MassHealth Insurance: How to apply for your child?
Quick answer: Families can apply for MassHealth online, by phone, by mail, fax, or in person. Eligibility depends on the child’s and household’s circumstances and is determined by MassHealth.
MassHealth is the Massachusetts Medicaid program. Children, adults, families, seniors, and people with disabilities may qualify for different MassHealth coverage types depending on their circumstances and an official eligibility determination.
How to Apply for MassHealth for a Child
Application methods and required forms depend on the applicant’s age, household, disability status, and the type of coverage requested. Families can review the current instructions and apply through the official MassHealth application page. For assistance, call the MassHealth Customer Service Center at 800-841-2900 (TTY: 711).
- Review the current application options on Mass.gov.
- Complete the application that applies to the child or care recipient.
- Provide the documents MassHealth requests for the individual application.
- Keep copies of submitted documents and any confirmation or tracking information.
- Respond promptly if MassHealth requests additional information.
Income and Disability Rules Vary
Families should not rely on a single income percentage or assume that one rule applies to every MassHealth coverage type. Eligibility standards can vary based on age, household composition, income methodology, disability status, and other circumstances. MassHealth CommonHealth may be available to certain children and adults with disabilities, and a premium may apply depending on household circumstances.
MassHealth, not Mass Care Link, makes the coverage determination. Processing time also depends on the application and whether additional information is required, so families should obtain a current status directly from MassHealth rather than relying on a general timeline.
MassHealth Coverage and Adult Foster Care
MassHealth Standard and CommonHealth are commonly associated with eligibility for Adult Foster Care, subject to verification and all other program requirements. Coverage alone does not guarantee Adult Foster Care eligibility, caregiver approval, payment, or authorization.
To learn more, review how to qualify for Adult Foster Care in Massachusetts. You may also complete Mass Care Link’s prequalification questions or call 866-880-8889.
This article provides general educational information. Eligibility, caregiver approval, payment, and authorization depend on current requirements and individual circumstances.
Information to gather before applying
MassHealth may request information about the applicant and household to determine eligibility.
- Identity and Massachusetts residency information
- Household members and income information
- Current health coverage information
- Disability or medical information when relevant to the coverage request
Use the official MassHealth application process
Visit the Commonwealth’s official MassHealth application page or call MassHealth Customer Service at 800-841-2900. For information about caregiver support after a child reaches adulthood, review caring for a disabled adult child in Massachusetts.
This article provides general educational information. Eligibility, caregiver approval, payment, and authorization depend on current requirements and individual circumstances.