Hank's 'What You Need to Know'

The bottom line: most people here think everyone in Massachusetts has a "right" to health care, but there's no agreement on the right way to pay for it. 7NEWS Investigative Reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan takes a closer look at this "first in the nation" law.

Richard Abernathy's life is about to be changed by a brand new Massachusetts law. He's already signed up for the soon to be mandatory health insurance, and he hopes now he can recover from his car accident.

Richard Abernathy, Massachusetts resident
"I hate running around like an old man when I'm actually 19. So, it's excellent."

Until recently, Abernathy was one of the 370,000 uninsured adults in this state, but soon, almost all of them will be required to sign up for coverage.

Hank Phillippi Ryan, 7NEWS Investigative Reporter
"Is this optional anymore?"

Jon Kingsdale, Executive Director, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector
"No. Any adult 18 years or older who can afford insurance will be required to have insurance."

That's because Massachusetts now has a first-in-the-nation health insurance law, signed in April 2006.

Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor
"Massachusetts is taking a giant leap forward."

Experts say an emergency room visit can cost $1000, a day in the hospital $2000! One problem: people who had insurance were shelling out big bucks to pay for those who didn't.

Jon Kingsdale, Executive Director, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector
"We are all just a diagnosis away or a step off the cub away from serious illness."

Hank Phillippi Ryan, 7NEWS Investigative Reporter
"And as a result?"

Jon Kingsdale, Executive Director, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector
"You'd better have health insurance."

To make that happen, the new law sets up a brand new agency, the Commonwealth Connector. It's responsibility is to manage this massive insurance reform.

Jon Kingsdale, Executive Director, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector
"Our role is to make it easier and to make it more affordable to buy insurance."

We found many residents are already set with policies.

Hank Phillippi Ryan, 7NEWS Investigative Reporter
"Do you have health insurance?"

Massachusetts resident
"Yes, I do."

But officials estimate a quarter of a million people still need to sign up, like this woman.

Hank Phillippi Ryan, 7NEWS Investigative Reporter
"Right now, do you have health insurance?"

Massachusetts resident
"Right now, I do not. I'm uninsured."

And this one.

Hank Phillippi Ryan, 7NEWS Investigative Reporter
"And what are you going to do about it?"

Massachusetts resident
"Talk to my dad."

The law sets a July 1 deadline, fair warning. If you're over 18 and still uninsured by the end of the year, the Department of Revenue could be on your case.

So, where do you find a policy?

The Connector calls it "one stop shopping." Their interactive Web site can help you select the best coverage for you and your family, either from a host of insurance companies or state-subsidized plans. How much will it cost?

As the state's Web site demonstrates, prices vary on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay.

And what if you can't afford it? There's a solution for that, too.

Families with incomes under a certain level can get Commonwealth Care, a state funded program that can help pay your insurance costs.

Hank Phillippi Ryan, 7NEWS Investigative Reporter
"So for those people that make the lowest of the low incomes, is there help for them?"

Jon Kingsdale, Executive Director, Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector
"Absolutely."

Remember, the deadline for signing up is July 1, but officials tell 7NEWS they know it'll take longer than that for the whole, new system to get into place. There will eventually be big penalties if you ignore the rules.

Producer: Mary Schwager
Contact: MSchwager@WHDH.com

(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)