Resources

As of July 1, 2007, Massachusetts residents who are age 18 or older must have health insurance that meets the minimum standards set forth by the state. To keep you informed, this article clarifies how the Massachusetts Health Care Reform may affect you.

The statue explains that business owners with 11 or more full time employees must offer insurance through a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan. Cafeteria Plans provide insurance choices that meet the state’s regulations. The definition of a full time employee is someone who works at least 35 hours per week at a Massachusetts location and is not an independent contractor, seasonal employee, temporary employee or temporary agency employee.

Individuals who do not have health insurance by December 31, 2007, will lose their personal exemptions on their 2007 state income taxes. Employers who do not supply health insurance to their employees are subject to paying the Free Rider Surcharge, and those who do not make a “fair and reasonable” contribution will be required to pay $295 per employee.

The Massachusetts Health Connector was created to help implement significant portions of the new healthcare reform legislation and provide health insurance programs. Their purpose is to help individuals and employers meet the new requirements created by Health Care Reform. Their website www.mahealthconnector.org has a wealth of information to help answer questions and also provides all the required forms and handbooks.