Health Affairs, doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.27.4.w285 (Published online June 3, 2008) © 2008 by Project HOPE	New Online   McAllen, TX & Beyond: An Expert Roundtable   Geography & Reform   Medicaid or Insurance Exchange?   Siren Song of New GME   Public Plan Option: Pro & Con

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Massachusetts Health Reform Implementation: Major Progress And Future Challenges

¹ John McDonough is senior adviser on national health reform to Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) through the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. At the time this paper was written, he was executive director of Health Care For All in Boston, Massachusetts.
² Brian Rosman is director of research, Health Care For All.
³ Mehreen Butt, director of government affairs, Health Care For All.
⁴ Lindsey Tucker, health reform policy manager, Health Care For All.
⁵ Lisa Kaplan Howe, private insurance market policy manager, Health Care For All.

^*Corresponding author.

Abstract

Since its passage in April 2006, the Massachusetts health reform law (Chapter 58) has expanded affordable insurance coverage to 355,000 people. Major milestones have been achieved, including establishment of new coverage programs, merger of small-group and nongroup insurance markets, creation of an insurance "Connector," determination of affordability and penalty standards for an individual mandate, and launch of employer responsibility requirements. Key challenges remain, including full implementation of the individual mandate, cost control, and securing of long-term financing. Massachusetts health reform is offering valuable and important lessons for the nation. [Health Affairs 27, no. 4 (2008): w285-w297 (published online 3 June 2008; 10.1377/hlthaff.27.4.w285)]

Key Words: Access To Care, Business Of Health, Consumer Issues, Health Reform, Insurance Coverage, State/Local Issues, Insurance Market

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