BOSTON -- Susan and Michael Zettler expressed resentment over being forced into buying insurance coverage for prescription drugs. The couple claims neither one of them uses prescription medication. The mandate that takes effect Jan. 1, is part of the state's Health Reform Law. The agency implementing the law is the Massachusetts Healthcare Connector.

Mandated Prescription Drug Coverage Triggers Controversy

"It's like making a person that lives on top of a mountain get flood insurance. Just because everyone else has it," said Michael Zettler, who is a self-employed carpenter.

"What about people who believe in holistic medicine? They don't want to take prescription drugs," said Susan Zettler.

"And you know what? I don't use emergency rooms. Do I want to carve that out of my health plan? No. Because one day my son might fall down and need some stitches and I might need to go there," said Jarrett Barrios, head of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Massachusetts.

A former state senator, Barrios said insurance doesn't work or bring peace of mind if it covers one thing but not another.

Newscenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that Barrios cited studies showing that a lack of prescription drug coverage is a big reason why people are saddled with medical debt. It is estimated that getting the coverage will increase premiums 10 to 20 percent.

Susan Zettler, who does medical billing for a living, said she stumbled on the prescription drug mandate when she read a pamphlet from her husband's insurance company informing him he would not be in compliance if he didn't get it.

She said she still can't get information about her own plan, and added the healthcare connector should have done a better job of getting the word out.

"So many people that I've questioned know nothing about this," said Zettler. "Where nobody knows about it? Who's gonna help me?"