Massachusetts requires health insurance

Landmark legislation passed in April requires virtually all Massachusetts residents to have health insurance by 2009, and makes individuals, businesses and government responsible toward meeting that goal. It is the first state law of its kind.

The law aims at providing affordable health care to close to 95 percent of the state’s uninsured population of approximately 515,000 people.

Under the new law, eligibility requirements for government-subsidized health care will expand to include more working poor and children; sliding-scale coverage through private and subsidized health plans will ensure affordable access; and those who can afford to purchase insurance are mandated to do so or face penalties and fees. Businesses with more than 10 employees are required to offer insurance to employees or face fines.