Help With Health Insurance
If you are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits in Massachusetts, you should find out if you and your family may also be eligible for health insurance coverage under the Medical Security Program (MSP) by calling the Program at 1-800-908-8801.
Health Insurance for Unemployment Insurance Claimants
The Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance provides health insurance assistance through the Medical Security Program for residents of the Commonwealth who are receiving unemployment insurance benefits. Massachusetts is the only state in the nation to offer a health care plan for unemployment insurance claimants, by providing assistance with the cost of existing health insurance premiums or by covering the cost of actual medical expenses.
Important Direct Coverage Benefit Changes Effective January 1, 2010
Benefit changes to the MSP Direct Coverage Plan will take effect on January 1, 2010. Information describing these new benefits will be mailed to existing MSP customers directly from Blue Cross Blue Shield.To help MSP customers understand these changes, several in-person information sessions will be scheduled in January at Career Centers across the state. Please check the locations and dates.
Coverage Options
MSP provides two options - Premium Assistance Plan and Direct Coverage Plan.
Eligibility Requirements
Income eligibility and other requirements apply.
Hardship Waiver for Direct Coverage
If cannot afford to pay for your share of the premium amount, you may qualify for a waiver which allows you to receive coverage under the Direct Coverage Plan.
Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
Income Eligibility Guidelines used for determining MSP eligibility.
How to Apply
When to apply and what to include in your application.
Health Connector Programs
If you do not qualify for Medical Security Program, or your unemployment benefits will end soon and you still need health insurance, the state’s Health Connector may provide options for you.
Medical Security Documents
Forms and publications related to MSP.
New Mini-COBRA Benefit
A new extended election period is provided for qualified beneficiaries who are eligible for COBRA premium assistance under small group continuation coverage.
New Federal Subsidy for COBRA Premiums
Provides federal subsidy of 65 percent of monthly COBRA premiums for up to nine months. UI claimants eligible for the Medical Security Program and the new federal COBRA premium assistance benefit will see a reduction in their COBRA premiums.
COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
Questions and answers about COBRA health coverage.
MSP Trust Fund Presentation - 10/15/09
