Mass. Gov. Patrick: Residents can get health insurance for $175 a month through the state

BOSTON (AP) -- The average uninsured Massachusetts residents could obtain health care coverage for as little as $175 a month under the state's insurance law, Gov. Deval Patrick announced Saturday as he released the results of negotiations with the state's health insurers. The lowest monthly premium is far lower than an earlier estimate of $380 a month suggested by some insurers.

"This is a big improvement from the first round of bids and a big step forward for health care reform," Patrick said. "The health security that was the point of health care reform will be delivered at an affordable price."

The minimum plan detailed by Patrick would cover the average uninsured Massachusetts resident, who is typically around 37-years-old. It includes prescription drug coverage and covers basic medical care, such as emergency room visits and outpatient medical care. Lower cost plans would be available to young adults. Prices would also rise and fall depending on the age of the person seeking insurance and where they live. If purchased on a pre-tax basis, the lowest cost plans drop to $109 a month for someone earning $50,000 a year.

The panel charged with overseeing the law - the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector board - is expected to give its seal of approval to the seven health care plans that met the affordability goals at its meeting Wednesday. On March 20, the board will vote on whether the insurers will be able to offer lower cost versions without drug coverage. Health care advocates have said any minimum coverage must include prescription coverage. They said that without it, the state would be giving its blessing to inferior insurance plans.

The insurers include Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, ConnectiCare, Fallon Community Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Health New England, Neighborhood Health Plan, and Tufts Health Plan. Three plans were rejected because their premiums were too pricey.


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residents?

the Federal Government won't provide us with this option? We taxpayers are required to pay for the health care plans of our elected officials, yet they won't afford us the same plan. Why is that? Kerry attempted to address this is his campaign for President. And I think it should be answered by
those in Congress who make us pay and won't give back! It is shameful that 45 million Americans are without health care plans and millions more are under insured, while they, in Congress, are fully insured by taxpayer mandated dollars!