An Act providing affordable care through out-of-pocket assistance

This bill establishes a cost-sharing assistance program in Massachusetts to help low-income individuals afford their health insurance deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. It targets applicants earning up to 500 percent of the federal poverty level who are enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans that meet minimum value and affordability standards. The program would provide supplemental coverage to bridge the gap between the costs of their current employer plan and those of plans available through the state health insurance connector. Additionally, the bill requires the state health insurance connector authority to evaluate the program's impact on healthcare access and equity, submitting a report to the legislature by December 1, 2029. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.