Health Insurance Mandates Unhealthy

Health insurance costs are rising faster than Massachusetts businesses can afford and still, MA policymakers are considering measures that would push them even higher.

The House will consider a bill that would mandate unlimited coverage of mental health services, even though Massachusetts’ current mandate is among the most generous of any state in the nation.

Already, Massachusetts ranks among the states with the most mandated health benefits. While a case can be made for any one mandate, together they add significantly to the cost of health care.

When health insurance costs go up, employers bear the bulk of the increase, which leaves less money for companies to grow their businesses and create new jobs. This is particularly true for small businesses.

With health-care costs continuing to rise at double-digit rates, solutions need to focus on controlling those costs, not piling up more costs on employers.