The Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (HCFP) has released a report showing that more than 439,000 people have enrolled in private or subsidized health insurance programs between the beginning of health reform in June 2006, and March 31, 2008.
"These newest enrollment numbers show that the multi-pronged effort to insure people through the expansion of Medicaid, publicly subsidized insurance and the individual mandate is working," said Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby.
The growth in coverage was driven in part by a significant expansion in private coverage, which has grown by more than 191,000.
"To have insured nearly a half-million people in less than two years is nothing short of remarkable," said Gov. Deval Patrick. "The significant reduction in free care through the Health Safety Net provides further evidence that healthcare reform is having its intended effect."
According to the report, care for the state's remaining uninsured financed by the Health Safety Net-formerly known as the Uncompensated Care Pool-has decreased markedly as insurance enrollment has increased. The number of visits to hospitals and community health centers financed by the Health Safety Net declined by 37 percent in the first quarter of Health Safety Net fiscal year 2008, compared to the same period a year earlier. Health Safety Net payments decreased by 41 percent over the same period, from $166 million to $98 million.
"The latest enrollment numbers, including an increase in private group coverage and a drop in the free care pool, demonstrate that expansion and coverage are not being paid for solely by the state. Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) said. "Our public-private shared responsibility is an effective partnership, and with the new cost-containment law passed this year, healthcare reform will move forward with even greater sustainability."
The quarterly key indicators report reviews the progress of statewide efforts to expand health insurance coverage and features data reported by providers, health plans and state agencies, as well as collected through surveys of Massachusetts residents and employers. The report also includes information about cost trends in health insurance premiums compared to the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority's new affordability schedule for 2008, and financial performance of health plans, hospitals and community health centers.
"This remarkable increase in health coverage for Massachusetts residents demonstrates irrefutably the continued success of health reform and shared responsibility," said Lindsey Tucker of Health Care for All. "The dual findings of 439,000 newly insured and a 41 percent decrease in Healthy Safety Net payments confirm that people are moving out of emergency care and into coverage."
"We must stay vigilant to ensure that, as more people obtain insurance, our costs are controlled and quality remains among the highest in the world," said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi. With all those things working in the same direction, our efforts will continue to be a model for the rest of the country."
Do you think other states will want to or be able to follow Massachusetts' example? Is its model able support a larger state? Send your comments to Associate Editor Chelsey Ledue at chelsey.ledue@medtechpublishing.com