Office of Patient Protection
The Office of Patient Protection (OPP) works effectively to safeguard health care consumer protections in the Commonwealth. OPP strives to address each inquiry, waiver, and external review in a fair and consistent manner.
OPP’s efforts contribute to the provision of high quality patient care while advancing a more transparent, accountable, and innovative health care system.
Safeguarding health care consumer protections.
Since 2000, OPP, operated by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC), is responsible for regulating and administering certain health care consumer protections for the Commonwealth. OPP is a resource for individuals who want to become more informed and empowered health care consumers. OPP has three primary services that serve those wishing to enroll in health insurance, those who have been denied coverage by a fully-insured Massachusetts health insurance company, and patients of certain health care provider organizations seeking an independent review of a decision about accessing care. OPP also operates a toll-free hotline, providing direct assistance as well as referrals to other state agencies and non-profit organizations.
OPP’s Annual Reports provide a comprehensive overview of activities of the Office.
Request an Open Enrollment Waiver
If you did not purchase health insurance during the last open enrollment period, you may still be eligible to sign up for or enroll in health insurance with a waiver.
Get more information about Requesting an Open Enrollment Waiver.
Request an External Review of a Health Insurance Decision
If your health insurance company recently denied your internal health insurance appeal, you may request an external review of that decision.
Get more information about requesting external review of a Health Insurance Decision.
Request an External Review of a RBPO/ACO Decision
If your health insurance company recently denied your internal RBPO/ACO appeal, you may request an external review of that decision.
Get more information about requesting ab external review of a RBPO/ACO Decision.
Submit an Inquiry
Submit an inquiry if you have a question or issue related to your health care and need assistance to resolve it.
Review OPP's Regulations and Guidance.
OPP operates pursuant to statutory and regulatory authority. OPP’s final regulations as well as any currently proposed regulations and notices of public comment are available online along with the HPC’s regulations. OPP also issues guidance to health insurance companies and external review agencies to further clarify the law. OPP makes this guidance public to advance transparency for all who interact with OPP.
Get in touch with OPP.
Address
Massachusetts Health Policy Commission - Office of Patient Protection (OPP)
50 Milk Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109
Note that the building entrance is located on Devonshire Street.
Staff are onsite only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Phone
Main
(800) 436-7757
Translation services available.
TTY and ASCII Users
Voice and Hearing Users
(800) 720-3479
People who are deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened,
or speech disabled may reach OPP with MassRelay.