Most individuals in Massachusetts must demonstrate they have health insurance by December 2007 or face a penalty. This mandate can be appealed in cases of financial hardship. The Connector has proposed regulations and guidelines for determining how much an individual should be able to afford to pay for health insurance, based on their income level.
When health insurance is deemed unaffordable or the hardship appeal is granted, a person is exempted from the mandate. Provisions have not yet been made to make Commonwealth Care available to people in this situation.
Financial hardship exemptions granted by the Connector last for one calendar year and are based on several factors, including, but not limited to:
The Connector will accept public testimony at hearings scheduled during May. The Connector is also accepting written comments until May 29, 2007 at 5 pm. You may email comments to Ed D'Angelo.
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