Taxes

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.

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

Authorizes the commissioner of revenue to establish regulations to carry out the individual mandate.

Establishes the procedure for implementation of the individual mandate. Qualifying individuals for whom "creditable coverage" is deemed affordable must have "creditable coverage" in place. Individuals must include information about health insurance status on their tax forms. Failure to meet the insurance requirement will result in a penalty, assessed by the department of revenue. All penalties will be deposited in the Commonwealth Care Trust Fund that will contribute to state subsidies for the Commonwealth Care program. • Creates a penalty for non-compliance with the individual mandate as equal to 50% of the lowest premium available for each month the individual did not have creditable insurance, as determined by the Connector.

An HMO can include a maximum deductible consistent with the maximum contribution requirements allowed for a federally-established Health Savings Account.

Authorizes the Connector Board to offer insurance products to individuals and small businesses, publish a schedule for premiums at which individuals of varying ages are eligible, and establish a schedule for affordability to be used in enforcing the individual mandate based upon percentage of income eligible to be spent on health care.