HP 353 - Massachusetts Heath Reform (Brian Rosman)

Characteristics of those most likely to be uninsured in 2004 prior to chapter 58 law?

• male

• young adults

• lower income

• minorities

• part-time employees

5 key components of the chapter 58 law

• Individual Mandate & Penalty: Required most residents to have health insurance or pay a tax penalty, unless deemed unaffordable.

• MassHealth (Medicaid) Expansion: Extended coverage to more low-income individuals and restored benefits like dental care for adults.

• Subsidized Coverage (Commonwealth Care): Created sliding-scale subsidized private insurance for low-to-moderate income residents.

• Commonwealth Health Connector: Established a health insurance marketplace for individuals and small businesses to buy subsidized plans.

• Employer Responsibility: Required larger employers (over 10 employees) to offer insurance or pay a "Fair Share Contribution". 

Chapter 58 law mandate for individuals

Must obtain "creditable" coverage or face tax penalties

Chapter 58 law mandate for employer

Must offer coverage if a large business or pay a fee (pay or play).

Chapter 58 law government responsibility

Expand Medicaid and subsidize private health insurance

Did Romney care pass bipartisan or via the strength of one party

It was a bipartisan agreement!

Did Obamacare pass bipartisan or via the strength of one party?

It was 100% the democrats!

T/F: Medicaid is one of the main drivers of lowering the uninsured rate.

True! Medicaid has shown to be one of the main things driving down the uninsured rate.

Medicaid expansions: liberal or conservative?

Liberal

Subsidies for private coverage: liberal or conservative

Conservative

Health market exchange: liberal or conservative?

Conservative

Individual mandate: liberal or conservative?

Conservative

Employer requirement: liberal or conservative

Liberal

What’s the +1 of the 5 key components of Mass Health Reform?

Insurance reforms already in place 1990s (liberal btw)