View from the Hill - Oct '06

by State Representative Robert S. Hargraves

Earlier this summer, I wrote a newspaper article giving the general outlines of the Commonwealth's pioneering Health Care Reform Law. Since then, the newly created Connector Authority Board has been meeting regularly to develop regulations and the Legislature itself has made changes and clarifications to the ambitious bill that aims to deliver health insurance to most state residents. Therefore it seems appropriate to offer a brief "Fact Sheet" for constituents at this time.

The Commonwealth Care Health Insurance Program (CCHIP) is subsidized insurance offered through the new Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector. The program helps individuals enroll in a health plan to access care. As of October 2, 2006, residents of the Commonwealth earning less than 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) [$9,804 for an individual; $20,004 for a family of 4] who are not eligible for other insurance are able to enroll in the Commonwealth Care Health Insurance Program with no premium. Residents earning between 100% and 300% FPL [up to $29,412 for an individual; up to $60,012 for family of 4] who are not eligible for other insurance may enroll in Commonwealth Care starting January 1, 2007, and will pay a sliding scale premium of between $18 and $106 per month per person. For more detailed information call Commonwealth Care Enrollment Center at 1-877-MA-ENROLL.

Two new options concerning young adults were created in the health care law:

• Beginning January 1, 2007, young adults will be able to remain on their parents' health plans up to 2 years after loss of dependent status, or until age 25, whichever comes first.
• In addition, beginning July 1, 2007, health insurance carriers will be able to provide more affordable health plans for young adults aged 19-26 who are not covered by other insurance. Individuals should contact their insurance carriers about both of these changes.

The merger of the non-group and small group insurance markets is slated for July 1, 2007. Current members of non-group health plans will realize the savings resulting from the merger after this date. Individuals should contact their insurance carriers about this change.

Beginning July 1, 2007, Massachusetts residents will be required to enroll in a creditable health insurance plan (individual mandate). Certain exemptions may be made for individuals and families who cannot purchase insurance because no affordable plan is available. The Connector Board will define the "affordability scale" in the coming months.

Finally, MassHealth expansion to provide health benefits for children up to 300% FPL, MassHealth Essential for long-term unemployed residents, and dental and vision benefits for adults began July 1, 2006. Contact MassHealth about any concerns about MassHealth benefits: 1-800-841-2900.

Congratulations to Ed and Mary West of Townsend for receiving the 2006 Humanitaran Award from the William E. May Endowment. Congratulations also to Frank Hartnett Sr. (Pepperell), Tom Casey (Ayer), Dr. Ken Janes and Don Black (Groton), and William Marshall (North Middlesex Savings Bank) for receiving Community Service and Leadership awards from the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce. Finally, kudos to Pepperell Girls Scouts Christina Csicsek, Stephanie Greene, Hannah Gale, Mary Moore, Rebecca Moore, Elena Rodriguez, and Melanie Roth for earning Silver Awards and to former Ayer Fire Chief Paul Fillebrown on the occasion of the celebration of his retirement after 42 years of service to the department.

Don't forget to vote on November 7.