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MA Health Care Reform

The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law, enacted in 2006, requires nearly all Massachusetts residents to have health insurance. The law established an independent public entity, the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority, also known as the Health Connector, which offers subsidized health plans and private, commercial plans to individuals and small businesses.

Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC)—What's New for 2011?

  • MCC establishes the threshold for the lowest level of health plan benefits that an individual must have met in order to avoid paying a penalty.

  • Regulations defining MCC have been set by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority Board and were effective January 1, 2009, with modifications implemented in January 2010 and January 2011.

To whom does MCC apply?
MCC applies to most Massachusetts residents who are 18 years or older.

Other than private health coverage, what other ways are there to meet the MCC requirement?
In addition to private health coverage that meets the specific MCC standards, Massachusetts residents can satisfy the MCC requirement with any of the coverage options below:

  • Medicare Parts A or B
  • Any Commonwealth Care plan
  • Any Commonwealth Choice plan (including Young Adult Plans)
  • MassHealth (except MassHealth Limited)
  • A federally qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP) that also meet MCC standards
  • A qualifying Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
  • A tribal or Indian Health Service plan
  • TRICARE
  • The U.S. Veterans Administration Health System
  • Peace Corps, VISTA, AmeriCorps, or National Civilian Community Corps coverage

How is MCC compliance reported and monitored?
By January 31, 2012, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will issue 2011 1099-HC forms for the 2011 tax year to qualifying members residing in Massachusetts who were enrolled in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts plan at any time during the 2011 calendar year. This form shows MCC compliance for each month of 2011 during which the member had health coverage that met MCC standards set by the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector.

What resources are available for more information?

For More Information On Call Visit
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts 1099-HC Forms Your account executive. Members can contact Member Service at the number on the front of their ID card. www.bluecrossma.com/1099HC
Health Care Reform Minimal Creditable Coverage Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector
1-877-MA-ENROLL
(1-877-623-6765)		 www.mahealthconnector.org
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Past Updates on Health Care Reform/MCC Information   MA Health Care Reform Archives
1099-HC Tax-Related Questions and Penalties Massachusetts Department of Revenue
1-800-392-6089		 www.mass.gov/dor

 

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