Yo, Mass. How's This Working For You?

In Massachusetts, everyone is required to have health insurance. Consumers can buy health insurance policies from an Exchange (called the Connector) with benefits designed by the government. Health insurance premiums are regulated by the government. Health insurance companies are not allowed to deny anyone, regardless of their health or pre-existing condition.

Sound familiar so far?

So what could possibly go wrong?

After the state denied 235 of 274 requests for rate increases, carriers decided to withhold offers for new plans in the state’s Health insurance “Connector.”

Wow. No one could have seen that one coming.

Insurance Commissioner Joseph G. Murphy said he has asked insurers to quote rates for new coverage through the state’s Health Connector website by week’s end, and reminded them that they are required by law to do so. The new quotes would use base rates set last year, plus additional factors such as the age and size of a company’s workforce, Murphy said.

“If we don’t see the rates posted by the end of the week, we have a variety of enforcement tools at our disposal, including the ability to fine carriers,’’ warned Murphy. “It’s imperative that consumers have information available to them as they consider their purchasing options,’’ he said.

When did Massachusetts become part of the Soviet Union?

Veronica Turner, vice president of Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers East, released a statement suggesting “insurers are unnecessarily shutting their doors as a negotiating ploy’’ in their dispute with the state.

Don't unions withhold their services if they don't get what they want? Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black.

I could be wrong, but I don't think this health insurance for everyone in Massachusetts is working so well.