For Immediate Release:
July 31, 2023
Media Contact:
Laura Giordano
Cell: 774-214-6410
lgiordano@melwoodglobal.com
PRESS STATEMENT:
Health Care For All Praises Legislators for Critical Commitment to Health Access in FY2024 State Budget
BOSTON – Health Care for All Executive Director Amy Rosenthal released the following statement in response to the critical ConnectorCare expansion that is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget released by the joint budget conference committee.
“There has never been a more urgent or opportune time to pilot an expansion of the state’s critically important subsidized health insurance program, ConnectorCare. ConnectorCare supports families facing the loss of their health insurance coverage as part of the MassHealth redetermination process, as well as all those who are struggling to afford the health care they need. Once approved, this historic commitment from the Legislature will make health care more affordable, accessible and equitable for tens of thousands of residents.
“The ConnectorCare pilot program included in the conference committee budget unveiled today will help address disparities within the health care system and enable individuals and families with incomes up to 500% of the federal poverty level to access more affordable coverage with lower premiums, co-pays and deductibles. Despite the high levels of insurance coverage in Massachusetts, 41% of residents report struggling to afford health care, a figure that is even higher for Black and Hispanic residents. This expansion will offer much-needed help and lower costs for an estimated 50,000 – 70,000 people during the two year pilot.
“On behalf of the peoples we serve across Massachusetts, Health Care For All is grateful to Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Ways and Means Chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues, and the entire Legislature for their commitment once again to making Massachusetts a national leader when it comes to health care access. We urge Governor Healey to sign the budget swiftly with these provisions fully intact so they can be implemented and help the tens of thousands of people across the Commonwealth struggling with health care costs. We look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to promote equitable, affordable and accessible coverage and care for all Massachusetts residents.”
###