Press Release  Governor Healey Details Strongest Plan in the Country to Protect Against President Trump’s ACA Cost Hikes

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today detailed the strongest plan in the country to protect Massachusetts residents from health care cost increases after President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans refused to extend Federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC) under the Affordable Care Act. 22 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents who get their health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector, have relied on these credits to afford their health insurance. 

“Massachusetts families cannot afford President Trump's drastic increases to their health insurance premiums. While President Trump continues to increase health care costs, we are taking the strongest action in the nation to address them and keep costs as low as possible for families,” said Governor Healey. “Despite this increased state investment, far too many people will still see their premiums increase because of the White House. President Trump and Congressional Republicans need to do their jobs and extend these federal credits so that people can afford the health insurance that they need. While Washington raises costs, we are working hard to lower them – it's why we capped health care deductibles and co-pays for the first time, as well as the cost of insulin and inhalers. We will continue to do all we can to make health care more affordable in this state.”

“Thanks to Governor Healey’s continued commitment to our flagship ConnectorCare program, we’re fortunate to be able to continue to provide Massachusetts residents affordable premiums with low cost sharing through the Health Connector, even as the federal government has failed to extend the enhanced Premium Tax Credits,” said Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier. “This continued commitment means hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents can continue to afford coverage that’s there for them when they need it, keeping them healthy and financially secure. This commitment reinforces Massachusetts’s standing as the state with the most significant investment in affordable coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace.”

To limit the impact of these increases on middle class Massachusetts families, the state will increase investment in the ConnectorCare program by $250 million, for a total of $600 million. This is the largest state investment in the country and will mean that approximately 270,000 customers enrolled in ConnectorCare and making below 400 percent of the federal poverty level ($62,600 for an individual or $128,600 for a family of four) will see little to no premium increases because of the expiring federal credits, while also lowering other out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles. The funding comes from the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund.

For example, a 45-year-old couple with two kids making $75,000 in Fall River previously paid $166 per month for the lowest cost coverage. Because of President Trump, this year they would have had to pay more than double for the same plan – $452 per month. However, because of Governor Healey’s investment, they will pay $206 per month, saving them nearly $3,000 over the year.

"Massachusetts is a leader in expanding access to healthcare for all residents because we believe that the role of government is to help make life more manageable and more affordable for our residents,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “While the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have lost sight of that principle, Massachusetts has remained steadfast in our commitment to the people we serve. That’s why I’m proud of the partnership this announcement represents—and proud that in Massachusetts, we always have our residents’ backs.”

“The ACA tax credits made it possible for millions of Americans, including thousands of residents in Massachusetts, to afford health insurance,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “By ending these vital tax credits, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are making it abundantly clear that they don’t care if millions of vulnerable Americans lose coverage. That’s why Massachusetts is once again stepping up to protect our residents. I want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for taking action to ensure that every Massachusetts resident will continue to have access to quality, affordable health care.”

“Thank you, Governor Healey, for your leadership to protect health insurance coverage. The Commonwealth does not watch when harm is being done, we act,” said Representative John Lawn (D-Watertown), House Chair of Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “As the federal government shirks their responsibilities, we are stepping up to lower costs, protect access to care, and ensure that no resident is forced to choose between their health care or their basic needs.”

Additionally, a single 39-year-old making $40,000 in Holyoke previously paid $131 per month for the lowest cost coverage. They would have had to pay $286 per month for the same plan this year because of President Trump, but instead they will pay $152 per month because of Governor Healey’s investment, saving them $1,600 over the year.

Governor Healey has directed the Health Connector to sustain this increased investment, while also exploring whether there are other populations that can be brought into the reach of ConnectorCare’s help to lower health care costs for more people. Also, at the direction of Governor Healey, the Health Connector and MassHealth have been leading efforts to explore additional ways to prevent health coverage losses in Massachusetts despite the cuts and rollbacks on health care coming from D.C.

Governor Healey is also reminding Massachusetts residents that they can still sign up for health insurance coverage or switch their plan through the Health Connector until January 23 for coverage starting on February 1. The Health Connector’s new web portal makes it easier for residents to access cost information about health coverage options. It features a ‘Get an Estimate’ tool that makes it easy for people to see what plans and premiums may be available to them. The tool is anonymous, takes just a few minutes to complete and gives users a fast snapshot of available options, while providing flexibility to adjust information and see other potential results.  

People who need help finding their most affordable coverage option can find free, in-person assistance from a Navigator by searching for local help on the Health Connector website (mahealthconnector.org/navigators), and can also call Health Connector Customer Service at 1-877-MA-ENROLL Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Governor Healey has taken a number of steps to make health care more affordable in Massachusetts, including becoming the first Governor to cap co-pays and deductibles, and she signed legislation capping prescription drug costs, including for insulin, at $25. 

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