The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law was developed to expand the access to affordable coverage, to establish employer responsibility and to preserve federal Medicaid funds.

As a result, many of Massachusetts ' 460,000* uninsured will have access to affordable health insurance. This landmark legislation will markedly improve access to healthcare for all of the people of Massachusetts .

The state provides access to affordable health care through the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector. Some details are as follows

The Connector:

• Offers plans to small businesses (50 or fewer employees) and individuals

• Allows the purchase of coverage with pre-tax dollars to eligible workers and their families

•Enables individuals to purchase insurance

• Premiums easily deducted from wages for part-time and contract employees

• Makes innovative products available to small employers

• Makes available health plans from all the major providers on the marketplace

Employer Responsibility:
One of the employers' responsibilities regarding the new law is the ‘Fair Share Contribution'. Employers with 11+ employees who do not offer  ‘fair and reasonable' coverage will be required to pay $295.00 per employee annually.

Personal Responsibility:
Beginning on July 1, 2007 all Massachusetts residents will be required to have health insurance or a fine will be incurred for each month without insurance equal to 50% of affordable insurance products cost for tax year.

With health insurance now mandatory in Massachusetts , employers and individuals across the state are eager to find affordable plans that offer quality coverage.

Ten Broeck Insurance Group can help! The new law permits brokers to access all the innovative health plans offered through the connector at no extra cost to you, the consumer. We can market your plan design through the connector as well as directly to the major providers ensuring the best possible health care plan at the most affordable cost.

*Based on August 2004 Division of Health Care Finance and Policy Survey. August 2006 Division of Health Care Finance and Policy stateside survey shows 372,000 uninsured residents.