|
In the News
Massachusetts: First State to Achieve Universal Health Care
April 5, 2006
We congratulate Senate President Robert Travaglini and Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi for achieving landmark legislation making Massachusetts the first state to provide near universal health care coverage. MAASH welcomes this legislation which will protect so many in the cultural community without health insurance.
The Legislature passed this important bill on Tuesday, April 4th and sent it to Governor Romney for his signature. The Governor has ten days to sign the bill or to veto the entire bill or certain sections. The following is a brief summary of how the new legislation, as passed by the Legislature, will affect artists and cultural organizations of all sizes:
- All Massachusetts residents must have health insurance by July 1, 2007. Individuals able to pay but unwilling to purchase health insurance will be subject substantial tax penalties.
- Individuals with low income (less than $9,500 for a single male) will receive free health care.
- Individuals with incomes up to 300% of the poverty level will be able to get health insurance with no deductibles and with premiums on a sliding scale adjusted for income.
- Income used to pay for health insurance will be exempt from state income tax.
- Businesses, including non-profit cultural organizations, with more than 10 employees that do not provide health insurance to their employees will pay an annual fee of $295 to the state.
- The state will create a health care “connector” to encourage private health insurers to provide affordable insurance to businesses and individuals.
- Because the state will provide coverage for the currently uninsured, most health insurance premiums will decline by modest amounts.
It is important to note that though the Legislature has passed this bill, how the law will be implemented has not been established. Once the bill becomes law either with the Governor’s signature or with the Legislature overriding any vetoes, state agencies will have to issue regulations putting the new law into effect. MAASH will monitor these developments.
This is an impressive step for Massachusetts and creates a model for the rest of the nation. The new legislation has earned the support of advocates for the uninsured, the health care industry, and business.
As we review the details of this historic and complex bill, MAASH will provide necessary information. If you have questions, please e-mail them to me.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Dan Hunter
<<back to News Archive
|
