Bill > H2084

This bill proposes establishing a Minimum Hourly Health Improvement Wage in Massachusetts to address healthcare access and insurance challenges for workers, particularly those in part-time or multiple job situations. The legislation would authorize the Public Health Council (PHC) and Department of Public Health (DPH) to develop and implement a pilot program where employees would earn a portable healthcare insurance benefit for each hour worked, with a unique calculation method that accumulates hours across multiple jobs. Employers with 50 or more employees would be required to contribute to this healthcare compensation, while smaller employers could voluntarily participate. The bill recognizes that many workers currently struggle with insufficient benefits, excessive work hours, and limited medical service access, and aims to create a system where healthcare insurance is more closely tied to actual hours worked. The proposed program would initially be a pilot, with potential for full implementation based on initial results, and would include potential tax credits for participating employers to help offset program costs. The underlying goal is to provide a more equitable and flexible approach to healthcare benefits that adapts to modern employment realities, where workers often have non-traditional employment arrangements.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2084