Poor get low-cost insurance

BOSTON – Massachusetts began signing up its poorest residents for low-cost health insurance Monday, the first step in the state’s goal of being the first to require all citizens to have health insurance.

“This is a historic day,” said Gov. Mitt Romney, who signed the health care law in April.

Madeline Rhenisch, 56, will be among about 62,000 of the state’s poorest residents living at or below the federal poverty line of about $9,800 a year to be offered the program. If she qualifies, the state will pay her premiums; she will be responsible only for nominal co-payments.

The unemployed Boston woman said she has spent her retirement savings on doctor visits.

“I’ve worked hard all my life. … I never wanted to be a burden on my family or friends,” said Rhenisch, who has been without health insurance for eight years. “It’s been very embarrassing to have to beg and scratch.”