July 2007

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Health reform update

Tarsha Weaver has been spreading the word about the health reform at the MEHC.

A few weeks ago, Children's Hospital Boston staff should have received a letter at home about the new Massachusetts health care reform law that requires all residents over 18 to have health insurance no later than July 1. Understanding the new law, its requirements and where to get more information is important not only for our employees, but also Children's patients and families. Below is a summary of the important points of the law and what Children's has done to spread awareness about the changes.

The majority of Children's employees are covered under the hospital insurance plan, but those who aren't will see small changes. Part-time workers who are not eligible for coverage because they work fewer than 20 hours a week, employees who opt not to have health insurance and those with coverage through a spouse's plan will now be required to show proof of insurance to the hospital and on their taxes to avoid paying a penalty, starting January 1, 2008.

Those patient families who need to purchase coverage can use the Connector, a marketplace that compiles information on health plans for purchase through various insurers. The plans are tailored to meet individual needs and many are quite affordable. See www.mass.gov/connector for details.

This Web site is especially useful for the young adult population in the community. However, says Josh Greenberg of the Office for Child Advocacy, "If a doctor is seeing an uninsured patient they should direct them to Patient Financial Services (PFS) at Children's because we have a strong commitment to getting children covered." PFS is at (617) 355-7201.

The Martha Eliot Health Center (MEHC) has teamed up with two other health centers in the Jamaica Plain area to spread the word about health reform. Financial counselors are on site every day and an outreach team has been working to get people signed up. MEHC has held more than 50 information sessions and helped 2,000 people get insured since the program started in October, 2006.

:: Erin Graham, Editor :: Masthead ::

©2007 Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.

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