Current Massachusetts insurance issues as of February 2010Massachusetts insurance availability and affordability issues represent a glimpse into the future for the rest of the nation.
Massachusetts, oh Massachusetts. Land of contradictions. The state just voted a Republican into Senator Kennedy's old seat as statement against what the federal government is doing on various issues, including health reform yet this state has up to 97 percent of its residents insured as a result of similar policies. Massachusetts as everyone probably knows requires that all of its residents purchase health insurance as of 2006. This state is the first state to achieve near-universal health coverage. The state provides free coverage to everyone making less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level and subsidizes premiums for those making above that. The system has not been perfect with certain "safety net" hospitals facing budget shortfalls and some businesses leaving the state. This gives rise to the concern of parallel challenges for federal health care reform. However, given the low rate of uninsured in this state those challenges would seem worth overcoming.
Do you have a different opinion of health coverage in this state?Health coverage policies and laws obviously can change. If your experience with getting health coverage is different than what is written above, or if you just want to share your experiences with health coverage, please feel free. |