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Health Care Reform
Health Reform is Massachusetts’ plan to reduce the number of people in our
state who have no health insurance. Before Health Reform, there were nearly
500,000 people without insurance.
On April 12, 2006, Health Reform became law. It promotes shared responsibility
for a healthier Massachusetts. Government, employers and citizens must all do
their part to expand health coverage. Health Reform has already worked to
insure thousands of Massachusetts residents.
Individual Responsibility
As of July 1, 2007, Massachusetts residents age 18 or older must carry health
insurance that meets certain minimum standards. This is known as the
“individual mandate.”
Those who do not meet this requirement by December 31, 2007 will lose their
personal exemption when filing their 2007 state personal income taxes. In 2008,
the penalties will increase.
Employer Responsibility
Employers with 11 or more employees must make a “fair and reasonable”
contribution to their full-time employees’ health insurance costs. They are
also required to establish a Section 125 Plan to allow all of their employees
to pay their health insurance premiums on a pre-tax basis.