News Briefs

Fuel Assistance Benefit Levels Increased to $2,200

At the urging of ABCD and other Community Action Agencies, more LIHEAP funding is now available to people in need this winter. The maximum benefit level has been increased to $2,200, from $1,600 which will help struggling families, individuals and elders to make it through the harsh winter season. ABCD continues to accept new applications for Fuel Assistance and encourages everyone to explore the potential for assistance.

Residents are urged to see if they meet the guidelines for the increased benefit. The program will run through April 30. 2030.

 Residents of Boston, Brookline or Newton can apply by calling at 617-357-6012. Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Winchester, Melrose, Woburn or Stoneham can call 781-322-6284. Visit bostonabcd.org/heat for information about ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program including a listing of neighborhood centers.

Application assistance is available in-person by appointment at all ABCD neighborhood centers including:

ABCD Central Office; ABCD Roslindale; Allston/Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center; Brookline Fuel Assistance;  Chinatown; Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center; East Boston; John F. Kennedy Center; Mattapan Family Service Center; Mystic Valley Opportunity Center; Newton Fuel Assistance; North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center; Parker Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Service Center; Roxbury/North Dorchester Neighborhood Opportunity Center; South Boston Action Center and the South End Neighborhood Service Center.

Friday is Deadline to Start Coverage Through the Health Connector 

The deadline for Massachusetts residents to start the New Year with health coverage is looming, with Friday, Dec. 23 being the last day to enroll with Massachusetts Health Connector, for coverage starting in January. 

The Health Connector’s Open Enrollment runs through Jan. 23, 2023, but the busiest deadline annually is the December date leading to January coverage. Residents who need coverage can go to MAhealthconnector.org to sign up or find local help with an application. 

“Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in coverage, with more than 97 percent of the state having health insurance, but there are still people who need access,” says Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “Getting coverage through the Health Connector means having the peace of mind that comes with being able to see a doctor when needed, as well as getting access to free preventive health care and other services.” 

Residents can get an estimate for health plan costs in two minutes or less by visiting the Health Connector’s online Get an Estimate tool. For those looking for one-on-one assistance with an application, there are 19 Navigator organizations in more than 30 locations that have trained, experienced people available to help complete an application and pick a plan. People with questions or need assistance can also use the Health Connector’s new online chat service, or call customer service at 888-MA-ENROLL if they need additional help. 

The Health Connector makes health insurance and services more affordable by offering help paying for monthly subsidies, including through the ConnectorCare program that includes premiums as low as $0, low co-pays, and no deductibles; as well as extended federal Advance Premium Tax Credits that can help pay for thousands of dollars of premiums a year.  

The majority of people who apply for health coverage through the Health Connector will qualify for help lowering their health care costs. Also, new for ConnectorCare members in 2023 are $0 co-pays for a number of important medications for chronic conditions, like diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease and hypertension.