Massachusetts Health Insurance Enrollment & Coverage Information

When can I enroll?

Health plans for individuals and small groups became available July 1, 2007 and you can join at any time. Keep in mind that if you buy a plan and have had a break in your health coverage of more than 63 days, your plan may impose a pre-existing condition limitation of up to six months or a waiting period of up to four months.

Can my insurance application be denied because of my medical history?

No. Carriers CANNOT deny coverage due to your:

• age,
• occupation,
• actual or expected health condition,
• claims experience, the length of your coverage, or
• health.

Companies MAY deny coverage for several reasons including:

• you live outside their service area,
• you have not paid the plan premiums or
• you gave false information on your application or claim forms.

Companies MAY place these limits:

• pre-existing condition limit for up to the first six months of your coverage. This means that for up to six months they will not pay for services related to a health condition that you had before you joined the plan.
• waiting period for up to the first four months of your coverage. During the waiting period, the plan will only pay for emergency services.
• If you had another health plan for up to 63 days before you apply for the new plan, the company must waive or reduce the time of these two limits.