Massachusetts Faces Challenges In Convincing Low-Income Residents To Purchase Health Insurance, Boston Globe Reports

Uninsured Massachusetts residents with annual incomes between $9,804 and $29,412 beginning Tuesday will be able to purchase subsidized health insurance under the state’s new health insurance law, the Boston Globe reports. However, the “biggest challenge” of implementing the law could be persuading uninsured residents to pay for health care rather than rely on walk-in clinics and no-cost emergency department care, according to the Globe. The law mandates that all residents obtain health insurance by July 1 or face penalties such as the loss of their personal state income tax deduction. The law’s implementation is being overseen by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority. Four insurers — HealthNet, Neighborhood Health Plan, Network Health and Fallon Community Health Plan — have won exclusive rights for three years to sell the subsidized health plans, and the law requires each insurer is required to provide three levels of coverage based on income that include mandated benefits. Monthly premiums for residents in the lowest income bracket are between $18 and $58. The insurers have started to promote the new health plans, and some are offering incentives to encourage people to enroll, such as discounts for exercise classes; reimbursement for joining Weight Watchers; and gift cards to CVS, Target and other retailers. Comments
According to John Cragin, senior director of Commonwealth Care for Boston Medical Center/HealthNet, “You have a real challenge telling people who aren’t insured what coverage is and why you should pay every single month even if you’re not sick.” Cragin added, “But you’re also trying to reach employees of companies that don’t offer health insurance and part-timers earning between $20,000 and $30,000 who don’t qualify for benefits.” Beth Helenius, senior director of business and product development at Fallon, said, “It’s hard work,” adding, “These people tend to wait until something is really wrong before they go to the doctor. It’s going to take time before they take advantage of the benefits of being part of an insurance plan.” Michael Nickey, manager of Connector programs for Neighborhood Health Plan, said he believes the penalties will play a significant role convincing residents to enroll in the plans (Krasner, Boston Globe, 12/29/06).

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