In response to President Obama’s declaration late last week that health plans may allow individuals to continue receiving health insurance coverage through their existing plans, we have received word this morning from Governor Patrick’s office that Massachusetts has chosen not to implement this extension and will not allow health plans offered in Massachusetts to renew existing policies that do not comply with ACA requirements and would not have been grandfathered otherwise.

Rather, the state has made the decision to move forward with implementation and enforcement of the ACA’s market reforms for 2014. As you are aware, Massachusetts has already implemented many of the reforms that ensure meaningful, comprehensive coverage, such as minimum creditable coverage standards and a prohibition against denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions.
These advances have made it easier for our plans to comply with the ACA minimum requirements.