The Connector Board will meet tomorrow, Tuesday June 23rd from 2:30 – 4:30 pm in the 21st floor conference room of One Ashburton Place, Boston. Meeting materials are available here.
The Board is expected to vote on several issues: a minor revision to the Affordability Schedule, the Seal of Approval for the Commonwealth Choice plans, the revised Commonwealth Care regulations, the FY10 Administrative budget and a contract with Perot Systems. The Board is also scheduled to discuss a CommCare budget update.
The ACT!! Coalition has concerns with the proposed plan benefit designs offered for the 2010 Commonwealth Choice plans. The Commonwealth Choice plans were originally designed to offer Massachusetts residents simple plan options ranging from comprehensive to basic benefits, with all plans providing adequate coverage. Since the first roll-out in 2007, the benefit levels of the plans have eroded. We are concerned that the benefit “buy-down” in favor of lower premiums and higher out-of-pocket costs is a risky trend. To read more about our concerns click here for a letter sent from the ACT!! Coalition to the Connector Board.
-Catherine Hammons
