Mass Issues More Waivers

[Crabcake Johnny]

In Mass. you have to buy health insurance or face a penalty. That is, of course, unless you file for an exemption because you can't afford it.

Granting waivers for 2/3rds of the people who asked is significant. I'd like to know how these applications are vetted. Can someone, for example, have two new car payments and file for an exemption? Could they have vacationed last year?

Mass. gives more health insurance exemptions - Boston.com

 

[Norwayguy]

In Mass. you have to buy health insurance or face a penalty. That is, of course, unless you file for an exemption because you can't afford it.

Granting waivers for 2/3rds of the people who asked is significant. I'd like to know how these applications are vetted. Can someone, for example, have two new car payments and file for an exemption? Could they have vacationed last year?

Mass. gives more health insurance exemptions - Boston.com

I saw the exact same link and had the same thoughts...It shows how you can defeat the entire idea of insurance it the only penalty for not having it is a fine that can be waived by exemption.

The second thought I had is are these exemptions like the Federal ones where the state picks winners and losers?

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

What the government's going to find is they're going to have to employ the same tactics that are used for auto insurance.

Waivers for auto insurance if you need to drive but can't afford a policy? None.

Penalties if caught driving without insurance? Starting from fines and ending in jail time. Even facing possible jail time, getting your car impounded, etc...it's estimated that people driving uninsured approaches 20% in some states.

 

[Full Throttle]

Then back to the fundamental issue: buying auto insurance is optional if you do not drive. Not health insurance, if you are alive, you need it according to the law. Even taxes are optional: if you live in your mom's basement and don't work, you don't owe FICA or income taxes.

 

[YouGotMyMoney]

the claim that auto insurance is optional is a bit of a joke, most Americans need to drive to work, enjoy life, get around, so not having auto insurance isn't an option.

 

[Crabcake Johnny]

True but auto insurers are allowed to both rate increase and drop high risk drivers.

 

[djs]

the claim that auto insurance is optional is a bit of a joke, most Americans need to drive to work, enjoy life, get around, so not having auto insurance isn't an option.

Depends on where you live. Try New York City sometime, many people don't have cars, don't have licenses, don't bother trying to figure out where to park. The world ends at the end of the subway and they are okay with that.

Not having a car is an option, just not the best one for many people.

Dan

 

[somarco]

Some folks can't afford a car, even a buy-here-pay-here kind.

That is why we have public transportation.

 

[GreenSky]

Some folks can't afford a car, even a buy-here-pay-here kind.

That is why we have public transportation.

Are you able to take MARTA to the office?

Rick

 

[somarco]

No Rick. MARTA doesn't run in my hood. Closest stop is 3 miles away.

Uphill.

Both ways.