Massachusetts Plans for Universal Healthcare
The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority determined minimum standards (ppt) for the State’s health insurance law. The standards include requirements for prescription drug coverage, $2000 maximum deductible per person annually, and an out-of-pocket maximum of $5000 for in-network services.
Massachusetts passed a health insurance law in April 2006 to assure coverage for over half a million uninsured state residents. Residents with income below the federal poverty line can obtain coverage though Medicaid and a state subsidized rate will be available for those with income between 100-300 percent of poverty. The remainder, approximately 315,000 residents, are required to purchase insurance or face penalties, such as a deduction to personal income tax.
The Board requires residents to obtain basic coverage by July 2007. Compliance with the minimum requirements is more flexible, with requirements for obtaining such coverage set for January 2009. The group has been working on an ongoing basis to include the perspectives from various stakeholders, including businesses, insurers, and healthcare advocates.
See information on the Commonwealth Connector website.
March 26, 2007 Related topics: Legal & legislative, Partnerships & Consortia