Hey guys, we'll be moving to Boston in the spring, and we're trying to figure out how to go about looking for health insurance. We won't be getting it from employment for the time being, and have to take our a policy ourselves.

In California, you can just use coveredca.com to see your options and find plans you qualify for. Is there something similar for Massachusetts? How would one go about finding policies, comparing coverage between them, etc?

As a side question: does anyone know if there is a separate process required to insure someone who is here in a fiancee visa, and is not yet a permanent resident (but will be after the status is adjusted)?

Thanks in advance, everyone

Comments

ghostlypyres t1_j4ridwn wrote on January 17, 2023 at 7:32 PM

#1,388,429

Replying to SchatzMoney (#1,388,380)

Hey there, thanks for the suggestion. The thing is, the website requires a mailing address at the very least, and we don't have one in Mass until after we move, obviously. I called them on the phone, and they were entirely unwilling to provide any information until I move and apply for something.

Moreover, they only do EPOs and not PPOs or even HMOs... That's not ideal, to say the least.

ananas33333 OP t1_j4rijip wrote on January 17, 2023 at 7:33 PM

#1,388,437

Replying to SchatzMoney (#1,388,380)

it redirects me to something calles Cigna Global, is that what you meant to recommend?

SchatzMoney t1_j4rj1b8 wrote on January 17, 2023 at 7:36 PM

#1,388,475

Replying to ghostlypyres (#1,388,429)

Home address or mailing address (if applicable) for everyone in your household who needs insurance, unless they are homeless.

https://www.mahealthconnector.org/get-ready-to-enroll

ghostlypyres t1_j4rj9yt wrote on January 17, 2023 at 7:37 PM

#1,388,491

Replying to SchatzMoney (#1,388,475)

Yes, exactly. But we are moving in spring, not now. We don't have an address. And again, that site is only for EPOs. Is there nothing else? We'd like to know what our options are before we move and have to scramble to find something.

Long_Ad_5182 t1_j4ro6a3 wrote on January 17, 2023 at 8:07 PM

#1,388,773

Replying to ghostlypyres (#1,388,429)

To answer your first question, no there is no option like that in MA. You cannot view what you're qualified for before MA health connector approves you.

ghostlypyres t1_j4roz9w wrote on January 17, 2023 at 8:12 PM

#1,388,800

Replying to Long_Ad_5182 (#1,388,773)

Alright, I suppose that makes sense. Thank you for the reply

Upper-Funny-7140 t1_j4rs1bh wrote on January 17, 2023 at 8:31 PM

#1,388,974

Replying to ananas33333 (#1,388,437)

Good luck (no seriously). Welcome to Massachusetts!

PolkaD0tMom t1_j4rucra wrote on January 17, 2023 at 8:45 PM

#1,389,084

https://betterhealthconnector.com/get-an-estimate to see options before actually applying. Use a zip code near where you think you'll move.

You apply for all household members on the same application. You can apply up to 60 days before you move, once you get an address. And you update your application as changes occur during the year, such as changes in immigration status.

ghostlypyres t1_j4rvlph wrote on January 17, 2023 at 8:53 PM

#1,389,141

Replying to PolkaD0tMom (#1,389,084)

Thanks so much for that link! That's very helpful, better than the other health connector site (why are there two? Haha).

Past-Adhesiveness150 t1_j4s6g8d wrote on January 17, 2023 at 9:59 PM

#1,389,759

Commonwealth Care. Don't worry, we have health insurance coming out our ears here.

wolf95oct0ber t1_j4sayxy wrote on January 17, 2023 at 10:28 PM

#1,390,014

You’ll likely receive good info here, and search this sub for Health Connector but also going to Mass.gov and searching “health insurance” can help point you to key info.