For Immediate Release:
July 28, 2022
Media Contact:
Amanda Munger
Cell: 860-841-7110
amunger@melwoodglobal.com
PRESS STATEMENT:
Health Care For All Encourages the Legislature to Pass ConnectorCare Expansion
Governor blocked budget provision to make health care more affordable for 37,000 residents
BOSTON – On Thursday, Governor Baker blocked a provision in the state budget that would provide more affordable health insurance to an estimated 37,000 Massachusetts residents under the state’s subsidized insurance program known as ConnectorCare.
Amy Rosenthal, the Executive Director of Health Care For All shared the following statement:
“At a time when Massachusetts residents are struggling under the weight of the rapidly rising cost of living, we are deeply disappointed that Governor Baker blocked a provision that would have helped tens of thousands of individuals and families afford their health care. We will continue to work with the legislature to deliver badly needed relief to help people see their doctors and access the health care they need.”
The provision the Governor vetoed was passed as part of the FY2023 budget and would extend eligibility for the state’s ConnectorCare program to people making up to $68,000 a year ($139,000 for a family of four), as part of a two-year pilot program. The change would represent one of the largest expansions of coverage in the state since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The pilot program is fully paid for by leveraging savings the state has accrued over the past two years from enhanced federal insurance premium subsidies.
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