Bill > S595

This bill aims to ensure affordable health coverage for Massachusetts residents by modifying existing laws related to health care financing. Specifically, it introduces provisions that limit out-of-pocket costs for individuals with lower incomes. For those whose household income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines, the bill mandates that their copayments will be the same as those in the MassHealth program, with no other deductibles or cost-sharing required. Additionally, individuals with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines will have access to at least one health plan that does not require any 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 cost-sharing subsidies, ensuring these benefits are available to those at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, with specific cost-sharing and premium contribution rules for different income brackets. It also sets actuarial value standards for plans offered to individuals with incomes between 100% and 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.