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Common Health Working

CommonHealth Working

Workers with disabilities in Massachusetts may be eligible for a comprehensive medical insurance program called CommonHealth. MassHealth, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Medicaid Program, offers the CommonHealth benefit plan to residents age 19 or older, who are determined to be disabled and who work 40 hours or more per month or 240 hours in the previous six months. Massachusetts residents with disabilities who have lower income may be eligible for the MassHealth Standard benefit plan.

Businesses may have employees with disabilities who do not work enough hours to qualify for company sponsored health insurance or perhaps they have disability related medical expenses that are covered only partially or perhaps not at all under the company plan. These employees may qualify for CommonHealth.

There is no income limit or asset test for the CommonHealth benefit plan. Eligible workers with disabilities can buy in to CommonHealth using a sliding scale premium based on income.

  • Employees may simultaneously be enrolled in employer-sponsored health insurance and CommonHealth. In fact, individuals are required to enroll in their available employer-sponsored health insurance plan. In this case, CommonHealth serves as supplemental insurance.
  • CommonHealth may cover expenses or service needs that are not covered by an employer’s plan (see examples). {internal link to “Examples of CommonHealth Services” page}
  • CommonHealth may be an option for part-time employees and/or those who are not eligible for healthcare benefits.
  • MassHealth also offers a benefit program that provides financial assistance to help MassHealth or CommonHealth beneficiaries pay their private insurance premium. Many CommonHealth members are eligible for this program.
  • The parent of a child with special healthcare needs may apply for CommonHealth Children’s benefit plan on behalf of their child. The plan provides medical coverage and offsets certain medical expenses.

Next Steps

  • Train human resources personnel on the MassHealth program, including CommonHealth.
  • Regularly distribute information about the CommonHealth Working program concurrently with your company’s existing health insurance documents

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