This afternoon, the Department of Revenue released a first round of data on the individual mandate and tax penalties from calendar year 2007. The DOR press release can be found here, and the preliminary data is here. The information is based on 86% of state returns and will be followed by an additional report with more complete analysis.
Governor Patrick, Speaker DiMasi and Senate President Murray all spoke at a press event releasing the figures. From the State House News:
Murray said that the figures “show that health care reform is working, that is has not been disruptive, and people understand it and are compliant.” DiMasi said the state needed to rein in costs and to monitor the noncompliance penalty next year, after it is scheduled to increase. …
“What we take away from this information is that we continue to put one foot in front of the other in implementing health care and to do so, I think, with great results. There are challenges that remain,” Patrick said.
The big take-away points are:
- 95% of those adults filing health insurance information with their tax returns have health coverage;
- 2.5% of adults filing did not have coverage and were required to under the 2007 Affordability Schedule, resulting in penalization;
- About 2% were not required to purchase insurance under the Affordability Schedule and therefore are not subject to penalties; and
- DOR is following up with those residents penalized to inform them of the increased penalties for this year and potentially affordable coverage.
The data released today is another piece of the puzzle showing that health reform has made tremendous progress in lowering the number of uninsured adults in the Commonwealth. Health reform is an ongoing process—and we must continue to work together to provide affordable coverage for residents as well as provide education to residents on their insurance options.
Lindsey Tucker
Lindsey,
What’s a resident?