If you've followed the national health care reform debate at all, you know that some have cited Massachusetts' insurance program as a model.
The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law requires most Bay State residents
age 18 and older who can afford health insurance to have coverage or pay a penalty at tax-filing time.
New for 2009, residents must have Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC). If they don't, they could face penalties.
There is, however, a grace period for lapses
in coverage of three or fewer consecutive months. Penalties apply only if
health insurance is deemed affordable. And the state doesn't assess any penalties for very low-income individuals.
Full-time residents, as well as who live in the state part-year, must file Schedule HC, Health Care Information, with their Massachusetts tax returns. Folks with medical coverage at work, as well as some who are enrolled in MassHealth, Commonwealth Care or
Commonwealth Care Bridge will receive forms with information needed to complete Schedule HC.
If you're living in Massachusetts and have questions about your tax responsibilities in connection with the state's health care coverage mandate, start at the Department of Revenue's health care FAQ page on the topic.
And here's hoping all have a healthy filing season!
Tax trip around the United
States: This post is part of our series highlighting tax
information from the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. You can read other state tax blurbs at our Complete menu of tasty state tax tidbits.
The State Tax Departments page provides links to official state
and District of Columbia revenue Web sites so that you can find out more about
your home's tax laws and filing requirements.
As we work
through the 2010 tax season, a different state will be featured each day as
noted in Don't forget your state taxes! Check back to see what tax
tidbit we share about your home.
Related posts:
- State Tax Tidbits
- State Tax Departments
- Don't forget your state taxes!
- 9 states of no-tax note … sort of
Want to tell your friends about this
blog post? Click the Tweet
This or Digg This buttons below or use the
Share
This icon to spread the word via e-mail,
Facebook and other popular applications. Thanks!
