Updates to Health Connector Special Enrollment Period Effective Dates and Updated Applications

Health Connector Special Enrollment Period Effective Dates

System and Process Update:

When a member reports a change that opens a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) after the 23rd the month, the online application will now automatically offer an effective date option for the following month.

• • Previously, when a member reported a move on 3/24, the earliest available effective date of coverage was 5/1.
  • Currently, when a member reports a move on 3/24, the earliest available effective date of coverage is 4/1.

Binder Payment rules still apply to effectuate the coverage. Individuals will have an extra month to pay for two months of coverage, if they do not pay on time or in full.

• • Example: a member reports a move on 3/24 and is eligible for a SEP. They shop for a plan beginning on 4/1 and have until 4/23 to pay for April and May coverage. If they pay for coverage for April and May prior to April 23 the coverage is retroactively effective for April 1.
  • Continue to advise members about the 23rd due date for payment. However, if the situation as outlined above occurs and the member has an earlier effective date, inform them about their payment deadline.

  

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Updated Application for Health and Dental Coverage and Help Paying Costs (ACA-3) (paper) and the Application for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services (SACA-2)

MassHealth has updated the following applications:

• Application for Health and Dental Coverage and Help Paying Costs (ACA-3)
  • The following population can use this application:
    • People younger than 65 who do not need long-term-care (either in a nursing facility or in the community)
    • Parents of children younger than 19, and
    • Adult relatives living with or taking care of children younger than 19 (regardless of the age of the parent or adult relative) when neither parent is living in the home.

• Application for Health Coverage for Seniors and People Needing Long-Term-Care Services (SACA-2)
  • People in the following categories can use the SACA-2:
    • Those 65 and older, including those who are applying with a spouse who is under 65, and
    • People of any age who need long-term-care services (either in nursing facility or in the community).

The March 2025 version of the ACA-3 and SACA-2 are available for download or print found at the Application to become a MassHealth member.

Using the latest versions of the applications ensures applicants and members do not experience any delays in accessing services they may be eligible for. Versions of the ACA-3 that are not current will be accepted.

You can learn more about the changes to the ACA-3 (EOM 25-04) and SACA-2 (EOM 25-05) application at: Eligibility Operations Memos.