The growth of people working for themselves is one of the biggest economic changes to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few years, many people left their jobs to follow their dreams and work independently. This has resulted in more gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors than ever before. Independent work provides flexibility and freedom, but often leads to stress when it comes time to navigate the process of enrolling in health insurance coverage.

Thanks to the Massachusetts Health Connector, you don’t have to sacrifice your dream of working independently to stay covered. If you are working as a rideshare driver, hairdresser, landscaper, home contractor, or performing other “gig work” and don’t receive coverage from an employer, the expanded ConnectorCare program has got you covered.

The ConnectorCare program includes help paying for a commercial health plan, which delivers all the benefits you and your family need for treatments. Qualifying residents who do not have access to coverage through their employer can save $4,000 or more in annual health care costs, with premium payments that can be less than half of the full cost, and no deductibles when services are used.

These changes create the largest state-level expansion in healthcare affordability since the Health Connector was created, which means people can get a plan with comprehensive coverage for just a few hundred dollars a month. ConnectorCare subsidies are now available for individuals making up to $72,900 a year, or a family of four, making up to $150,000 a year.

With expanded income eligibility available, this year, the Health Connector is reaching out to independent workers across Massachusetts to make sure they know the benefits of enrolling into the ConnectorCare program. This Open Enrollment season is already underway, and people have until January 23, 2024 to enroll in coverage. December 23, 2023 is the deadline to have coverage as soon as the New Year rolls around.

The Health Connector is making the process as seamless as possible through its website, call-center and walk-in centers with local, multilingual Navigators. Through January 23, 2024, The Health Connector is working with local media and hosting events where independent workers congregate.

The Health Connector also seeks to engage people who may be losing MassHealth coverage due to expiring COVID-19 protections and now need to find a new plan. 60,000 people who were in danger of losing MassHealth have now enrolled in a Health Connector plan. During previous years, Health Connector has achieved major strides with enrolling young people and diverse communities, particularly those who speak languages other than English in the home.

This year, more than 50,000 people are expected to enroll in the expanded ConnectorCare program, including many independent workers across the Commonwealth. If you need coverage, visit MAhealthconnector.org to access the quick estimate tool. You can also visit one of the 22 Navigator organizations across the state or apply to meet with a Certified Application Councilor at MAhealthconnector.org/get-help. You can receive assistance over the phone at 1-877-MA-ENROLL. Whether you are following your dream of working independently, thinking about changing jobs, or transitioning from MassHealth, the Health Connector is here to help you protect your dream and get covered today.