Facing loud complaints from citizens whose health coverage doesn't measure up, Massachusetts state officials are looking at dropping a core rule defining on what coverage qualifies under its new insurance mandate. Officials are now proposing that the state allow health plans that have lifetime payout caps to qualify for the mandate. Right now, plans don't meet the law's requirements if a lifetime cap is in place. However, the officials still intend to leave in place other benefit requirements, including that qualified plans have drug coverage with no more than a $250 individual deductible. However, the officials are now suggesting that the new standards be phased in over time, to give employers and individuals time to upgrade existing coverage. This won't address complaints from some Bay State employers, however, who argue that companies with adequate plans in place shouldn't be asked to make any changes.
To learn more about the status of Massachusetts reforms:
- read this piece from The Boston Globe