Protect Your Coverage With a Few Simple Steps
Starting January 1, 2027, some adult MassHealth members ages 19-64 will need to meet new work or education requirements unless they qualify for an exemption. Affected members will also need to renew their eligibility more often. MassHealth’s requirements include:
- Show 80 hours a month of work, volunteering, school, or job training, unless you qualify for an exemption. You may also meet this requirement if MassHealth determines your income is $580 or more per month, regardless of hours worked.
- Renew your coverage with MassHealth every six months, instead of once a year, when MassHealth contacts you to renew.
These are federal Medicaid requirements, implemented by MassHealth, not requirements set by BMC Health System.
For information about the requirements and who they apply to, visit the MassHealth website or call MassHealth at 800.841.2900 (TTY: 711). BMC patient financial counselors are available across BMC Health System to help patients navigate MassHealth resources and provide support, using the contact information below.
What You Need to Do to Keep Your MassHealth Coverage
Visit Mass.gov
Go to the MassHealth website and check if these changes apply to you.
Report changes to MassHealth
Report changes to your address, email, income, or phone number through the MassHealth website. You must also report these changes for others on your health plan.
Update contact information
If any of your contact information is not correct, update it on the website.
Open all notices from MassHealth
This includes paper mail, text messages, emails, and more. These notifications will tell you what you need to do and when you need to do it.
Details on New Requirements
Information on More Frequent Renewals
Affected members will need to renew their coverage with MassHealth every six months. If you need to take action, MassHealth will mail you a renewal notice in a blue envelope. Open it promptly and respond to any renewal or information request by the deadline. If MassHealth renews your coverage automatically, you may not receive a renewal letter.
The new eligibility changes take effect January 1, 2027, but MassHealth will contact you when it is your turn to renew. That’s why it’s very important to make sure you open all notices from MassHealth.
Who These Changes Apply To
According to MassHealth, some people do not need to meet the work, school, volunteering, or job training requirements, including:
- Pregnant people or people who were pregnant within the last year
- Parents or caregivers of a child under 14
- People also enrolled in Medicare (dual eligible)
- Caretakers to a disabled person who lives with them
- Anyone who has certain disabilities or conditions that affect their ability to work
MassHealth lists other exemptions as well. Visit the MassHealth website and use the screener to learn whether you need to meet the requirements.
Resources and More Information
These new requirements come from MassHealth, which is your source for eligibility information and renewal instructions. BMC, as your healthcare provider, can help you connect with MassHealth resources.
MassHealth is the source for information on requirements, exemptions, eligibility decisions, and what you need to do and when. Visit the MassHealth website to learn more.
On the MassHealth website, you can:
- Learn about the federal changes
- Read about the new work and education requirements
- Take the screener to find out if you must meet the requirements
- See the full list of who does not have to meet the requirements
- Learn about renewing your MassHealth coverage every six months
- Find local organizations and enrollment centers to help answer your questions
You can also call MassHealth Customer Services at 800.841.2900 (TTY: 711) for more information.
Patient Financial Counselors are available across BMC Health System to help patients navigate MassHealth resources and provide support:
- By phone at 617.414.5155
- By email at patfinoutreach@bmc.org
- Locations: Boston Medical Center, Boston Medical Center – Brighton, and Boston Medical Center – South
Source: MassHealth member changes information, https://www.mass.gov/masshealthmemberchanges. These are MassHealth requirements, not requirements set by BMC.