NAIFA-MA is celebrating a major advocacy win after a very close call. During the last three days of the legislative session which concluded July 31, the General Court introduced H. 5123 which would have implemented a two-year pilot program to extend eligibility for premium assistance payments on point of service cost-sharing subsidies for certain health insurance applicants. In short, this legislation would have implemented a pilot single-payer health coverage program, thus having a catastrophic impact on employer-sponsored health plans.
Through a series of emergency procedural actions, H.5123 was drafted, introduced, referred to committee, had amendments introduced and considered, passed through both chambers, and was laid before the Governor for signature on the last day of the session. The unexpected legislation seemingly came out of nowhere and did not receive a hearing.
NAIFA-MA President Josh O’Gara, CLU, ChFC, CFP, and NAIFA-MA Lobbyist Bill Cass reached out to NAIFA's national government relations team immediately for support in drafting a letter asking Governor Charlie Baker to veto this bill. The letter augmented NAIFA-MA's local efforts. On August 10th their quick action paid off and the Governor vetoed the bill.