This week, Governor Maura Healey announced her plan to relieve some of the financial impacts of the expiration of the federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits. The state plans to add an additional $250 million into the subsidized insurance offered through the Massachusetts Health Connector. The additional aid is expected to ensure that about 270,000 residents, who earn below 400% of the federal poverty line and are enrolled in ConnectorCare, do not see dramatic increases in their premiums. This one-year plan is meant to provide relief for middle- and low-income residents.
On Thursday, January 14, Governor Healey further outlined major proposed changes to prior authorization rules that would make it easier and faster for people to get necessary health care. If implemented, the reforms would remove insurance pre-approval requirements for many routine, chronic, and urgent services, including primary care, therapies, like occupational and physical therapy, and certain prescription drugs, and would require insurers to respond more quickly to urgent requests and maintain continuity of care when someone switches health plans. If finalized, these changes could reduce delays, paperwork, and disruptions in care that many individuals with disabilities and their families experience when trying to access essential services. The Governor also announced the creation of a new Health Care Affordability Working Group, made up of state, health care, advocacy, and insurance leaders, to develop recommendations for lowering overall health costs and improving access.
The Arc was pleased to be in attendance for the January 14 announcement. We appreciate the Governor’s leadership on this important issue.
