Massachusetts, Vermont take steps toward near-universal health coverage
The statewide programs are similar, but Vermont has a specific insurance plan. Experts worry about long-term funding.
by Erin Boyle
Massachusetts and neighboring Vermont are venturing into the vast, unknown territory of near-universal health care coverage for uninsured residents who cannot afford private coverage. Their programs mix private insurance plans with government subsidies and administration.
Massachusetts has no specific insurance plan in place yet, but Vermont has laid out one government-subsidized private offering: Catamount Health. To emphasize the privatized element of the plan, Vermont Gov. James Douglas vowed to veto the program unless private insurers ran Catamount.
Unlike Vermont, Massachusetts is requiring all residents to have insurance by July 1, 2007, or face stiff penalties. Residents who do not buy insurance will lose their personal state tax exemption in 2007 and, in following years, face fines equaling 50% of monthly health insurance costs for each month without coverage. Those unable to find an affordable plan will be able to get waivers.
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http://www.orthosupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=17758
The statewide programs are similar, but Vermont has a specific insurance plan. Experts worry about long-term funding.
by Erin Boyle
Massachusetts and neighboring Vermont are venturing into the vast, unknown territory of near-universal health care coverage for uninsured residents who cannot afford private coverage. Their programs mix private insurance plans with government subsidies and administration.
Massachusetts has no specific insurance plan in place yet, but Vermont has laid out one government-subsidized private offering: Catamount Health. To emphasize the privatized element of the plan, Vermont Gov. James Douglas vowed to veto the program unless private insurers ran Catamount.
Unlike Vermont, Massachusetts is requiring all residents to have insurance by July 1, 2007, or face stiff penalties. Residents who do not buy insurance will lose their personal state tax exemption in 2007 and, in following years, face fines equaling 50% of monthly health insurance costs for each month without coverage. Those unable to find an affordable plan will be able to get waivers.
Story continues below↓
http://www.orthosupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=17758