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Enroll now in a Massachusetts health insurance plan. Tax penalties of up to $912 apply to you if are not either: Enrolled in a plan, or Exempt because you don’t have a health plan option that is deemed affordable. The tax penalties are set by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The tax penalties for 2008 are based on ½ the cost of the Health Connector plan that is available in your income or age range.
For example, someone age 27 or older who earns more than $31,212 (or 300% of the Federal Poverty Level) could face penalties of $76 for each month that they remain uninsured. That's $912 for the year.
Lower-income people and young adults (age 18-26) will face lower tax penalties. Some lower-income people won't have any tax penalties. Visit the Department of Revenue's website to learn more.
Act now. Compare our Commonwealth Choice plans, or see if you might qualify for a low or no cost Commonwealth Care plan.
2009 CHANGES: NEW MINUMUM STANDARDS Specific benefits will be required in 2009 if you want to avoid tax penalties. Be sure that any plan that extends into 2009 will meet the 2009 standards. Those 2009 "Minimum Creditable Coverage" standards include:
Prescription drug coverage.
Visits to the doctor for preventive care, before a deductible.
Deductibles that are capped at $2,000 for an individual or $4,000 for a family each year.
An annual cap on out-of-pocket spending at $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a family (for plans with up-front-deductibles or co-insurance).
No cap on total benefits for a particular sickness or for a single year. No cap on payment toward a day in the hospital. All Health Connector plans meet the new rules, including our special Commonwealth Choice Young Adult Plans for 18-26 year-olds, which are allowed by law to provide benefits that differ from the general standards.
Be careful. Some insurance companies may still try to sell you a plan that does not comply. Massachusetts-licensed insurance companies are required to put a notice on their plans. Check your plan to see if it meets the 2009 standards.
Please note: People enrolled in Medicare Part A, Medicaid, an HSA plan, TRICARE, or the VA Health System will not be subject to any tax penalties, regardless of their benefits.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE MANDATE
Not everyone who fails to get health insurance will be penalized. The state has standards that show what people should be able to afford. The mandate to get health insurance may not apply to you if the cost of your insurance options exceeds these standards or if you have a special hardship.
Talk to an agent who knows. Read about mandated health insurance
Enroll now in a Massachusetts health insurance plan. Tax penalties of up to $912 apply to you if are not either: Enrolled in a plan, or Exempt because you don’t have a health plan option that is deemed affordable. The tax penalties are set by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The tax penalties for 2008 are based on ½ the cost of the Health Connector plan that is available in your income or age range.
For example, someone age 27 or older who earns more than $31,212 (or 300% of the Federal Poverty Level) could face penalties of $76 for each month that they remain uninsured. That's $912 for the year.
Lower-income people and young adults (age 18-26) will face lower tax penalties. Some lower-income people won't have any tax penalties. Visit the Department of Revenue's website to learn more.
Act now. Compare our Commonwealth Choice plans, or see if you might qualify for a low or no cost Commonwealth Care plan.
2009 CHANGES: NEW MINUMUM STANDARDS Specific benefits will be required in 2009 if you want to avoid tax penalties. Be sure that any plan that extends into 2009 will meet the 2009 standards. Those 2009 "Minimum Creditable Coverage" standards include:
Prescription drug coverage.
Visits to the doctor for preventive care, before a deductible.
Deductibles that are capped at $2,000 for an individual or $4,000 for a family each year.
An annual cap on out-of-pocket spending at $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a family (for plans with up-front-deductibles or co-insurance).
No cap on total benefits for a particular sickness or for a single year. No cap on payment toward a day in the hospital. All Health Connector plans meet the new rules, including our special Commonwealth Choice Young Adult Plans for 18-26 year-olds, which are allowed by law to provide benefits that differ from the general standards.
Be careful. Some insurance companies may still try to sell you a plan that does not comply. Massachusetts-licensed insurance companies are required to put a notice on their plans. Check your plan to see if it meets the 2009 standards.
Please note: People enrolled in Medicare Part A, Medicaid, an HSA plan, TRICARE, or the VA Health System will not be subject to any tax penalties, regardless of their benefits.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE MANDATE
Not everyone who fails to get health insurance will be penalized. The state has standards that show what people should be able to afford. The mandate to get health insurance may not apply to you if the cost of your insurance options exceeds these standards or if you have a special hardship.
Talk to an agent who knows. Read about mandated health insurance
