More than 200,000 Massachusetts residents with health insurance would have to purchase additional coverage to meet proposed minimum requirements under the state's new health insurance law, according to estimates that health plans completed on Monday, the Boston Globe reports.
The majority of the individuals lack prescription drug coverage or have drug coverage that is more restrictive than the minimum standard proposed by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector board. The board in March is expected to vote on the standards, which will go into effect July 1.
The estimate does not include tens of thousands of individuals who have policies that set dollar limits on coverage, which the board also said did not meet minimum standards.
The proposed standards would require health plans to provide "reasonably comprehensive coverage," including primary care, emergency services, hospitalization benefits, mental health services and prescription drugs.
Individuals who do not have insurance coverage that meets state standards would face a fine of about $200 next year and more in future years, unless they obtain a waiver proving they cannot afford coverage (Dembner, Boston Globe, 1/30).