MASSACHUSETTS: House Swiftly Approves FY24 Budget

May 2, 2023

MASSACHUSETTS: House Swiftly Approves FY24 Budget

The Massachusetts House of Representatives finalized their $56.2 billion FY24 budget in a very succinct three days of session. As in past years, most of the deliberations took place behind closed doors as amendments were rapidly packaged and consolidated for votes. Of particular concern, Section 32 of the budget expands who is eligible for premium subsidies in the Health Connector. The two-year pilot program modified the eligibility threshold from 300% of the federal poverty level to 500%. However, this change led to more questions than answers.

How will these expanded subsidies be funded
What will it mean for small businesses in the unique merged market?
Will it result in younger workers leaving employer sponsored plans?

Many see Section 32 as the first step towards single-payer, government run healthcare in Massachusetts. Small business owners will never forget when MassHealth eligibility went unchecked and led to the creation of the onerous EMAC tax on employers. That cannot be allowed to happen again. As the budget process moves to the Senate in May, NFIB will continue to inform lawmakers on the dangers of the 2-year pilot program and how it may further increase health insurance costs for small businesses.

Topics:

Uncategorized

State:

Massachusetts

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