Eligibility for CommonHealth
To qualify for CommonHealth, an individual must
- have been declared disabled by the Social Security Administration, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, or MassHealth (after submitting the MassHealth Disability Supplement); and
- have a combined family income that is more than 133% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for individuals younger than 65 years of age, or more than 100% of the FPL for individuals age 65 and older. You can view the FPL chart here: Program financial guidelines for certain MassHealth applicants and members.
Why should I apply for CommonHealth if I already have private insurance or Medicare?
There are several reasons having CommonHealth might be helpful.
- May cover copayments, co-insurance, deductibles, and other costs that your current insurance does not
- May help with the cost of your private insurance (read about the Premium Assistance Program below)
- May pay for medically necessary MassHealth-covered services that your current health plan does not cover
For more information, visit MassHealth and private health insurance also known as Third Party Liability (TPL) or call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711.
How to apply for CommonHealth
To apply for CommonHealth, individuals younger than 65 must complete the MassachusettsApplication for Health and Dental Coverage and Help Paying Costs (ACA-3). Those age 65 and older must complete the Application for Health Coverage for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services (SACA-2).
If you are applying for CommonHealth after age 65, please write “CommonHealth” across the top of your application or renewal application to let MassHealth know what type of coverage you are looking for.
Here’s how to apply.
- Online: MA Login Accounts for New Applicants (this is the fastest way to get coverage)
- By Mail (print the application from this web page): Applications to become a MassHealth member
- By Phone: Call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711
- In Person or by Virtual Appointment: Schedule an appointment with a MassHealth representative
If you are already a MassHealth member, you may need to complete a Disability Supplement to see if you can be upgraded to CommonHealth. You can find the Adult Disability Supplement and the Child Disability Supplement on the MassHealth Member Forms page. If you have questions about your eligibility, call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711.
CommonHealth premiums and the Premium Assistance program
You may need to pay a monthly premium (fee) for CommonHealth depending on the financial situation of your household or family group. You can find information about CommonHealth premiums here: MassHealth Premium Schedule – For Members.
If you have private insurance through an employer, the MassHealth Premium Assistance program may help reduce or eliminate your monthly CommonHealth premium. The program may also be able to help with the costs of your private insurance premiums too! For more information about the Premium Assistance program, visit MassHealth Premium Assistance (PA).
If you must pay a premium for CommonHealth, billing will begin the month after you are approved for CommonHealth. If you don’t pay the premium for 60 days or more, your CommonHealth coverage will be cancelled. Visit MassHealth Premium Schedule – For Members for more information.
Updates to CommonHealth
MassHealth has recently expanded its CommonHealth eligibility requirements to better help our members.
- For individuals younger than 65 years of age, MassHealth has eliminated the one-time deductible.
- Individuals 65 years of age and older who have CommonHealth for at least 10 consecutive years can now remain on CommonHealth after turning 65 without having to work. Those who do not meet the 10-year criteria upon turning 65 may still get CommonHealth if they work at least 40 hours a month (or have worked at least 240 hours in the six months before they submit the Renewal Application for Health Coverage for Seniors and People Needing Long Term Care Services). Learn more about this by reading Eligibility Operations Memo 23-19: “Updated − Changes to MassHealth CommonHealth Eligibility for Seniors.”
Should I send proof with my application or renewal?
Yes. MassHealth will request proof from you for required information that we cannot verify. Some examples of information MassHealth may need proof for are income, assets, citizenship status, and immigration status. All necessary documents on the Acceptable Verifications list must be sent to MassHealth so we can promptly review your application and make sure you get the best benefit possible.
For more information about CommonHealth
If you have questions about CommonHealth, please call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711.
| Date published: | February 11, 2025 |
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| Last updated: | April 11, 2025 |