Lawmakers in Massachusetts are taking a closer look at a mandatory health insurance program to cover all citizens.

Members of the Senate and the Assembly have already handed a bill over to Governor Mitt Romney that would require citizens to purchase some kind of health care coverage. Penalties for those who refuse would include stiff penalties, and eventually outright fines.

Employers will also be held accountable. Any business with eleven employees or more would have to provide health insurance or pay close to $300 a year to uncovered workers.

The state would use collected fines and other funds already in the budget to help subsidize low-cost insurance options.

Supporters say the new plan is almost like universal health care, except without tax increases or compromises in care.

The plan hasn't run into much opposition from interest groups, and that has allowed lawmakers to approve it almost unanimously.

Governor Mitt Romney calls it a major accomplishment.

New York is one of several states also looking into a similiar plan that would mandate health insurance for all.