Who is qualified for MassHealth Limited and the Health Safety Net?
MassHealth Limited provides emergency health services to people who, under federal law, have an immigration status that keeps them from getting more services. You may be able to get MassHealth Limited if you are a resident of Massachusetts, meet income requirements, and are one or more of the following.
- A child younger than 19 years old
- An adult 19+ years old
- A parent living with your children younger than 19
- An adult caretaker relative living with children younger than 19 to whom you are related and for whom you are the primary caretaker when neither parent is living in the home
- Disabled according to the standards set by federal and state law. This means you have a mental or physical condition that limits or keeps you from working for at least 12 months. MassHealth decides if you meet the disability standards.
The Health Safety Net (HSN) pays for services received by uninsured and underinsured Massachusetts residents whose family income is under a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Massachusetts residents with income between 0–150% of the FPL may be eligible to get their services paid for by the Health Safety Net.
- Massachusetts residents with income above 150% and equal to or less than 300% FPL may be eligible to get their services paid for by the Health Safety Net after they have paid a deductible.
Where can I go to receive services?
Members with MassHealth Limited can receive emergency services at any emergency room and from certain providers providing emergency services outside of a hospital.
The Health Safety Net can only pay for services provided by acute care hospitals and community health centers in Massachusetts. You can download a list of HSN providers from the Information for Patients page.
What health care services are paid for?
Residents who are eligible for both MassHealth Limited and the Health Safety Net (HSN) could be entitled to receive the following services at no cost.
- Physical and behavioral health services (including primary care, specialist care, substance use disorder services, physical therapy, and immunizations), if delivered by an HSN provider
- Laboratory and imaging/x-rays if delivered by an HSN provider
- Dental and vision services if delivered by an HSN provider
- Prescriptions if written by a clinician from an HSN provider and delivered through an HSN pharmacy
- Crutches and canes if determined necessary and provided by an HSN hospital
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services, including behavioral health and substance use disorder services, if delivered by an HSN provider
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital emergency services at any hospital
- Ambulance transportation for an emergency medical condition in certain cases
- Facility charges, such as charges for inpatient hospital room and bed, nurses, technicians, and equipment if delivered by an HSN provider
Please note: Individual providers should share details about what services they offer to MassHealth Limited and HSN patients. Go to mass.gov/HSNPatients to find more information about HSN provider and pharmacy locations, what the HSN pays for, and other frequently asked questions.
Important: Ask your health care provider what the HSN can pay for before you get services. At many hospitals, the doctors work for private groups. Their charges would not be covered by HSN. You may have to pay bills for the doctors or some services like lab tests and x-rays if these services are provided by a private company and not by the hospital or community health center itself.
Is there a membership card?
New members will get a MassHealth Limited card in the mail and should show the card to the doctor or pharmacy when getting medical services. Members can also log in to MyServices to view and print a copy of their card. For more information, go to myservices.mass.gov.
There is no member card for the Health Safety Net. You should keep any letters you receive about eligibility to show the hospital or community health center. These letters generally contain an identification (ID) number. Your ID number helps providers know what services you can get paid for by the HSN.
What if I think I qualify for more benefits?
If you think you or someone in your family may qualify for more benefits based on pregnancy, disability, a decrease in income, or a change in immigration status, call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711.
What if my information changes?
You must report any change in your information to MassHealth as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days from the date of the change. This includes any changes to your income, address, phone number, family size, job, or health insurance.
To find out how to report changes, visit Report Changes to MassHealth.
What else should I know?
For more information, review the MassHealth member booklet or call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711.
What if I have more questions?
- If you have questions about MassHealth, go to mass.gov/masshealth or call MassHealth Customer Service at (800) 841-2900, TDD/TTY: 711.
- If you have questions about the Health Safety Net, go to mass.gov/HSNPatients or call (877) 910-2100.
| Date published: | October 28, 2025 |
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