Uninsured Rate in Massachusetts Cut Nearly in Half
<p>A <a href="/publications/in-the-literature/2008/jun/on-the-road-to-universal-coverage--impacts-of-reform-in-massachusetts-at-one-year
">Commonwealth Fund-supported study</a> published today as a <em>Health Affairs</em> Web Exclusive finds dramatic improvements in insurance coverage in Massachusetts. In the first year after the state instituted its ambitious health care reform plan, the rate of uninsured working-age adults dropped by almost half, from 13 percent to 7 percent.<br><Br>In addition to improvements in insurance coverage, the study also found significant gains in access to care. More adults reported having a usual source of care and having a preventive care visit, and the share of adults reporting high out-of-pocket spending and medical bill problems dropped. Improvements were concentrated among low-income adults.<br><br>Overall, employer coverage remained stable, allaying concerns that the plan would "crowd out" existing employer coverage.<bR><br>The study, authored by Sharon K. Long, Ph.D., of the Urban Institute, reports the results of two rounds of interviews with adults in Massachusetts, before and after the implementation of reform. The evaluation was also supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.</p>