MassHealth bills arrive by mail, and you pay them the same way you would any other bill — by check, money order, or online through your MassHealth account
MassHealth is Massachusetts' Medicaid program. If your plan charges a monthly premium (not all do), you will receive a bill in the mail. The bill shows what you owe, when it is due, and where to send payment. You can pay by mailing a check or money order to the address on the bill, or you can set up online payment through your MassHealth account if you have registered one.
The amount you owe depends on your household income and family size. Some MassHealth members pay nothing; others pay a small monthly premium. If you miss a payment, MassHealth will send you a notice. If you do not pay within 30 days of the due date, your coverage can be suspended, though you have a chance to catch up before that happens.
Key Takeaways
- MassHealth bills arrive by mail and show the due date, amount owed, and mailing address for payment.
- You can pay by check, money order, or online through your MassHealth account if you have set up login credentials.
- Missing a payment by 30 days can result in suspension of coverage, but you will receive a notice first.
- If you cannot afford your premium, you can contact MassHealth to discuss your situation or request a review of your income.
Setting up online payment through your MassHealth account
To pay online, you first need to create a login on the MassHealth website. Go to www.mass.gov/masshealth, select "Log In" or "Create an Account," and follow the steps to register with your Social Security number and other identifying information. Once you are logged in, you can view your bill, see your payment history, and make a payment using a bank account or debit card.
Online payment usually processes within one to two business days. If your bill is due soon, allow time for processing before the due date. You will receive a confirmation number after you submit payment, which you should save for your records.
Paying by mail with a check or money order
Write your MassHealth member ID number on the front of the check or money order. Include the payment stub that came with your bill, or write your member ID and the bill amount on a separate piece of paper. Mail it to the address printed on your bill.
Payment by mail typically takes seven to ten business days to reach MassHealth and be recorded in your account. If your due date is within two weeks, consider paying online or in person instead to avoid late fees or coverage suspension. Keep a copy of the check or money order number for your records.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is not received by the due date, MassHealth will send you a notice in the mail. This notice gives you 30 days to pay before your coverage is suspended. Suspension means your MassHealth benefits stop, and you will no longer be covered for medical services.
If your coverage is suspended, you can restore it by paying the amount owed. Once MassHealth receives your payment, your coverage will restart, usually within one to two business days. If you have questions about a bill or believe you were charged in error, contact MassHealth before the due date to avoid suspension.
Requesting a review if you cannot afford your premium
If your income has changed or you are having trouble paying your premium, you can contact MassHealth to discuss your situation. Call 1-800-841-2900 (TTY: 1-800-848-7284) or visit your local MassHealth office. You can also request a review of your income by mail or through your online account.
MassHealth may adjust your premium based on updated income information, or you may find that you no longer owe a premium at all if your household income has dropped. Changes to your premium usually take effect the first day of the following month. Do not skip payments while waiting for a review — continue to pay what you currently owe to keep your coverage active.
Automatic payment options
Some MassHealth members can set up automatic monthly payments through their online account. This option withdraws money from your bank account on a date you choose, usually around the due date of your bill. Automatic payment reduces the risk of missing a deadline and keeps your coverage from being suspended.
To set up automatic payment, log into your MassHealth account, go to the payment section, and select the automatic payment option. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. You can change or cancel automatic payment at any time through your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my MassHealth bill over the phone?
MassHealth does not accept phone payments directly. You can pay online through your account, by mail, or in person at a local MassHealth office. Some offices may accept payment by phone in limited circumstances — call 1-800-841-2900 to ask.
What if I pay online but my bill still shows as unpaid?
Online payments usually process within one to two business days. Check your confirmation number and wait a few days before contacting MassHealth. If more than three business days have passed and the payment still does not show, call 1-800-841-2900 with your confirmation number so they can investigate.
Will my coverage be cancelled immediately if I miss a payment?
No. You will receive a notice giving you 30 days to pay before suspension occurs. If you receive the notice, contact MassHealth right away to make a payment or discuss your situation. Paying during this 30-day window will keep your coverage active.
Do I have to pay a premium if my income is very low?
Many MassHealth members with low incomes pay no premium at all. Your premium depends on your household income and family size. If you think you should not owe a premium, contact MassHealth to request a review of your income and may be able to access.
Can I get a copy of my bill if I lost the original?
Yes. Log into your MassHealth account to view and print past bills, or call 1-800-841-2900 and ask them to mail you a copy. You can also visit a local MassHealth office to request a duplicate bill.