State-Approved Health Care Insurance Plans Lack Affordability and Sufficient Coverage

PREMIUMS: For a 37 year old in Boston, the premium ranges from $154-$289. For a 57 year old in Boston the premium from $347-$504.

DEDUCTIBLES: 4 out of 7 plans a $2,000 deductible for individuals and a $4,000 deductible for families.

CO-PAYS: Ranges from $25-$35 for primary care; $35-$50 for specialists; up to $250 for outpatient services–for individuals or families

OUT-OF-POCKET MAXIMUMS: 6 out of 7 plans have a $5,000 out-of pocket maximum for individuals and $10,000 for families.

CO-INSURANCE: Hospitalizations: 3 out of 7 plans have a 20-35% co-insurance (percent of bill) for hospitalizations
  Outpatient Surgeries: 3 out of 7 plans have a 20 to 35% co-insurance for outpatient surgeries.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: Deductibles: From $200-$4,000 for families
  Co-insurance: 2 out of 7 plans have 50% co-insurance for non-generic drugs.

During the campaign, Governor Patrick asserted that he opposed the Legislature tinkering with the law prior to its scheduled July 1 implementation to because he believed that it made more sense to implement fully the law (including the penalty provisions) and then fix the law after the problems with affordability, “minimally credible” coverage, and financial sanctions become apparent.

Here’s a better idea, citizens of Massachusetts! Together we can….appear at a rally and informational picketing at 8:30 am on March 20 at One Ashburton Place in Boston prior to the next meeting of the co-opted Commonwealth Connector Board and let Board members know that health insurance plans they have approved are unaffordable for most uninsured individuals and families, lack creditable and sufficient health coverage, and will require working-class families to endure harsh state tax penalties if they forego purchasing one of these Edsel/New Coke state-approved private health insurance plans by July 1, 2007

Come on, Governor Patrick and Secretary of Health and Human Services Bigby “let’s hear the justice in your voices” when it comes to assuring Massachusetts citizens affordable and credible health insurance. We are still waiting to hear some sound of justice or, at least, a faint progressive hearbeat from your administration…..

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