Health Insurance Law Weekly
Minimum health coverage must protect patients against financial disaster when they purchase an insurance plan under Massachusetts’ health reform, said the nonprofit Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) in a letter sent to the board implementing the law.
In order to provide basic coverage and protect patients from financial ruin, minimum policies under the state’s new health law must cap out of pocket expenses at $7,500 per individual, or $10,000 per family, ban limits on what insurers will pay per treatment or illness, and include affordable prescription drug coverage, said FTCR.
A policy committee of the board charged with implementing the Massachusetts healthcare mandate met to draft regulations defining insurance under the reform law.
Affordability, however, is just as important as minimum standards for insurance if Massachusetts seeks to fulfill its promise of universal health coverage, concluded FTCR.
