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The main purpose of this law is to provide health care coverage to the nearly 160,000 uninsured residents of Massachusetts. At HNE, we support the law’s objective to reduce the number of uninsured. We are working to do our part to advance this objective.
We want to help you understand this important new law. To find out more, click here. This will bring you to the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector.
Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority (the “Connector”)
The law created an independent public authority called the Connector. The Connector:
- Administers the Commonwealth Care Health Insurance Program,
- Sets quality and other standards for health insurance plans, and
- Facilitates the purchase of health insurance plans that meet these standards.
Individual Responsibility
The law requires nearly all residents of Massachusetts aged 18 and over to have health insurance coverage. The amount of coverage required is called minimum creditable coverage (MCC). As of January 1, 2008, anyone without MCC may have to pay a penalty up to $921.
Your 2008 membership materials tell you if your HNE Plan meets MCC standards. Look for these symbols on your Membership Agreement or the Pre-enrollment materials that were available at your groups open enrollment.
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This health plan, alone, does not meet Minimum Creditable Coverage standards and will not satisfy the individual mandate that you have health insurance. |
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This health plan meets Minimum Creditable Coverage standards and will satisfy the individual mandate that you have health insurance. |
Your membership materials also will explain why the plan does or does not meet the MCC standards.
HNE is working with the Connector, the Division of Insurance, and other insurers to define MCC for 2009. We will provide you with more information as it becomes available.
Commonwealth Care Health Insurance Program (“Commonwealth Care”)
The law set up the new Commonwealth Care premium assistance program. Anyone with a household income of no more than 300% of the federal poverty level or lower, and who meets other requirements set by the state, is eligible for this program.
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