Walden Behavioral Care, LLC

Apply for MassHealth first

Apply for MassHealth first. In Massachusetts one application (ACA-1) checks you for MassHealth, Health Connector plans and the Health Safety Net together. Hospital financial counselors help with it for free, and most hospital financial assistance policies require you to apply before the hospital will review its own discounts. MassHealth phone is (800) 841-2900.

Applications and qualifications are available on line here: Member Booklet for Health and Dental Coverage and Help Paying Costs (ACA-1).

Source, checked 2026-11-10

Health Safety Net

The Health Safety Net (HSN) pays for some care at Massachusetts acute care hospitals and community health centers for low-income Massachusetts residents who are uninsured or underinsured. It is not insurance. With family income up to 150% of the poverty level there is no deductible. From above 150% up to 300% there may be a yearly deductible based on income. It can pay after other insurance, including private plans, Medicare and some MassHealth programs. You apply with the same application used for MassHealth, so MassHealth is checked first. There is no member card. You must renew every year. HSN pays the hospital's own charges. Doctors who bill separately, and labs or x-rays run by private companies, may not be covered. HSN Medical Hardship can help residents at any income when medical bills are a large share of income.

Income levels in the program are free up to 150%, discount up to 300% of poverty level.

Applies to acute care hospitals and community health centers.

Residency. Massachusetts resident

Fill out the MassHealth application (ACA-1), online through the Health Connector, on paper, or with a hospital or health center financial counselor. The same application decides MassHealth, Health Connector plans and HSN. Bring proof of identity. Medical Hardship needs a separate application that a hospital or health center counselor submits for you.

Program phone (800) 841-2900

Massachusetts residents with income between 0-150% of the FPL may be eligible for the Health Safety Net.

Program source, checked 2026-11-10

Health Safety Net Medical Hardship

A Massachusetts resident at any income can get help through HSN Medical Hardship when allowable medical bills are larger than a set share of countable income. The share is 10% of income up to 205% of the poverty level, 15% from 205.1% to 305%, 20% from 305.1% to 405%, 30% from 405.1% to 605%, and 40% above 605.1%. You pay that share. A hospital or health center financial counselor files the application with itemized bills, proof of income, proof of Massachusetts residency and proof of identity.

Applies to acute care hospitals and community health centers.

Ask a hospital or community health center financial counselor to submit a Medical Hardship application.

Income Level Percentage of Countable Income 0 - 205% FPL 10% 205.1 - 305% FPL 15% 305.1 - 405% 20%

Program source, checked 2026-11-10

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