Marshfield
‘The most important thing you can do for your children is stay healthy’
Lori and Jeff Townes of Marshfield have two children, Douglas, 5, and Caroline, seven months.
Jeff Townes, 48, a bartender, makes just little enough for the family to qualify for MassHealth coverage. Currently, that income limit for parents of children without employer health coverage is 133 percent of the federal poverty level ($23,484 for a family of four).
“I would love to go back to work when the kids get a little older, and I don’t know what we will do about health insurance,” said Lori Townes, 41.
The Health Now! legislation will expand the MassHealth program for low-wage parents like the Townes from 133 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level (up to $35,300 for a family of four). If they earn more (up to $52,950) they will be able pay $50/month for the bill’s Adult Medical Security Plan, which provides basic primary and preventive care, while getting hospital coverage through the free care pool.
“The most important thing you can do for your children is to stay healthy,” Lori Townes said.
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