Senator Michael Moore on Healthcare Subsidies, Ambulance Cost Caps & Tax Relief | Massachusetts Legislative Update

January 13, 2024
By-Hank Stolz

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WORCESTER, MA- State Senator Michael Moore joined Talk of the Commonwealth this week to discuss major policy initiatives facing Massachusetts families — from strengthening healthcare affordability to protecting residents from surprise medical bills — while national scrutiny continues over a controversial federal law enforcement shooting in Minnesota.

Moore outlined the Commonwealth’s strategy to invest $300 million to subsidize healthcare premiums for residents who could be affected by potential federal funding shortfalls in the Affordable Care Act. The state’s plan aims to protect approximately 300,000 residents from sharp increases in the cost of coverage if federal assistance is reduced or eliminated.

“We must ensure that folks across Massachusetts are not left scrambling for care,” Moore said, emphasizing bipartisan support for stabilizing the health insurance market.

On the issue of surprise billing, Moore highlighted his proposed legislation to cap out-of-pocket ambulance costs at $100, shielding patients from receiving crippling bills after emergency care. “You’re calling for emergency care and to get a bill that could put you under financial duress or stress like that is not right,” he remarked, echoing concerns voiced by families and consumer advocates.

Moore also previewed a busy legislative week ahead, noting that the state Senate is scheduled to vote on four bills focused on senior relief and property tax breaks — measures designed to ease financial burdens for longtime residents and homeowners.

Meanwhile, national attention remains fixed on Minnesota’s controversial ICE enforcement operation, which has sparked protests, legal action from state officials, and widespread debate over federal use of force. The incident stemmed from the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer during what federal authorities called a major immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.

Minnesota officials and civil liberties advocates have filed lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging constitutional violations and pointing to significant community unrest following the deployment of federal agents.

As Massachusetts lawmakers navigate state-level policy priorities, the broader national conversation over immigration enforcement and accountability continues to unfold, highlighting the complex interplay between local governance and federal authority.