In Massachusetts universal health care skirmishes, Moore wants more; calls DHCFP thresholds for employer contributions inadequate

The Boston Globe reports that State Senator Richard Moore finds the DHCFP draft regulations wanting.

Under the proposed rules, companies would be exempt from a $295-per-employee annual assessment if at least one-quarter of their workers sign up for a company-sponsored health plan. Those that don’t meet that standard could still avoid the assessment if they contribute a minimum of 33 percent to individual health insurance premiums. The assessment applies only to companies with at least 11 employees.

Moore, Democrat of Uxbridge, said the median premium contribution by companies that now provide insurance to their employees is about 75 percent of the total cost.

"An employer who’s not contributing 50 percent isn’t doing their fair share," he said. "We opted not to spell out what ‘fair share’ is in the law and give the administration some flexibility. But they’re pushing the envelope."

Final rules are due out August 29.  Per the Globe, Moore may move to legislate his point of view in a technical correction bill due out soon.  He submitted his views in written comments to DHCFP, reproduced at Health Care For All’s A Healthy Blog (a terrific resource on this issue), but seems to have little confidence that DHCFP will see things his way.