Ninety-eight percent of Massachusetts residents have health insurance — and the state is wondering if it has hit a proverbial ceiling, according to a Common Health report.
According to a recent report from Gov. Patrick's administration, the percentage of residents with health insurance has remained more or less the same for the last two years. The report states, "Massachusetts may have reached maximum insurance levels based on existing demographics and health insurance characteristics."
According to the report, "existing demographics" means that some Massachusetts residents are illegal immigrants who don't qualify for health insurance. "Health insurance characteristics" means that some residents receive a waiver because they can't afford health insurance.
Some public health advocates have urged Massachusetts to reach beyond 98 percent, saying there are still some residents who have not signed up for coverage despite being eligible. They add that some low-income workers can't sign up for Commonwealth Care because they are offered employer-based coverage, but deny that coverage because they can't afford it.
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According to a recent report from Gov. Patrick's administration, the percentage of residents with health insurance has remained more or less the same for the last two years. The report states, "Massachusetts may have reached maximum insurance levels based on existing demographics and health insurance characteristics."
According to the report, "existing demographics" means that some Massachusetts residents are illegal immigrants who don't qualify for health insurance. "Health insurance characteristics" means that some residents receive a waiver because they can't afford health insurance.
Some public health advocates have urged Massachusetts to reach beyond 98 percent, saying there are still some residents who have not signed up for coverage despite being eligible. They add that some low-income workers can't sign up for Commonwealth Care because they are offered employer-based coverage, but deny that coverage because they can't afford it.
Related Articles on Coding, Billing & Collections:
Oregon Lawmakers Approve Plans for Health Insurance Exchange
GOP Governors Hesitate on Health Insurance Exchange
American Medical Association Posts Further Corrections to CPT 2012