Opportunity for Non-GIC Eligible Commonwealth Employees to Purchase Affordable Insurance

Open Enrollment May 1 - May 30, 2008

Download the open enrollment announcement (also available through your Payroll Department)

Download the Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions for Employees and Departments

Health Connector Plans - Frequently Asked Questions for Employees

Health Connector Plans - Frequently Asked Questions for Departments

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has established a Section 125 (“cafeteria”) plan for the state’s employees who are not eligible to receive state-subsidized health insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) – for example, contract employees and most employees who work fewer than the required hours for GIC coverage – to purchase health insurance on a pre-tax basis from the Commonwealth Choice Program available through the Commonwealth Health Connector. 

This plan offers two significant benefits.  First, through Commonwealth Choice, you can choose from an array of health insurance carriers that offer three different benefit levels, co-payments, and premiums.  Commonwealth Choice plans are offered by major Massachusetts health insurance companies.  All Commonwealth Choice plans carry a Seal of Approval from the state’s Health Connector.  This Seal of Approval ensures high quality and good value.  Second, after you choose a plan, the Commonwealth will arrange for you to pay for this health insurance coverage by making pre-tax payroll deductions from your bi-weekly paycheck.  This means that you will not have to pay state or federal income taxes on the cost of your health insurance premiums.  While the Commonwealth will not contribute to the cost of the plan you choose, purchasing plans on a pre-tax basis can make health coverage more affordable.  We encourage you to take advantage of this program!

Eligibility for Section 125 Connector Coverage

All Commonwealth employees in HR/CMS agencies and UMass who are not eligible for Commonwealth-sponsored GIC health insurance coverage are eligible.  Employees who are eligible for Commonwealth-sponsored GIC coverage are not eligible for this plan.

Plan Year and Effective Dates of Coverage

Open Enrollment

Open enrollment will take place May 1-May 30, 2008. If you enroll by May 9, your effective date of coverage will be July 1, 2008. If you enroll between May 10 and May 30, your effective date of coverage will be August 1, 2008.

New Hires

Eligible new hires will have 45 days to enroll in a Commonwealth Choice health plan. Employees who do not enroll within 45 days can purchase individual Commonwealth Choice coverage on a post-tax basis.

Please note that health coverage will generally not be effective until at least 45 days after enrollment due to billing cycle time and payroll deductions.

Choosing a Health Plan

• To choose a plan and enroll, visit the Health Connector’s website at www.mahealthconnector.org. Click on the Employees section. You will be prompted for an employer identification number – the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Employer ID # is 149683.

• Additionally, you can enroll by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL.

• Persons who are hearing impaired may use TTY service by calling 1-888-213-8163.

• Once you enroll, the Commonwealth will begin making pre-tax deductions from your bi-weekly paycheck.

For more information, please see Health Connector Plans: Frequently Asked Questions for Non-GIC Eligible Commonwealth Employees.