Update On Rates of Insurance in Mass Described
The State of Massachusetts published data recently that describes the current landscape of healthcare (pdf) across the State in the report “Health Care in Massachusetts: Key Indicators”. This details the results of health reform efforts in the State to support health insurance for all residents. The report further details financial performance of hospitals as well as community health centers.
Key information described in the report evaluates the outcomes since passage of the State’s health insurance reform initiative. Over 439,000 state residents now have health insurance coverage. Almost half of those individuals are covered by an individual plan or employer-sponsored coverage. More employers are offering health insurance coverage, the rate has increased by three percent since 2006.
With respect to raw numbers, the increase in healthcare coverage is clear. In June 2006, just over five million residents had health coverage, though this does not include persons with Medicare. As of the end of March this year, that increased to 5,459,000 residents.
Healthcare utilization has also decreased since the program’s implementation. Inpatient discharges and outpatient visits have both declined. At both healthcare community centers and hospitals, utilization has decreased by more than 37 percent compared to the year prior. Payments, too, have decreased, over forty percent.
August 15, 2008 Related topics: Legal & legislative, Trends