OB3 (the 2025 major federal tax and policy law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill) and other federal changes have altered who is eligible for subsidized insurance through the Health Connector: certain immigrant groups and those earning over 400% of the federal poverty level. OB3 also changed the flexibility of Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs).
In 2025, certain Health Connector members may have experienced premium price changes due to the expiration of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTCs), the 2021 federal subsidies that expanded APTCs. These changes are detailed in this post.
Please note the Health Connector’s statement that the September 2026 actions by the federal government regarding the ACA Marketplace terminations do not affect any Health Connector members in Massachusetts.
Open Enrollment for the Health Connector
Open Enrollment for the Health Connector began October 23, 2026 and ends January 23, 2027. Note the December 23rd deadline for coverage to begin January 1st.
Changes to Immigrant Coverage
Starting January 1st 2027, certain noncitizens will no longer qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) or ConnectorCare. These certain noncitizens will remain eligible for the Health Connector coverage but without the subsidies that lower their monthly premium.
Changes to the Reconciliation of Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs)
Advance Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) lower monthly premiums throughout the year and are calculated based on income. When a Member applies for health insurance coverage, the Health Connector estimates a maximum tax credit based on the expected household income of a plan year. The final APTC amount is determined after a member files their federal taxes. Essentially, Connector members pay a subsidized premium based on funds that are preemptively taken out of their tax returns. This system can lead to discrepancies between the expected and actual Member households incomes, based the inherent unpredictability of income and accurate income change reporting. These discrepancies are paid by Members when they file their taxes.
Before tax year 2026, there was a limit on how much excess APTCs some people had to pay back at tax time. Starting with tax year 2026, federal law removes that repayment limit. This could result in unexpected costs for families during tax season if income changes are not accurately reported throughout the year. More information can be found on the Health Connector website.
What does this mean for minimum credible coverage?
The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law requires that most residents over 18 who can afford health insurance have coverage for the entire year or pay a penalty through their tax returns.
You’ll only be penalized for lacking insurance if you can afford to get health insurance but didn’t. See the guidelines regarding the tax penalties for not having health insurance.
Resources
- Health Care For All Helpline – a free, staffed phone line of experts who can assist with coverage questions and compare plan prices.
- Mayor’s Health Line | Boston.gov – a free, confidential, multilingual health information and referral service through the City of Boston. Available to anyone in Massachusetts.
- Get an Estimate tool – for individuals and families interested in getting an idea of the cost of plans available to them without needing to complete a full application, this tool provides cost estimates after answering just a few brief questions.
- Find Navigators and enrollment assisters in your community – Navigators can provide in-person or virtual assistance completing an application, enrolling in coverage or updating information.
- The Resource Download Center – provides information about the Health Connector, available financial help, as well as the Plan Finder Tool that helps individuals compare providers, hospitals, health centers, and prescription drugs that are covered by the health and dental plans available.
We are here to help constituents navigate these significant changes.
Please connect with my Constituent Services Director Regina Fink by emailing regina.fink@masenate.gov or calling/texting 857-242-1892.