MassHealth gets serious about collecting overdue premiums

Our recent email about how to apply for a MassHealth premium waiver or reduction has just become especially relevant. Our colleagues at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) tell us that MassHealth is getting serious about collecting overdue premiums. MLRI has written an excellent summary of what MassHealth intends to do – and what your clients should do if they receive a notice.

Premium-paying MassHealth members with outstanding balances will be put on a six-month payment plan. If they don't comply with the plan, or fall behind in their ongoing payments, they will lose their MassHealth coverage -- and in that case, they won't be eligible for the Health Safety Net either. But it’s worth checking to make sure a household still has to pay premiums, since those who are under 150% of the new 2008 Federal Poverty Level guidelines will not lose their MassHealth coverage even if they are in arrears.

As this new development unfolds, Neil Cronin and Vicky Pulos at MLRI ask that you keep them apprised of what your clients are experiencing. Call them at (617) 357-0700 – ext. 318 for Vicky, ext. 309 for Neil. We also welcome your comments here.