Health insurance in MA (Boston: home, subsidized, deductible)

[indian1]

New to US and MA and I have been told that MA had a new health insurance law enforced a few years ago. Could anyone give me the real picture?
I will be employer insured but I need to insure a 65+ parent who is also a new immigrant to US. And just out of curiosity, how does it work for people who are out of work for any length of time?

[ChunkyMonkey]

The law basically forces every resident in Mass. to get health insurance. If you don't, you will be penalized through higher state taxes. Since your employer offers insurance, it won't really affect you. You may even be able to extend your coverage to your mom through your work insurance. This law mainly affects the 600,000 or so people with no insurance currently due to being too poor to afford it or feel that they don't need it because they are young and healthy.

If you lose your job, you may qualify for COBRA for some time and then you will have to get insurance. If you can't afford it, there are several subsidized programs for the poor.

[indian1]

Thanks ChunkyMonkey

I read in one of the posts on this forum that boston is an expensive city and that one of the reasons is medical costs. Does that mean health insurance is very high?

[smarty]

Can't give you a number...

But my friend, fly to India and have dental work done... is still cheaper than in MA. That includes plane ticket.

[indian1]

I know the cost of medical care is very low in India and so is the quality.
My question was about health insurance.

Let me rephrase,

I chose boston to live because MA is the only state that would offer
regular health insurance to a new immigrant 65+( mom) under its new law. And living anywhere in US with an unisured old parent with multiple medical problems would be potentially catastrophic.

I just wanted to know how high the health insurance costs for my mom would be and would it justify living in boston for that reason.

Originally Posted by smarty

Can't give you a number...

But my friend, fly to India and have dental work done... is still cheaper than in MA. That includes plane ticket.

[whinton]

This site outlines plans available in MA (outside of employer provided plans)
Commonwealth Connector > Home

[ChunkyMonkey]

Originally Posted by indian1

I read in one of the posts on this forum that boston is an expensive city and that one of the reasons is medical costs. Does that mean health insurance is very high?

I think Mass. is known as a high cost state mainly because of its high housing cost and relatively high taxes. However, it is also one of the wealthiest states because you earn more to compensate for the high standard of living. I don't think Mass. medical insurance is out of line especially since you get excellent care with some of the top research hospitals in the nation if not the world. The question is are you willing to pay more money for better care? High cost is all relative to where you are coming from. If you are from Europe, it is expensive since you don't pay for healthcare. However, you do pay much higher taxes.

The costs also depend on what plans are available from your employer. Most will give you a choice of plans. Some plans are cheaper than others but you don't get as much. For example, some plans force you to primary care physicians of their choice who then refer you to specialists. This often mean that you can't go to the doctor you like or one that is near your home as your primary care. Are you willing to pay more for this convenience and choice?

Costs can also be trimmed if you have a higher deductible. So, it is not a very easy issue to deal with as you have to decide what is right for you and what is worth it for your circumstance.

It is not a black and white issue. Lots of gray area and not to mention extremely confusing. Good luck!

[slang75]

FYI, According to US News and World Report MA has 3 of the 4 best insurance plans in the country -

Honor Roll - US News and World Report

[kbcusa]

Hi, did you find any insurance for your mom? I am also planning to sponsor my mom's Green card and looking for all these things and she will also leave in Boston,MA.

Looking forward to hear from you.
Thanks
kbcusa

Originally Posted by indian1

I know the cost of medical care is very low in India and so is the quality.
My question was about health insurance.

Let me rephrase,

I chose boston to live because MA is the only state that would offer
regular health insurance to a new immigrant 65+( mom) under its new law. And living anywhere in US with an unisured old parent with multiple medical problems would be potentially catastrophic.

I just wanted to know how high the health insurance costs for my mom would be and would it justify living in boston for that reason.