July 17 , 2008 - Providence Journal
Mass. Health Coverage Appeals Could Triple

Massachusetts health-care regulators say they expect the number of people who appeal penalties for failing to have mandated coverage to triple in the next year. The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority has set aside $3.3 million , or nearly 10% of its $39 million budget for the 2009 fiscal year, for the 8,000 appeals it expects to process. The board got an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 appeals in the year that ended June 30th. The steep rise in appeals is expected because the penalty for not having insurance is jumping from $219 to $912. The board is also considering regulations that would set minimum standards for the coverage individuals must buy, and members say that probably would raise the cost of coverage.