As of July 1, Massachusetts citizens must have health coverage or face increasing tax penalties. Those residents earning less than the federal poverty level qualify for free coverage. Additionally, the state subsidizes coverage for those who earn up to three times the poverty level. If an individual earns more than $30,630, or a family of four earns more that $61,950, they can keep their existing coverage or choose from some lower-priced private health plans. Businesses that employ at least 11 workers must offer health insurance or pay annual fees of $295 per worker. The deadline to obtain health insurance is December 31, 2007.

A poll released on Wednesday finds that two-thirds of residents support it. 57% support the law's individual mandate. People who support the law say "it is the right thing to do."