Massachusetts health insurance mandate got people at a price
News reports are hailing word from Massachusetts this week that the Bay State’s comprehensive health reform program is a success. Nearly 350,000 uninsured residents obtained coverage under the program, according to an Urban Study report on the reform’s first year. That means more people are seeing doctors outside of emergency rooms and getting preventative care.
But the reports often overlook the down side.
Massachusetts budgeted $860 million for the program this year. That’s nearly $150 million more than was projected. Next year’s costs are expected to go over $1.1 billion.