Individuals may appeal an adverse decision of eligibility or affordability through an appeals process established by the Connector.

Establishes an exemption from the individual mandate for individuals whose religious beliefs prevent them from using medical health care.

Chapter 111M provides for the individual mandate to have health insurance coverage. Section 1 provides definitions of "creditable coverage," which also provides that the board of the Connector has authority to further determine "minimum creditable coverage" standards for individual and group health plans; and defines "resident" for purposes of the individual mandate.

Establishes a pediatric palliative care program, administered by the Department of Public Health, to serve children, and the families of children, with life-threatening illnesses.

Changes current tax law definition of "Code" so that it includes section 223 of the Internal Revenue Code, which creates a deduction for health savings accounts.

Allows staff of the Connector to receive pension benefits.

Appropriation language

Creates the Department of Developmental Services Trust Fund used to make payments to facilities serving developmentally disabled individuals.

Creates Medical Assistance Trust Fund to provide supplemental Medicaid payments to providers.

Creates an Essential Community Provider Trust Fund. Funds will be used to make grant payments to hospitals and community health centers in accordance with criteria established by the new Health Safety Net Office.