Providing affordable care through out-of-pocket assistance
Impact
If enacted, S735 could significantly impact state health laws by mandating the establishment of a new assistance framework that brings additional financial support to low and moderate-income individuals. The program's evaluations, which must be informed by quantitative and qualitative data, will help ascertain the program's effectiveness in relieving out-of-pocket expenses and improving access to necessary medical care. Furthermore, the focus on health equity aims to address disparities in care access based on socioeconomic factors, thereby promoting health justice across the Commonwealth.
Summary
Bill S735, titled 'An Act providing affordable care through out-of-pocket assistance,' seeks to implement a cost-sharing assistance program aimed at reducing healthcare costs for Massachusetts residents. The bill proposes that the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Commonwealth health insurance connector authority, will facilitate this program. It targets individuals whose incomes are at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty guidelines and who are enrolled in employer-sponsored insurance plans. By addressing the financial barriers that these individuals face, this bill aims to provide supplemental insurance coverage that offsets co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles related to their employer-sponsored plans.
Contention
While the bill seeks to enhance access to affordable healthcare, potential points of contention may arise from the funding and implementation mechanisms for the proposed cost-sharing assistance program. Lawmakers and stakeholders could debate the program's long-term sustainability and the implications for the broader healthcare system in Massachusetts. Additionally, considerations regarding how the program might intersect with existing tax codes and healthcare regulations could spark discussions among policymakers. The support from the Secretary of Health and Human Services and relevant authorities is essential to successfully executing the program, which could face scrutiny from those concerned about state expenditure and administrative efficiency.
Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.
Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance coverage through the Rhode Island health benefits exchange.