Mass. board to lower costs for health care program
BOSTON—The board that oversees Massachusetts' landmark 2006 health care law is preparing to reduce costs for a private health insurance program created to help insure lower income residents.
It's the second year that the Massachusetts Health Connector will lower costs for the Commonwealth Care program.
At Thursday's meeting, the connector's board of directors is expected to vote on bids from private insurance carriers that should provide an average five percent reduction in per-person cost.
Officials at the agency said Thursday's actions, combined with similar savings achieved this year, will end up saving the state approximately $91 million without reducing benefits or increasing member co-pays.
Commonwealth Care provides insurance for uninsured adults who meet income and other eligibility requirements.
There are now 173,000 Commonwealth Care members and enrollment could exceed 200,000 by next year.
