For Immediate Release:
January 29, 2026
Media Contact:
David Guarino
dguarino@melwoodglobal.com
617-548-4981
Ashley Blackburn, Health Care For All’s Interim Executive Director, issued the following statement in response to Governor Maura Healey’s FY2027 budget plan:
Health Care For All commends the Healey Administration for its continued commitment to protecting health care coverage for so many Massachusetts residents who get affordable insurance through the Health Connector. The governor’s budget proposal to extend the ConnectorCare expansion program, approved by the Legislature in 2023, will protect affordable coverage and access to care for more than 40,000 residents with incomes up to 500% of the federal poverty level ($63,840 a year for an individual and $132,000 for a family of four). Without this action, these residents would face dramatic increases in their monthly premiums, co-pays and deductibles.
The ConnectorCare expansion program has been a tremendous success, lowering insurance premiums by an average of $150 a month for enrollees and enabling one in five people to get preventive care they hadn’t been able to before. The state’s commitment to more affordable coverage has been life-changing for individuals and families across the state who are struggling with health care costs, and it is a vital step in the state responding to federal health care cuts.
We recognize the fiscal constraints the state is facing and the difficult choices which must be made, due in part to unprecedented federal changes. We also appreciate the effort by the administration to safeguard the integrity of the MassHealth program. At the same time, we have concerns about the proposed cuts to MassHealth – in particular, capping adult dental benefits. Access to dental care is fundamental to overall health, including diabetes management and pregnancy outcomes, and it impacts our ability to eat, sleep and maintain employment. Untreated dental needs can also lead to more expensive treatment in emergency settings.
Massachusetts is recognized nationally as a leader on access to affordable health care coverage and oral health, and we will continue to work with the administration, stakeholders and legislative partners to protect these critical programs and benefits.