Bill > H964

This bill aims to preserve affordable health coverage for Massachusetts residents by modifying existing laws related to health care financing. Specifically, it ensures that individuals enrolled in health plans with a household income at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines will only be responsible for copayments equivalent to those in the MassHealth program, with no other deductibles or cost-sharing. Additionally, those with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines will have access to at least one plan with no premium contribution. The bill also updates eligibility criteria for purchasing insurance through the connector, a state-run health insurance marketplace, and for receiving premium assistance payments or point-of-service cost-sharing subsidies, extending these benefits to individuals up to 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, with specific cost-sharing and premium contribution rules based on income levels. The federal poverty guidelines are a measure of income used to determine eligibility for various federal programs. MassHealth is the state's Medicaid program, providing health insurance to low-income residents. The connector refers to the Massachusetts Health Connector, which offers subsidized health insurance plans.