How does the Massachusetts Health Connector Work?

When you’re applying for or renewing health coverage through MassHealth or the Health Connector, you may be asked to show proof of certain things—like your income, where you live, or your immigration status.

👉 Important Note: This isn’t a complete list of everything you might need, but it’s a helpful guide to make the process easier—for you, your family, or anyone helping you apply. Submitting the right documents can help speed up the approval of your benefits. Sometimes, one document can cover more than one requirement.

Table of Contents

Common Documents You May Need

📌 From MassHealth:

Your renewal form (often arrives in a blue envelope)
A copy of a Request for Information (RFI) notice
Your MassHealth ID card

🏠 Proof of Address (any one of these):

Lease or Section 8 agreement (with rental dates, signatures, and proof of payment)
Deed or recent mortgage statement
School enrollment documents showing your home address
Utility bills dated within 60 days (electric, gas, sewer, cable, or water) Note: Phone, credit card, or trash bills don’t count.
A statement from a homeless shelter, if it applies
Signed and dated Affidavit of Massachusetts Residency

Also Read: What’s the Difference Between Copay and Coinsurance?

🔢 Social Security Information:

Social Security card or a document showing you’ve applied
Benefit statement from Social Security (with full SSN)
Official letter from Social Security

💰 Proof of Income (for everyone in your household):

Recent pay stubs (within 60 days); include more if your income varies
Signed letter from your employer (with hours worked, gross pay, date, and signature)
Agricultural income certificate
Latest federal tax return (Form 1040 with W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
Proof of pensions, annuities, capital gains, interest, or dividends
Self-employment: Profit & loss statement or a filled “Verification of Self-Employment Income” form
Rental income (lease agreement or tax return)
Unemployment income (DUA statement or 1099 form)
Social Security income
Affidavit if you have zero income
Any other income documents you have

🛂 Proof of Immigration or Citizenship Status (most recent):

U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization
Foreign passport (may not prove immigration status)
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card or I-551)
Temporary I-551 stamp on passport or I-94
Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 or I-94A)
Refugee travel document (I-571) or Reentry permit (I-327)
Immigrant visa with temporary I-551 language
Certificates for F-1 or J-1 students (I-20 or DS-2019)
Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
Notice of Action (I-797)
ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement) letters
Court documents delaying or withholding removal
Proof of American Indian status (tribal or born in Canada)
Expired documents can also be submitted
Affidavit from an immigration lawyer showing you’ve applied

Tip: Even if you’re undocumented or have expired papers, you should still apply and share what you have. MassHealth staff will review your documents and try to get you the best coverage available.

Also Read: What Plans are Best for Low-Income Individuals?

Other Helpful Information to Bring (if it applies to you):

Any other health insurance cards (like Medicare or private insurance)
Info about employer-provided insurance (plan name, policy number, monthly premium)
Documents showing changes in child custody or family structure (like DCF or court forms)
Any extra documents that help prove the info on your application