Massachusetts Considering Expanded Gambling as 300,000 Risk Losing Health Coverage

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering expanding gaming options to raise new revenue to fund the Health Safety Net Trust Fund. The fund reimburses hospitals and community health centers for care delivered to low-income uninsured and underinsured patients.

Funding the Health Safety Net Trust Fund

State House News Service reported House Speaker Ron Mariano believes the additional revenue will be sorely needed. "It's a funding mechanism to deal with what's going to happen when all the cuts from the grand budget – whatever you call it, the beautiful bill, or whatever it is – are implemented at the end of this month," he said.

"The amount of uninsured are estimated to be about 300,000 people," Mariano said. "That means these people will have no healthcare, and where are they going to go?"

Massachusetts Eyes Expanded Gaming To Pay MassHealth Benefits

Slot-Like Terminals Proposed for Historical Race Tracks

Mariano backs an amendment unanimously passed by the Massachusetts House in June that authorized simulcast licenses to Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park to take wagers on "historical horse races" and other games on "terminals that resemble slot machines."

Federal Changes Put 300,000 Resident Benefit Plans at Risk

New federal guidelines require able-bodied adults ages 19 to 64 to verify 80 hours per month of work, school, or community service to remain eligible for taxpayer-funded MassHealth benefits. Some 200,000 people risk losing their benefits if they fail to comply.

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About 100,000 individuals face losing subsidized health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector as pandemic-era federal tax credit extensions expire and new limits for federal tax credits kick in for some legally present immigrants. Other ratepayers will be asked to contribute more for their coverage.

Existing Tribal and Commercial Casinos Voice Opposition

The state's existing gaming facilities, including the Mashpee Wampanoag's First Light Casino in Taunton, oppose the proposed competition.