January 17, 2025

Health Connector Open Enrollment Deadline: January 23, 2025

The deadline to enroll in or change your health insurance plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector is Thursday, January 23, 2025. Apply now to make sure your plan starts on February 1, 2025.

Lowell Community Health Center’s Health Insurance Navigators are here to help! Call us at 978.937.9700 or visit us at 161 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA for assistance with your health insurance needs.

Visit the Health Connector’s renewal page to learn more and get started.

Extended Call Center Hours for Support

To help during the final days of Open Enrollment, the Health Connector’s Customer Service Call Center will have extended hours:

  • Tuesday, January 21, 2025: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, January 22, 2025: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, January 23, 2025: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Note: These extended hours are for the call center only. Walk-in centers will be open during normal business hours. For more information, visit the Health Connector Contact page.

What Happens After January 23?

If you miss the deadline, you can only sign up for health insurance if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). This happens if you’ve had a big life event like losing your current insurance, having a baby, or moving.

You’ll have 60 days after the event to enroll in a new plan. Learn more about SEP rules on the Health Connector’s Special Enrollment Period page.

Don’t wait! Call us at 978.937.9700 or visit today for help. Let’s make sure you have the health coverage you need.

January 7, 2025

Staying Healthy: What You Should Know About Norovirus

Recently, Norovirus cases have gone up a lot. Here’s some important information, shared from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to help you and your family stay safe.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is a highly contagious germ that can make you sick. It spreads through:

  • Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your hands in your mouth
  • Close contact with someone who is sick, like caring for them or sharing food

Norovirus can cause:

  • Diarrhea
  • Throwing up
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Stomach pain

Some people may also have a fever, headaches, or body aches. These symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after contact and last 1 to 3 days. Dehydration, especially in young children and older adults, can sometimes be a problem if you lose too much water from vomiting or diarrhea.

Learn more at the CDC’s Norovirus page.

How to Stay Safe from Norovirus

There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

  • Wash your hands often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and before preparing food. Hand sanitizer is less effective against Norovirus.
  • Handle food safely: Wash fruits and vegetables before eating, and cook shellfish like oysters thoroughly.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces: If someone gets sick, clean up immediately using a bleach-based cleaner. Be sure to wash laundry that may be soiled with vomit or stool right away using hot water and detergent.
  • Stay home when sick: If you or your child are sick, avoid going to work, school, or public places until at least two days after symptoms stop to prevent spreading Norovirus to others.

More prevention tips are available at the CDC’s Prevention page.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re not feeling well, visit our Patient Walk-In Center – no appointment needed:

  • Monday-Thursday: 8 AM – 7 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM

Need help or more info?

  • Use MyChart: Message your Care Team.
  • Call Us: 978.937.9700
  • Visit Online: lchealth.org.

Let’s work together to protect our health and community this winter.

Information in this post is based on materials provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more details, visit cdc.gov.