Let it Flow

What is the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law? It’s on the minds of many Massachusetts citizens because as of July 1, 2007 all state residents are required to carry health insurance. This raises a lot of questions for a lot of people!

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Linda Harding, a licensed health insurance agent with Mid-West National Life Insurance and a field representative for the Alliance for Affordable Services. She specializes in providing affordable health insurance for self-employed individuals and she took some time to answer the top questions people have about this new law.

What is the Mass Health Reform Law?
It’s a law that was passed last year stating that all individuals are required to have health insurance by July 1, 2007.

Are there penalties associated with non-enrollment?
Yes. Individuals and businesses who do not enroll in the program will incur penalties.

What if someone cannot afford the insurance coverage?
This is a popular question. Just last week I met a gentleman who works part-time in retail while starting his own photography business. He said, “ I understand that I am suppose to have health insurance, I can’t afford one more bill. What am I suppose to do?”

The State has launched a new program called Commonwealth Care. It is a health insurance program that people pay for on a sliding scale based on income guidelines. An individual earning less than $30,000.00 annually will qualify for payment assistance from the state. Similar benefits are available for families of 4 with total household income of $60,000 or less. Those individuals living below the poverty level will qualify for free health care. You do need to be a US citizen or legal alien to apply for aid. To apply and for more information, go to www.macommonwealthcare.com.

How will businesses be affected by this law?
I’ve been working with employers who don’t offer coverage now and have lots of questions. As it stands today, employers with 11 or more employees must offer health insurance options and make a “fair and reasonable” contribution to their full-time employees’ health insurance costs. They are also required to establish a Section 125 Plan to allow all of their employees to pay their health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis. Employers can go to www.mahealthconnector.org and download the Employer Handbook for more details.

What about those individuals who are self-employed? Do they get a break?
If you are self-employed, The Insurance Partnership is a subsidy program that can assist with paying for health insurance premiums. This program has the same income guidelines as the Commonwealth Care program (see above) and allows the business owner to choose their own health insurance provider.

Are there any changes in coverage for young adults?
There is program under Commonwealth Care that has a specific plan for those under age 26 and the costs are reasonable. There are caps for maximum coverage, similar to what you might find on a college plan.

If people still have questions, is there a resource to go to or can they contact you?
Absolutely. While I do not work for the state, I am happy to answer any questions for small business owners.

Additional resources:

www.masshealthreform.org
Commonwealth Connector
Health Care for All
WBUR CommonHealth Blog

Thanks, Linda, for taking the time to explain what the state has done to help people find affordable coverage.

If you still have questions about this new law please contact Linda at 508-410-8467 or visit any of the sites above.

Linda Harding, is a licensed health insurance agent with Mid-West National Life Insurance and a field representative for the Alliance for Affordable Services. Linda is available to speak with Trade Associations and Chamber groups about finding affordable health insurance coverage.

The Alliance for Affordable Services is a not-for-profit association, providing a variety of business, lifestyle and health care benefits using the power of the group to negotiate significant savings. The Alliance represents approximately 150,000 small-business owners and individuals nationwide. To reach Linda, email: lharding@mw-ins.com or call +1(508) 410 – 8467.

Tags: Miscellaneous Wellness //