Mass. to require prescription drug coverage

BOSTON, March 21 (UPI) -- Massachusetts may become the first state to require prescription drug coverage as part of its new universal health insurance law.

The Boston Globe said the prescription drug rule applies "unless residents obtain a waiver or have other qualifying insurance, such as Medicaid, Medicare or health savings accounts."

The state also voted to set a maximum deductible for basic health plans of $2,000 per individual per year and a maximum out-of-pocket cost of $5,000 if network providers are used.

The 2006 health insurance law was created to make sure that most of the state's 515,000 uninsured residents would be covered, The New York Times said.

Those who fail to get insurance will face tax penalties, the newspaper said.