Outer Cape Health Services’ Healthy Connections Team Gears Up for 2027 Insurance Enrollment Assistance

Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 23, With Changes to MassHealth, Health Connector Coverage Options, and Federal Policies

Harwich Port, Mass., October 6, 2026 –  Outer Cape Health Services (OCHS), a federally qualified community health center serving the outermost towns of Cape Cod, is reminding residents of the Outer and Lower Cape that its Healthy Connections team is available to provide free assistance with health insurance enrollment and plan selection during the 2027 open enrollment period, which runs from October 23, 2026, through January 23, 2027.

This year’s enrollment period comes with a number of changes for 2027, including updated federal policies and changes affecting tiers of MassHealth and Health Connector plans. OCHS encourages individuals and families to review their coverage options and seek assistance if they have questions about eligibility, applications or selecting a health insurance plan.

OCHS Healthy Connections counselors can assist individuals with MassHealth, Health Connector, Connector Qualified Health Plans, the Health Safety Net, the Children’s Medical Security Plan and transition to Medicare. Certified Application Counselors can help individuals navigate eligibility, the application process, plan selection, and connect individuals and families with other community resources.

Medicare assistance is available separately through the Massachusetts SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) Program, which provides free counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents who are eligible for Medicare as well as their caregivers.

“Health insurance enrollment can be complicated, and there are additional changes to be aware of as people consider their coverage for 2027,” said Katessa Morrison, Health Care Access Specialist at Outer Cape Health Services. “We encourage people to take the time to review their options and ask questions, particularly if their income, household or health coverage has changed. Coming to an appointment prepared with the requested documents can also help our counselors better assist individuals and families as they work through the application and enrollment process.”

Individuals preparing for an enrollment appointment should schedule their appointment as early as possible, bring a photo ID, health insurance card or cards, proof of income, proof of Massachusetts residency, immigration documents if applicable, a Medicare card if applicable, any MassHealth, Health Connector or Medicare notices, and contact information for household members who are applying for coverage.

Healthy Connections counselors are available at OCHS locations in Provincetown, Wellfleet and Harwich. Residents seeking assistance can contact:

Katessa Morrison – Provincetown: KMorrison@outercape.org

Robin Rivers – Wellfleet: rrivers@outercape.org

Suzanne Joyner – Harwich: sjoyner@outercape.org

For assistance by phone, call OCHS at (508) 905-2888.

About Outer Cape Health Services:

Outer Cape Health Services is a federally qualified community health center organization with locations in Harwich Port, Provincetown and Wellfleet. Our mission is to provide a full range of primary health care and supportive social services that promote the health and well-being of all who live in or visit the ten outermost towns of Cape Cod. OCHS cares for more than 20,000 patients annually, and no one is denied access to services due to an inability to pay. Founded in 1987 through the merger of Health Associates of Provincetown and the AIM Medical Center in Wellfleet, Outer Cape Health Services has a long history of successful growth and expansion in pursuit of this mission. Outer Cape Health Services, Inc. (OCHS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors representative of its community. All board members live on Cape Cod and the majority are OCHS patients. For additional information about Outer Cape Health Services, click here.