If you live in Massachusetts and need health insurance, 2026 brings some important changes worth understanding. The federal enhanced premium subsidies that kept costs low for millions of Americans expired at the end of 2025, but Massachusetts has taken aggressive steps to protect residents from sharp premium increases. Between MassHealth (the state Medicaid program), ConnectorCare (a state-subsidized insurance option), and standard ACA Marketplace plans, most Massachusetts residents have a path to affordable coverage.
This guide walks through who qualifies for what, how much you can earn and still get help, and exactly how to sign up.
Understanding Your Coverage Options in Massachusetts
Massachusetts runs its own health insurance marketplace called the Massachusetts Health Connector. Unlike most states that use HealthCare.gov, Massachusetts has operated its own exchange since before the Affordable Care Act was signed into law. The state was a pioneer in health reform, launching its universal coverage system (often called "RomneyCare") back in 2006.
For 2026, there are three main paths to coverage depending on your income:
- MassHealth (Medicaid): Free or very low cost coverage for residents with income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- ConnectorCare: State-subsidized plans with low premiums and copays for residents with income between 100% and 400% FPL
- Standard Marketplace Plans: Unsubsidized ACA plans available to anyone, regardless of income
Your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Level determines which programs you can access. Use our free benefits screener to quickly check your eligibility across multiple programs at once.
2026 Federal Poverty Level Income Limits
The Federal Poverty Level is updated every January. For 2026, here are the annual income thresholds used to determine eligibility for ACA programs in the 48 contiguous states (including Massachusetts):
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL | 150% FPL | 200% FPL | 300% FPL | 400% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $23,940 | $31,920 | $47,880 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $32,460 | $43,280 | $64,920 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $40,980 | $54,640 | $81,960 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $49,500 | $66,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $58,020 | $77,360 | $116,040 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $66,540 | $88,720 | $133,080 | $177,440 |
For households with more than 6 people, add $5,680 per additional person at 100% FPL.
MassHealth (Medicaid) Eligibility for 2026
MassHealth is the Massachusetts Medicaid program, and it provides comprehensive health coverage at little or no cost. Massachusetts expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so more adults qualify here than in states that did not expand.
Who qualifies for MassHealth in 2026:
- Adults ages 19 to 64: Household income up to 138% FPL (approximately $22,025 per year for a single person or $45,540 for a family of four)
- Children under 19: Income up to 150% FPL for ages 1 through 18, and up to 200% FPL for infants under age 1
- Pregnant women: Income up to 200% FPL
- Seniors 65 and older and people with disabilities: Income up to 100% FPL (approximately $15,960 per year for an individual)
MassHealth uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for most applicants. There is no asset test for standard MassHealth coverage under MAGI rules, though long-term care programs do have asset limits ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples).
You can apply for MassHealth at any time during the year. There is no enrollment period restriction.
MassHealth covers a wide range of services including:
- Doctor visits and hospital care
- Prescription drugs
- Dental care (through MassHealth Dental)
- Vision care
- Mental health and substance use treatment
- Preventive care
To apply, visit MAhealthconnector.org or call MassHealth Customer Service at 1-800-841-2900.
ConnectorCare: Massachusetts' Extra Subsidy Program
ConnectorCare is what makes Massachusetts stand out from other states. It is a state-funded program that layers additional subsidies on top of federal ACA premium tax credits, bringing costs down further than what the federal government provides alone.
What Changed in 2026
The biggest change for 2026 is the expiration of the federal enhanced premium subsidies that were in place from 2021 through 2025. These enhanced credits, originally part of the American Rescue Plan, eliminated the "subsidy cliff" at 400% FPL and made coverage more affordable for middle-income households.
With the return of the subsidy cliff in 2026:
- Federal premium tax credits are now only available to households with income up to 400% FPL. Previously, households above 400% FPL could also receive credits.
- ConnectorCare Plan Type 3D has been eliminated. This plan type served households with income between 400% and 500% FPL and relied on federal credits that are no longer available.
- ConnectorCare Plan Type 1 changed. This plan type previously covered certain immigrants with income below 100% FPL who were not eligible for MassHealth. These individuals will see higher costs in 2026.
However, Massachusetts took strong action to protect most enrollees. In early 2026, Governor Healey announced $250 million in additional state funding for ConnectorCare. This investment means that most enrollees with household income below 400% FPL will see little or no premium increase despite the loss of federal enhanced subsidies.
ConnectorCare Income Limits and Premiums for 2026
ConnectorCare plans are available to Massachusetts residents with income between 100% and 400% FPL. The program has several plan types, each with different cost-sharing levels:
| Plan Type | Income Range (% FPL) | Approximate Monthly Premium (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2A | 100% to 150% FPL | $0 per month |
| Type 2B | 150% to 200% FPL | Low premiums (varies by plan) |
| Type 3A | 200% to 250% FPL | Moderate premiums |
| Type 3B | 250% to 300% FPL | Moderate premiums |
| Type 3C | 300% to 400% FPL | Up to approximately $235 per month |
ConnectorCare plans are HMO plans offered by the same insurers that sell other Marketplace plans. All ConnectorCare plans within the same type cover the same services and charge the same copays. Plan Type 1 copays are the lowest, and Plan Type 3 copays are the highest.
To qualify for ConnectorCare, you must:
- Live in Massachusetts
- Have household income between 100% and 400% FPL
- Not have access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance
- Not be eligible for MassHealth or Medicare
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States
- File taxes (if married, you must file jointly)
A key benefit of ConnectorCare is that eligible individuals can enroll at any time during the year if they are newly eligible or have not previously enrolled. You do not have to wait for open enrollment.
