* Individuals with incomes up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level are not subject to any penalty for non-compliance, as those at this income level are not required to pay an enrollee premium for Commonwealth Care health insurance.
* Penalties for individuals with incomes from 150% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level will be half of the lowest priced Commonwealth Care enrollee premium that could be charged to an individual at the corresponding income level, based on the Connector’s Commonwealth Care enrollee premiums as of January 1, 2010.
* Penalties for individuals with incomes greater than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level will be:
Ages 18-26: half of the lowest priced Commonwealth Choice Young Adult Plan premium; and
Ages 27 and above: half of the lowest priced Commonwealth Choice Bronze premium, based on the Connector’s prices for these plans as of January 1, 2010.
* The Department anticipates issuing an updated penalty schedule for tax year 2011.
* Penalties for married couples who do not comply with the individual mandate rules (with or without children) will equal the sum of individual penalties for each spouse.
There’s a big difference between “Real-Life” and what the law says. Even with ALL the health insurance in the world, without the correct number on the Mass State Tax form, you’re screwed. And if you have insurance, but it does not meet the minimum required by the State, you’re screwed. And look at what most Mass Insurance covers vs. what it now costs. Much worse than half a dozen years ago. And go to a Mass Hospital Emergency Room. Filled to the brim with people who do not speak English because they have the flu. And now some towns in Massachusetts charge an anual fee for Fire Dept. EMT respnse and medical transport. It was always covered by property tax fees before. But now the Teacher’s Union needs the money more than the Fire Dept.? And the teachers do such a great job! By the time a Mass High Scool graduate gets 30 or 40 years of on-the-job experience they can almost make change for a dollar bill!