Massachusetts' Healthcare Reform Facts Students Should Know

Beginning July 1, 2007 Every Massachusetts resident age 18 and over must have Health Insurance. If you are a full or part-time student residing in Massachusetts, you can satisfy this requirement if you are covered by your parent or guardian's health plan. If you do not have coverage through your parent or guardian, you may be able to purchase a special health plan through your school.

If you need to buy health insurance

Many new health plans will be available by July 1, 2007. If you enroll in an individual plan between May 1 and July 31, 2007, your plan will even cover illnesses you may have on your policy's effective date. There is no waiting period or pre-existing condition provision. If you are currently uninsured and previously avoided getting insurance due to pre-existing condition provisions, you now have an opportunity to obtain coverage. Don't miss this special open-enrollment period. It is available only until July 31, 2007.

Penalties for Uninsured Residents

If you do not have health insurance by the end of 2007, you will face a tax penalty. For the 2007 tax year, this penalty is the loss of your personal exemption (a tax savings for you). In later years, it could add up to 50% of the amount of the lowest price health insurance plan currently offered.

This is a message from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

TWO IMPORTANT FACTS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW MANDATE:

CONSUMERS HAVE OPTIONS Massachusetts' residents have a range of options when shopping for health insurance. Individual and family plans may be offered through their employer, school, directly from an insurance company, or through the state's Commonwealth Connector.

If you are not sure where to start shopping, visit our website to learn about your choices and for more information about the new mandate.

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Last modified: August 15, 2007 13:37:46