MassHealth & Health Connector &
Sliding Fee Scale Enrollment Services

Para ayuda en español con seguro de salud llama a Victor Almeida a 413-325-8500 x145 o email a .victor.almeida@chcfc.org
For additional information please visit the Massachusetts Health Connector Website

Contact a Health Navigator

Wendy Gaida
(413) 325-8500 ext.146

Our Purpose
The purpose of Outreach and Enrollment services is to provide assistance to individuals seeking health insurance coverage through the Health Connector or MassHealth.  We are available to speak with other organizations and the individuals they serve.  Please inquire in the “Contact Enrollment Team”.  In addition, we hold appointments, on an individual basis, throughout the week to empower individuals directly through the enrollment process.  If you are not sure of your health coverage status or have received a letter stating your need to re-apply for coverage, we can help.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) mentions the need for individuals, otherwise unable to get coverage, to apply for health insurance through the Health Connector.  In Massachusetts some individuals need to re-apply for coverage as their previous coverage no longer meets the new state or federal rules.  Also, the spirit of the law focuses on self sustainability.  Our purpose is to assist those who need it and empower by focusing on educating them through the process.

Making an Appointment with our Enrollment Team
Our certified Navigator is able to provide assistance to anyone living in the Pioneer Valley, not just our patients. To make sure we can accommodate you, please call our reception team to speak to Wendy and make an appointment.
Please call (413) 325-8500

Please view the  “Planning Your Appointment” section below for a list of documents you will need to bring with you.

Planning your Appointment
When planning your visit with our Navigator, please keep a few things in mind:

Prepare your Documents and Answers
  • Social Security Numbers for all people who are on your tax form (if married filing separately, then supply your spouse’ information) or An Immigration Document for all non-U.S. Citizens
  • Copy of your Federal Tax Return from Last Year (and income changes from last year)
  • Recent Pay Stub or Unemployment Award Letter
  • Home and Mailing Address for all in the Household
  •  If your Employer Offers Health Insurance or if you have access to COBRA (whether or not you currently accepted it) through a former employer:
    • Do any of your employer’s health plans meet the Minimum Value Standard?
What is the Contribution for the lowest cost health plan for an individual?
How often are the payments? Weekly? Every 2 weeks? Twice a week?

Qualifying Events for Unsubsidized Insurance
If you are applying for subsidized health insurance either through a MassHealth or Connector Care program, there is no designated open enrollment period.  You may apply at any time.

If you are seeking Advanced Premium Tax Credits or a qualified health plan through the health connector, you can only do so if you have a qualifying event or during open enrollment.  Loss of coverage is considered a qualifying event.  You have 60 days to apply using a qualifying event.

Open enrollment starts November 15 through January 23.

If you applied using the Application for Coverage and Help Paying Costs and were denied, you will still be able to apply for a qualified health plan through the Health Connector.  You should submit your denial notice from MassHealth, the Health Connector or other government agency when you file your enrollment waiver request.  You may be eligible to receive an enrollment waiver if you were actively applying for MassHealth or subsidized coverage during open enrollment and received a denial after open enrollment ended.  You may also be eligible for an enrollment waiver if you applied for MassHealth or subsidized coverage within 63 days after your prior health insurance coverage ended.

Sliding Fee Scale
The Community Health Center of Franklin County is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). All services are made available to be affordable based solely on  your income and completely independent of whether you have insurance.  The goal is to make needed healthcare affordable. 

Federal and State funding allows us to offer services thorough the Massachusetts Health Safety Net and a Sliding Fee Discount Scale. All forms of insurance accepted, including; MassHealth, Medicare, and private insurance. Assistance is available in applying for all these programs at no cost. 

We welcome your comments with respect to how this program works for you.  Either comment below or call our main number.  
Please do not put any personal health information in the comment box.

Additional Resources
Health Connector Application
We will gladly fax your application to the appropriate department and give you the latest information and updates.
Registering to Vote
To get your voice heard, register to vote!  Are you looking for a confidential, non-persuasive, no pressure setting to register to vote?  The Community Health Center of Franklin County can help you register to vote!  Below is the registration form.  Feel free to print out, then fill out and send in your voter registration.  If you are a first-time voter, please submit a copy of your ID, otherwise you will need to bring ID to your polling location when you vote.  Registering only takes 2 minutes!

Additional directions are available on the Massachusetts Secretary of State’s website.

Our Outreach and Enrollment Staff have assisted many people in the act of registering to vote.  It is an important part of the health insurance enrollment process in Massachusetts.  If you have questions, or if you would like assistance, please contact us and we can help you out.  Call (413)325-8500 x149 for our availability.