 978-454-6200 Massachusetts Association for Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) 11 Mill Street Lowell, MA 01852 Polyanna Figuueriedo 978-970-1250 x 12 [email protected] Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 am—3:00 pm City of Lowell Council on Aging Senior Center 276 Broadway Street Lowell, MA 01854 978-970-4131 Call for an appointment regarding Medicare (over 65 years of age). Saints Medical Center* 155 Merrimack Street, 4th floor Monday-Friday, 8:00 am—4:00 pm Call 978-322-2458 Wednesday and Friday or walk in during office hours. No appointment needed. Lowell General Hospital* 295 Varnum Avenue Lowell, MA 978-937-6700. Call for an appointment. Say: “I am calling to make an appointment to apply for health insurance.” *Anyone who needs help applying for health insurance can get help at the hospitals. Lowell Adult Education Center - Page 2