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Moore Urges Massachusetts Residents to
Examine Low-Cost Health Insurance Options After Layoffs
January 28, 2009...During this period of economic downturn, many individuals across the country are being laid off—faced with an indeterminable amount of time as to when they may find employment again. Part of the pressures felt by people and their families are the costs of utilities, food, and health insurance. Recognizing this, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, is urging his constituents and Massachusetts residents to examine all of their options when seeking health insurance coverage after unemployment. “Health care can be difficult to pay for when people are employed, never mind having to face payments when you are unemployed,” said Sen. Moore. “I urge every employee that has been laid off to utilize the services of the Massachusetts Commonwealth Connector Authority, which may be able to assist you in finding a health care plan you can afford.” Moore, who is Senate Chairman of the Health Care Financing Committee, was a key architect of the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law of 2006, which created the Connector Authority. He was also an integral part of the Health Care Quality and Cost Containment Law that was passed in 2008. One of the options available to people who become unemployed, is the federally-enacted Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, otherwise known as COBRA. Part of COBRA covers employees who have been laid off, and need to continue their health insurance. While COBRA provides relief for the newly unemployed, individuals who are part of the COBRA plan typically have to pay their full premium, as it is not subsidized by their former employer. According to a report issued by the Commonwealth Fund, persons who are part of the COBRA plan need assistance in paying 75-80% of their insurance. COBRA requires employers to continue to offer employees health care plans at a group rate, which is significantly less than what an individual would pay through a private insurance provider. However, without the premium subsidies offered by an employer, it still remains an exorbitant cost for someone who is experiencing the economic pain of being laid off. Recognizing this, Sen. Moore is pushing for Massachusetts residents to contact the Commonwealth Connector Authority through their website at http://www.mahealthconnector.org/portal/site/connector/, or by calling them at 1-877-MA-ENROLL. Workers who have been laid off qualify for Commonwealth Care, or a comparable plan through the assistance of the Commonwealth Choice program. Any plans through the Authority will be markedly less than COBRA and many private options, and will help ease the financial burden that the unemployed may be experiencing. Additionally, the Commonwealth Connector will provide assistance for anyone who has been laid off, and is having a difficult time maintaining their health insurance. For more information, please contact Timothy Greene in Sen. Moore’s State House office at 617-722-1420. |
