Steep Fines for Massachussets Residents Who Do Not Have Health Insurance
From Jan 1, 2008, Massachusetts residents who do not have health insurance are going to have to shell out more in fines. A set of guidelines have been released by the Department of Revenue for the determination of penalty. If an individual does not have health insurance he will have to pay $912 by year end and in the case of couples this amount is $1824.
In 2007 the penalty was just $219 and loss of personal income tax exemption. This new approach of health care officials is meant to push all Massachusetts residents towards purchasing health insurance. Officials hope the entire state gets covered by health insurance as a result of this new law.
The number of people without health insurance in Massachusetts could be as high as a few hundred thousand. The fine amount is decided by age, annual income and such determinants. As the person continues to remain without health insurance the fine accumulates.
The fines are steepest for individuals above 27 years and earning more than thrice the poverty level of $30,000. The fines are less for younger individuals and those who do not earn three times the poverty level. If an individual earns less than $15,325 per annum he will not have to pay any penalty.
