Massachusetts is a unique state when it comes to health care coverage. Massachusetts has become the model for healthsolutionsforall care reform for the nation. Of all states, affordable health insurance in Massachusetts is the most possible. There are cost-efficient public options subsidized by the state as well as many private and employer-sponsored plans from which to choose.
Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts: Statistics
The average annual premium for an employee-sponsored health plan in Massachusetts after employee contribution was $1,110 in 2009. The average cost of one day in a Massachusetts hospital that would come out of your pocket if you do not have health insurance is over $2,100 per day. Massachusetts is in the top 3 in the U.S. when it comes to physicians, obesity, immunization, infant mortality and occupational fatalities, which makes the Massachusetts one of the healthiest states in the U.S.
Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts: The Health Connector
Massachusetts is the most insured state in the nation. Over 97 percent of residents have some form of health care coverage. Enacted into law in April of 2006, Massachusetts health reform has pursued the goal of near-universal health care in the state and has achieved it for the most part. The law requires adults who can obtain affordable health insurance in Massachusetts to do so. The Health Connector is a state agency of Massachusetts that aides residents of the state find affordable health care insurance and avoid tax penalties. Because health care coverage is mandatory, with some exceptions, tax penalties may be enforced if you fail to gain coverage. The Health Connector provides information concerning the public plans available, the cost of those plans, and qualification information for subsidized plans and the health care insurance exemption.
Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts: Commonwealth Choice
Commonwealth Choice is a collection of six unsubsidized Massachusetts health insurance plans arrived at through a competitive bidding process. They are available to individuals, families and employers and have been approved by the Health Connector. The plans available range in coverage options and overall cost and are provided by the following Massachusetts medical insurance companies.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
- Fallon Community Health Plan
- CeltiCare
- Health New England
- Neighborhood Health Plan
- Tufts Health Plan
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan
Affordable Health Insurance in Massachusetts: Commonwealth Care
Commonwealth Care is a public plan that calls for complete subsidization of comprehensive Massachusetts health insurance for adults who earn up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The children of parents earning up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level also get completely subsidized coverage. If earning between 150 and 300 percent of the federal poverty level, partial subsidies are available for qualifying adults. Additional qualifications require you to be a Massachusetts resident and not be eligible for employee-sponsored medical insurance or any other public option.