Standard ACA Marketplace Plans
If your income is above 400% FPL (for example, above $63,840 for a single person), you can still purchase health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector. You will pay full price without premium subsidies, but you still benefit from ACA consumer protections:
- No denial for pre-existing conditions
- Coverage for essential health benefits
- Free preventive care services
- Dependent coverage up to age 26
Eight insurers offer plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector for 2026, including Mass General Brigham Health Plan, BMC Health Plan/WellSense, Fallon Community Health Plan, and others. Plan availability varies by where you live.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Follow these steps to check your eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector:
Step 1: Gather your information. You will need Social Security numbers for everyone in your household, immigration documents (if applicable), income information (pay stubs, tax returns, or W-2 forms), and information about any employer-sponsored insurance available to you.
Step 2: Visit the Health Connector website. Go to MAhealthconnector.org and create an account or log in to an existing one.
Step 3: Complete the application. Answer questions about your household size, income, residency, and immigration status. The system will determine whether you qualify for MassHealth, ConnectorCare, premium tax credits, or unsubsidized Marketplace coverage.
Step 4: Compare plans. If you qualify for ConnectorCare or standard Marketplace plans, browse available options. Compare premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks.
Step 5: Select a plan and enroll. Choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Complete enrollment by the applicable deadline.
Step 6: Pay your first premium. Your coverage will not start until you make your first payment. Set up autopay if possible to avoid coverage gaps.
Other ways to apply:
- By phone: Call 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765)
- In person: Find a Navigator or certified application counselor through the Health Connector directory
- Through your tax return: Massachusetts has a "Simple Sign Up Program" that uses your state tax return to connect you with coverage
Not sure where you fall? Check your eligibility now with our free screener to see what programs you may qualify for in Massachusetts.
Important Dates and Deadlines
For 2026 coverage in Massachusetts, here are the key dates:
- Open Enrollment for 2026: November 1, 2025 through January 23, 2026
- Deadline for January 1 coverage: December 23, 2025 (enrollment and first payment)
- Deadline for February 1 coverage: January 23, 2026
- Special Enrollment Period: Available year-round for qualifying life events (job loss, marriage, having a baby, moving, losing other coverage)
- ConnectorCare: Newly eligible individuals can enroll at any time
Starting in the fall of 2026, new federal rules will require open enrollment to end by December 31 for the following plan year. This change will take effect for the 2027 coverage year.
Massachusetts Individual Mandate
Massachusetts is one of the few states with its own individual mandate requiring residents to carry health insurance. If you go without qualifying coverage, you may face a tax penalty when you file your Massachusetts state income tax return.
The Massachusetts mandate actually predates the ACA. It was part of the 2006 state health reform law, was paused from 2014 through 2018 (while the federal mandate penalty was in effect), and was revived in 2019.
This is another reason to make sure you are enrolled in some form of coverage, whether that is MassHealth, ConnectorCare, an employer plan, or an unsubsidized Marketplace plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for ACA subsidies in Massachusetts for 2026?
For 2026, federal premium tax credits (also called APTC) are available to households with income between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. For a single person, that means annual income between $15,960 and $63,840. For a family of four, the range is $33,000 to $132,000. Massachusetts also offers additional ConnectorCare subsidies within these same income ranges.
I earned too much for MassHealth but cannot afford full-price insurance. What are my options?
If your income is above 138% FPL but below 400% FPL, you likely qualify for ConnectorCare, which offers significantly reduced premiums and copays. Use the Health Connector at MAhealthconnector.org to see your options. You can also check your eligibility with our free screener.
Can I still enroll in coverage if I missed open enrollment?
If you experience a qualifying life event (such as losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to Massachusetts), you can enroll during a Special Enrollment Period within 60 days of that event. Residents newly eligible for ConnectorCare can also enroll at any time. Otherwise, you will need to wait until the next open enrollment period.
What happened to the enhanced ACA subsidies?
The federal enhanced premium subsidies from the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. This means the "subsidy cliff" returned at 400% FPL for 2026. However, Massachusetts invested $250 million in additional state funding for ConnectorCare, so most residents with income under 400% FPL are largely protected from premium increases.
Is dental coverage included with ACA plans in Massachusetts?
Standard ACA Marketplace plans do not typically include adult dental coverage, though pediatric dental is covered. However, MassHealth does cover dental services through the MassHealth Dental program. You may also be able to purchase a standalone dental plan through the Health Connector.
How do I know if my employer's insurance is "affordable" under the ACA?
For 2026, employer coverage is considered affordable if your share of the premium for self-only coverage does not exceed approximately 9.02% of your household income. If your employer plan is unaffordable by this standard, you may qualify for Marketplace subsidies instead.
Additional Resources
- Massachusetts Benefits Overview for a complete look at all assistance programs available in the state
- Massachusetts Health Connector for enrollment and plan details
- MassHealth for Medicaid information
- Health Care For All Helpline for free help with coverage questions (call 1-800-272-4232)
- Check your eligibility for multiple programs using our free screening tool
Finding affordable health insurance can feel overwhelming, but Massachusetts offers more pathways to coverage than almost any other state. Whether you qualify for MassHealth, ConnectorCare, or a standard Marketplace plan, the important thing is to check your options and get covered.
