Gov. Deval signs insurance bill protecting seniors

BOSTON (WWLP) - In a ceremonial signing, Governor Patrick approved a law that gives the state's insurance commissioner authority to set rates and cost controls for long-term care and protects seniors from losing their health care.

Prior to the law, lawmakers said seniors would see their insurance premiums skyrocket upon collecting their benefits. Many would lose their homes to pay their bills.

An insurance company from Wilbraham, the Gaudreau Group , said the legislation would give peace of mind to seniors in western Massachusetts.

Jules Gaudreau, President of Gaudreau Group Insurance, told 22news, “Great many of the professionals and advisors in this state are located in western Massachusetts and of course for the one plus million people who live in the Springfield metropolitan area, these same protections and opportunities will now exist for them.”

When transferring insurance policies, the law ensures there are no pre-existing condition limitations and ensures that polices aren't cancelled because of age.

It also gives Massachusetts seniors more flexibility in being able to transfer their policies across state lines.