Implementation of a new policy that will affect Health Safety Net (HSN) patients who have access to "affordable insurance" has been postponed until April 1, 2009. It was originally scheduled to go into effect this month. In the meantime, low-income patients (under 400% FPL) may still access the Health Safety Net regardless of their access to private insurance or employer-sponsored coverage.
The regulations (PDF) state that as of April 1, low-income patients will no longer be able to access HSN-Primary if they have access to affordable insurance. This will include affordable employer-sponsored insurance (ESI). The HSN uses the definition of "affordability" determined annually by the Connector.
After this regulation takes effect, low-income patients will still be able to access HSN-Primary while they are waiting for their employer's open enrollment period. They will be able to access HSN-Secondary once they become insured through their employer or another source.
We have updated the HSN Retro/Secondary Chart to reflect the new implementation date.
This change does NOT affect Commonwealth Care patients
In response to a question we just got by email, I want to clarify: This news does not apply to people who are eligible for Commonwealth Care and MassHealth programs.
If you're not sure what the HSN will cover (and when) for a patient who has applied for Commonwealth Care or MassHealth, this chart (PDF) really is helpful.
All Commonwealth Care plans are considered affordable, so difficulty affording the premiums does not affect eligibility for the Health Safety Net. Patients in that situation may be able to get a CommCare premium reduction or waiver.
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