Health Affairs · 2006 · 101 citations · 2 references
Public AffairsHealth PolicyInsuranceHealth InsuranceHealth Insurance LawHealthcare PolicyAccess To CareCoverage ExpansionHealth Care AccessHealth Care SubsidiesHealth System ReformMedicaidHealth Reform ImplementationHealthcare Reform ImplementationIndividual Insurance MarketsInstitutional Support StructuresInsurance Market ReformMarket Reforms Under The Affordable Care ActMedicaid AccessMedicaid Subsidies
In April 2006, Massachusetts passed its third major health care access reform law since 1988. This law establishes new structures and requirements that have never been attempted by any state. Key features include a shift of federal Medicaid dollars from institutional support to individual insurance subsidies, establishment of an insurance "Connector," individual and employer responsibility, a small-firm and individual insurance market merger, and provisions to address racial and ethnic health disparities. Massachusetts will engage in a multiyear implementation process. Only after this process is complete will the law's significance be clear.
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