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Health Care Reform
Massachusetts Health Care Reform became law on April 12, 2006. It is Massachusetts' plan to reduce the number of people who have no health insurance. It also works to improve the cost and quality of health care.
The Commonwealth Connector
The Commonwealth Connector can help you learn more about the health care reform law. The Connector administers two programs: Commonwealth Care and Commonwealth Choice. Commonwealth Care connects uninsured individuals with incomes that fall within certain guidelines, and who meet other qualifications with approved health plans, and helps them pay for them. Commonwealth Choice offers private health insurance options for individuals, families and employers.
New Health Insurance law
Key provisions of the law include subsidized health insurance for residents earning less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, and low-cost insurance for all other residents who are not eligible for insurance through their employers.
Health Care Quality and Cost Information
Here you will find information about the quality and cost of health care provided in Massachusetts. This site can be used as a tool to help you select a provider based on what is important to you.
Health Insurance Tax Benefit
Those who cannot show that they have health insurance will lose the tax benefit of their personal exemption on their 2007 Massachusetts income tax return. This tax benefit is currently $219 for an individual taxpayer. Non-compliance penalties will increase for 2008.
Health Insurance Responsibility Disclosure (HIRD) Form
Massachusetts employers of 11 or more FTE employees must also disseminate and collect an Employee HIRD form from each employee that declines to enroll in employer-sponsored insurance or declines to use the employer's Section 125 Cafeteria Plan to pay for health insurance. The employer must retain the signed Employee HIRD for a period of three years.
Other Tips and Resources
Additional information about where to get coverage, special information for young adults and senior citizens, and criteria for financial assistance.
© 2007 Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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