Mass. asking companies to pay more insurance costs

BOSTON -- Massachusetts is tightening health care regulations on employers who do not help pay for their workers' insurance.

Under Massachusetts' landmark health care law, employers who did not enroll at least a quarter of their workers in an insurance plan or contribute a third of the premium costs faced a $295 annual fee per worker.

Under regulations set to take effect in January, companies with more than 50 full-time employees will have to meet both tests.

The change is expected to generate $30 million annually, compared with $7.5 million under the old regulations.

The funds will help support government-funded health insurance programs.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)