Benefits Set: Massachusetts is the first state to set standards for "acceptable heath coverage" that apply to every resident and every insurer. Drug coverage, a maximum individual deductible of $2,000, and a $5,000 out-of-pocket maximum for in-network providers, are to be mandated (NY Times, 3/21/07). All plans for low-income persons have a host of non-preventive mandates below the deductible that make them ineligible to include an HSA [health savings account] (American Spectator,3/20/07).

"Universal Coverage Is a Tax," Citizens Say: One citizen complains that since his $300/month catastrophic plan isn't approved by the [Commonwealth] Connector, he'll be taxed $700/month to upgrade his plan. Another said that minimum credible coverage was designed such that any non-Massachusetts plan would be insufficient (http://blogs.wbur.org/commonhealth/?p=19).

"More Mirage than Miracle": Massachusetts is already a very high-cost state "with a concentrated market of relatively inefficient providers already swimming in a sea of dysfunctional public subsidies and crippling overregulation." The plan "hopes to coerce enough relatively healthy uninsured residents into paying more for coverage than it is worth to them" (Health Affairs, 9/14/06).

Insurance Premiums Based on Income: Like in Canada, but for the first time in the U.S., people will have to pay more for equivalent coverage if they earn more. The Connector has determined the "Maximum Affordable Premium" to range from $0 for income up to $15,315 to $300/mon for income between $40,000 and $50,000. Those whose income increases from $40,000 to $40,001/y are expected to pay $100/mon more for their medical insurance (Consumer Power Report, 4/19/07)....

Source: Reprinted from AAPS News, June 2007: http://www.aapsonline.org/newsletters/june07.php