Drug Coverage in MA Universal Health Plan
Prescription drug coverage is now required by Massachusetts's universal health insurance law that requires every resident over 18 to have a health plan.
Massachusetts is the first state to require adults to have a plan that includes prescription drug coverage, according to the Boston Globe.
Jon Kingsdale, the state board's executive director, describes the new law as a model for other states to follow, "All the requirements are significant steps in setting precedents for what other states are going to be looking at."
Massachusetts residents have until January 1, 2009 to get prescription drug coverage, or else face tax penalties. Some residents may be able to receive waivers or they may have other plans that will satisfy the law including Medicaid, Medicare, or a health savings account.
Medical plans that don't meet the new strict requirements will be accepted in the following cases:
The board plans to discuss waivers for individuals and families who can't afford even low-cost health insurance.
Massachusetts is the first state to require adults to have a plan that includes prescription drug coverage, according to the Boston Globe.
Jon Kingsdale, the state board's executive director, describes the new law as a model for other states to follow, "All the requirements are significant steps in setting precedents for what other states are going to be looking at."
Massachusetts residents have until January 1, 2009 to get prescription drug coverage, or else face tax penalties. Some residents may be able to receive waivers or they may have other plans that will satisfy the law including Medicaid, Medicare, or a health savings account.
Medical plans that don't meet the new strict requirements will be accepted in the following cases:
- Young adults 19-26 whose employers don't offer insurance
- Federally sanctioned high deductible health plans with health savings accounts
- Medicare, even without prescription drug coverage
- Religious group plans
The board plans to discuss waivers for individuals and families who can't afford even low-cost health insurance.
