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Commonwealth Care
What is Commonwealth Care?
Commonwealth Care is a health insurance program for low and moderate-income Massachusetts residents who don't have health insurance. Commonwealth Care members get free or low cost health services through managed care health plans. There are several health plans to choose from. The plans are offered by private health insurance companies.
Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for Commonwealth Care if you are age 19 or older; you are not eligible for MassHealth, TriCare, the Unemployment Medical Security Program, the Fishing Partnership Health Plan, or mandated SHIP college student insurance; you meet the income limits; and you are uninsured or paying full premium costs. Undocumented noncitizens cannot get Commonwealth Care.
What are the income limits?
To be eligible for Commonwealth Care, your household income must be no greater than 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). For dollar amounts, see What are the income limits? on MassResources.org.
What benefits will I get?
Commonwealth Care members get health services by enrolling in health plans. There are several plans to choose from. Each health plan offers the same medical benefits, plus some extras. For details, see What benefits will I get? on MassResources.org.
How much does it cost?
The cost of Commonwealth Care health insurance depends on your household income. People with higher incomes pay more than people with lower incomes. People with the lowest incomes pay no monthly fees. For more information about premiums and co-payments, see How much does it cost? on MassResources.org. You can also call Commonwealth Care Customer Service at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765).
How do I apply?
You must fill out the Medical Benefits Request (MBR) form to apply for Commonwealth Care. The Medical Benefits Request is a joint application for Commonwealth Care, MassHealth, and several other health insurance programs. You can get an application by calling the Commonwealth Care Customer Service line at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or by downloading an application from MassHealth Applications.
Worcester residents can also apply for Commonwealth Care at the Family Health Center (508-860-7700) or the Great Brook Valley Health Center (508-852-1805) in Worcester. For addresses and hours, see Worcester Benefit Office Locations - Community Health Centers.
How do I use my benefits?
Commonwealth Care members must enroll in a health plan to get benefits. There are five plans to choose from: Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan; CeltiCare Health Plan; Fallon Community Health Plan; Neighborhood Health Plan; and Network Health. All plans offer the same medical benefits. Extra services vary from one plan to another. For more information about the plans, see How do I use my benefits? on MassResources.org.
How do I enroll in a health plan?
Once you choose a plan, you must enroll in the plan to get benefits. You can mail the enrollment form to the Commonwealth Care address listed on the form; or you can enroll by phone at 1-877-MA-ENROLL; or you can enroll online after you register for a Commonwealth Care online account. In most cases, your coverage starts on the first day of the month following the date you enroll.
More information
More information about Commonwealth Care is on our statewide web site, MassResources.org. When you click on the link below, you will go to MassResources.org. Click "Back" on your browser to return to WorcesterResources.org.
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