Upcoming Events

Overview

Health Care is a very important topic. The new health care law is about to be implemented with many aspects of the law becoming effective July 1, 2007. It is very complex, and while the Chamber continues to believe some changes to it are called for, most of the aspects of the law have been agreed to and will become effective soon.

In order to help our members comply with the law, and to make it easier for those members who want to avail themselves, or help their employees take advantage of the new offerings for insurance under the law, we are embarking upon a communications campaign. The following is the second in a series of 8 bulletins that will be issued on a weekly basis to keep you informed about this important piece of legislation.

Health Care Reform Overview # 5 – Open Enrollment and Sources for Coverage

A bulletin from the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield on the Massachusetts health Care Reform law, Ch.58

Did you know?
that by July 1, 2007, all Massachusetts residents age 18 and over are required to have health insurance. What are the options for obtaining coverage?

Employers with 11 or more full-time equivalent employees in Massachusetts must make a "fair and reasonable" contribution to the cost of their full-time employees’ health insurance. (See Health Care Reform Bulletin #3)

To make health insurance more affordable to employees, employers with 11 or more full time equivalent employees in Massachusetts are required to have a Section 125 cafeteria plan as of July 1, 2007. A section 125 plan allows employees to pay for their health insurance coverage on a pre-tax basis. (See Health Care Reform Bulletin # 4)

Employees may enroll in their employer’s health insurance plan during the annual open enrollment process or some employers may wish to participate in a special open enrollment offered by their carriers to correlate with the Commonwealth Choice open enrollment beginning May 1, 2007.

Individuals without Health Insurance can obtain coverage through Commonwealth Choice offered by the Commonwealth Connector. Open enrollment begins May 1, 2007. Coverage is effective July 1, 2007.

The Commonwealth Health Connector works with well-known insurance plans to offer and certify new health insurance options for residents, families and small employers. These plans carry the Commonwealth Connector seal of approval.

To learn more about enrolling in a Health Connector health insurance plan go to www.mahealthconnector.org/portal/site/connector.

Some employers might also be able to get incentives to provide health care benefits. The Insurance Partnership Program does have subsidies for eligible businesses. More information is on their web site, www.insurancepartnership.org. As always, general information can be found on Health New England’s web site, www.hne.com. One other source of information is www.hsainsurance.com.

These bulletins are not intended as legal or tax advice. You will be offered resources that you should contact for specific advice on how this law will affect your business. This series will attempt to give you several web sites to visit.

If I can help you find answers, please contact me at ciuffreda@myonlinechamber.com.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Ciuffreda
Vice President of Government Affairs