The Massachusetts Department 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.
If you are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits in Massachusetts, you should find out if you and your family (spouse, any children up to their 26th birthday or disabled children regardless of age) may also be eligible for health insurance coverage under the Medical Security Program (MSP) by calling the Program at 1-800-908-8801.
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The new plan will have no deductible and lower co-payments than your current coverage. You may be required to pay a weekly premium, however, based on your family income and size of your family. Your weekly Direct Coverage Plan premium will be deducted from your unemployment benefits. Failure to pay your premium will result in a loss of health care coverage for you and your family.
Income eligibility and other requirements apply. If you are enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare Part B, you are not eligible for MSP.
MSP provides two options - Premium Assistance Plan and Direct Coverage Plan.
Income Eligibility Guidelines used for determining MSP eligibility.
Your MSP coverage ends when you stop receiving unemployment benefits.
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.
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 insurance programs may provide options for you.