There's help for residents needing with health insurance
05 03 08 - 11:35
By Thomas M. Menino
West Roxbury - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts recently became the first state in the nation to require residents over age 18 to have health insurance. Since then, the Commonwealth's landmark health care reform legislation has helped an estimated 325,000 Massachusetts residents secure health care coverage.
At the same time, many residents and businesses remain uninformed or confused about their rights and responsibilities. And others remain uninsured due to a lack of information or the cost of coverage is too high. The law is complex and defies easy explanation, however, some highlights include:
· All adults over 19 years of age are required to have health insurance, if affordable;
· Fully and partially subsidized plans are available depending on income, however there are restrictions for people with access to employer-sponsored health insurance even if unaffordable;
· For employers with at least 11 full time equivalents, the law mandates minimal coverage standards, and more;
· Public programs expanded coverage to individuals and families with higher incomes (up to 300 percent federal poverty) and restored or created new benefits (dental and smoking cessation).
As you might be hearing in the media, there are also growing concerns about the cost and financial viability of these new coverage types. Access to affordable and quality health coverage is important to all Bostonians. I urge everyone to stay informed and involved on this very important matter.
For Boston residents and businesses, help is available. The Boston Public Health Commission's Mayor's Health Line (MHL) handles individual inquires and provides enrollment assistance for individuals and families. The program is multilingual and all services are free and confidential.
In addition to individual enrollment services, the MHL provides small and large group presentations to educate residents about the new law. Updated information is also posted on the BPHC and City of Boston websites. For more information, educational and outreach materials are available upon request by calling the MHL at 617-534-5050 or visiting www.bphc.org/mayorshealthline.
Please also join us from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, as the Mayor's Health Line partners with the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector and others to provide information about the state's new health care reform law and to enroll local residents at the Tufts - New England Medical Center. The "Connect to Health" enrollment event is designed to bring Connector programs directly to the uninsured.
Participants will have an opportunity to apply and enroll into Commonwealth Care and Commonwealth Choice on-site. Call 1 800-847-1710.