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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 first 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 # 8 - Credible Coverage

A bulletin from the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc. on the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law, Ch. 58

Did you know?
That as of July 1, 2007, all individuals in Massachusetts must have health care coverage and while some may have what is called minimal or catastrophic health care coverage now, more comprehensive plans may be required, but not until July 1, 2009.

This is why we have left this topic to be the eighth in our series of eight bulletins on this new health care law.

There were many reasons this far reaching law was enacted, and among those reasons was to get more people covered by insurance. When the authorities were trying to define what credible coverage was, they found that almost 200,000 people who had coverage (minimal or catastrophic) would not be considered "covered". Therefore, the definition of credible coverage was expanded temporarily. Some of those policies do not cover prescription drugs and have very high deductibles and therefore offer basic coverage. Anyone holding such a policy should check with the connector at www.mass.gov/connector and begin preparing to upgrade that coverage by July 1, 2009.

The Chamber will continue to be engaged in these discussions on credible coverage as they often deal with mandated benefits that could add to the cost of coverage.

This is the last of the eight bulletins, we will keep the bulletins available on the Chamber’s web site where you can review them. Remember, July 1, 2007, just three weeks away, this law becomes active.

For last minute questions, you might want to call today to take advantage of a free health care forum that features the executive director of the Connector as one of the keynote speakers. Mercy Medical Center is hosting this event, Monday, June 11, 2007, at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame from 8:30 to 10:30 AM. Admission to the symposium is complimentary but seating is limited. To reserve your seat please call 413- 748-9780.

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.

www.mass.gov/connector is the official web site of the Massachusetts entity created to oversee all aspects of this law. They have an "Employer Handbook" on the site as well as other important information.

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

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Ciuffreda
Vice President of Government Affairs