Romney's Health Care 'Solution'

[vorlund]

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8TSLG1O0.htm

The cost of not having health insurance in Massachusetts is going up.

When the new year begins Tuesday, most residents who remain uninsured will face monthly fines that could total as much as $912 for individuals and $1,824 for couples by the end of 2008, according to penalty guidelines unveiled by the Department of Revenue on Monday.

...

The fines are part of an increasingly aggressive approach written into the health care law designed to pressure Massachusetts residents into getting insurance. The law, intended to create near-universal coverage in the state, was approved by lawmakers and signed by former Gov. Mitt Romney in 2006.

[papau]

1. Zero fine if income less than 15K, reduced if under 30K (41K for family)-$76/month w/ 152 family max

Individuals who failed to sign up for health insurance by the end of 2007 faced only a one-time loss of their $219 personal income tax exemption.

The penalties, which vary with age and income, are based on half the lowest cost plans available through the Health Care Connector. They accrue each month an individual remains uninsured and will be due as part of tax returns filed early in 2009.

The penalties apply only to adults deemed able to afford health insurance by the Health Insurance Connector Authority, which oversees the health care law. People can apply for hardship appeals.

The highest fine of $76 a month -- or $912 a year -- will be levied against those over the age of 27 making more than three times the federal poverty level of $30,636 for an individual.

Married couples who are both uninsured will have to pay fines individually. A couple earning more than $41,076 would have to pay $1,824 in penalties for the year.

The fines drop for younger adults and fall even lower for those making less than three times the poverty level. There are no fines for individuals earning less than $15,325 a year.

[Warpy]

2. Meanwhile, what does the insurance cost?

Families who can't afford the insurance might find it much cheaper to pay the fine and continue their GOP healthcare plan: pray they don't get sick.

[papau]

3. cost is twice the fine level shown-152/month per adultperson if lowest cost highest deductible for

covered services plan chosen - all plan provide preventive care with no deductible/low co-pay.

Lower deductible means higher cost.

More choice of doctors means slightly higher premium.

All plans provide for "hardship" appeals.

[Warpy]

4. Exactly.

It's cheaper to be a scofflaw on the GOP "pray you don't get sick" health care plan. When you've got kids who need shoes and decent food, that difference can mean all the world to you.

Masscare is a farce. Only a GOP could love it.