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IN THE STATES: Economic Crisis, Fire, Can't Prevent Health Reform From Moving Forward
Even in this economic downturn, Massachusetts continues to move forward in its efforts to provide affordable health coverage to all its citizens.
The 10-member board which runs the state's subsidized health insurance program, Commonwealth Care, unanimously approved an update to the program's affordability schedule. That means that people in the lowest-cost plans will not have to pay higher monthly premiums. Individuals that choose a higher cost plan may actually find themselves paying less, Secretary of Administration and Finance Leslie Kirwan told the Boston Globe.
Commonwealth Care provides low-cost or no-cost coverage to roughly 164,000 of the Massachusetts who make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but would be unable to acquire health insurance on their own. Currently, residents making less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level (about $15,606 for an individual living in the Bay State), pay no monthly premium. Those with higher incomes pay on a sliding scale.
Health Care for All live-twittered the packed event, which was apparently interrupted halfway through because of a fire alarm.
Massachusetts' decision should serve as a reminder that the need for health reform has only grown stronger during the economic crisis. Furthermore, while Massachusetts remains committed to keeping health insurance affordable for its residents, the state recognizes that simply subsidizing premiums is not enough.
Last summer, Massachusetts passed legislation to promote cost containment, transparency and efficiency in the delivery of quality health care. With provisions for payment reform, quality initiatives, health IT and more, the bill takes a comprehensive approach to make health care more affordable and sustainable for the long run.
The success and struggles of Massachusetts are an important guide for our nation going forward, and should serve to remind us that meaningful health reform must address the issues of cost, coverage, and quality together.
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