News  Massachusetts Probation Service’s Pretrial Services Division kicks off series of health insurance enrollment fairs today

The Pretrial Services Division of the Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) has begun its series of statewide MassHealth and Health Connector enrollment fairs to help current and formerly court-involved individuals who do not have health insurance.

The series of enrollment fairs began today at the Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court, from 10 am to l pm. Four more fairs will take place at the following courts.

• 11/12/26 - Concord District Court, 305 Walden Street, 10 am-1 pm
• 11/19/26 - Fall River Court Complex, 186 Main Street, 9 am-noon
• 12/8/26 - Roderick Ireland Courthouse, 50 State Street, Springfield, 9 am-noon
• 12/15/26 - Worcester Court Complex, 225 Main Street, 9 am-noon

Each year, the Pretrial Services Team hosts health insurance enrollment fairs during Open Enrollment—November-January—throughout the state. Open enrollment is the designated annual period when individuals can sign up for a new health insurance plan, change their current coverage, or cancel a plan without needing “a qualifying life event,” according to the Insurance Commission.

“The lack of health insurance is a major barrier for probationers, the court-involved, and those returning to the community after incarceration. A large number of our clients lack health insurance. The Probation Service works diligently to provide access to essential services for our clients such as health insurance, housing as well as educational and job training at our statewide 18 Community Justice Support Centers,” said Dr. Carmen Gomez, Deputy Commissioner-Pretrial Services.

In addition to insurance enrollment, the Pre Trial Unit distributed coats, shoes, socks, and healthy snacks.

“I’m grateful that MPS, the Office of Community Corrections, and the Massachusetts Trial Court Community Service Program have come together to support this effort,” said Dr. Gomez.

Historically, uninsured rates among formerly incarcerated individuals are relatively high, according to national studies.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50 percent of state prisoners report being uninsured at the time of their arrest.