The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) provided free health insurance information, enrollment, and renewal assistance to 4,446 community members in fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025).

Caseworkers at the MAPS Immigrant Integration Services (IIS) program have all been certified as Health Insurance Navigators by the state. They helped community members review their eligibility, learn about healthcare coverage choices, and enroll in a health plan that meets their health and financial needs.

The service is funded by the Massachusetts Health Connector, the state’s marketplace for health and dental insurance, and is currently one of the most sought-after resources offered by the health and social services organization.

“Having the right health insurance plan can be life-changing,” said MAPS IIS caseworker Tatiana Benfica. “It’s a privilege to help guide our community members and answer their questions, and it’s very rewarding to know that we can bring them peace of mind.”

In addition to renewal or enrollment assistance, MAPS staff also help clients with advocacy, appointment reminders, accompaniment, and follow-up, interpretation or translation, referrals, and other related needs. MAPS’ Immigrant Integration Services also provide personalized assistance around housing, employment, nutrition, and fuel assistance, and access to other public benefits, to thousands of clients each year.

“Knowing that we’ve been able to help nearly 4,500 community members with their health insurance is a testament to the importance of the work we do, and we hope this number will keep increasing”, said MAPS’ CEO, Paulo Pinto, MPA. “By strengthening access to healthcare, especially for uninsured community members, we are truly honoring our mission of building healthy and successful communities.”

Health insurance is crucial for ensuring access to necessary medical care at a more affordable cost. It not only covers a range of services, from preventive screenings to emergency treatments, but it also provides financial security in the event of illness or injury. Ultimately, health insurance offers peace of mind, reduces the risk of medical debt, and supports overall well-being. To learn more about the organization’s health insurance assistance services, please visit maps-inc.org/healthinsurance.