Nationally syndicated columnist Froma Harrop credits Massachusetts’ individual mandate with having caused health insurance premiums to decline 40% since 2006 (http://www.creators.com/liberal/froma-harrop/so-you-thought-health-care-was-fixed.html).
I don’t know in which alternate universe she is living, but Governor Deval Patrick fervently wishes to join her there. Unfortunately, he can’t and is dealing with seriously escalating premiums.
The Massachusetts Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) reports that “average monthly health insurance premiums increased 12% from 2006 to 2008.” And 2009 and 2010 offered no relief with significant premium increases continuing, bedeviling the governor and his administration.
DHFCP laments that “…personal health spending per capita is higher in Massachusetts relative to the nation and continues to rise.”
Contrary to Ms. Harrop’s fantasy, the Massachusetts individual mandate did not result in a reduction in premiums. Wishing it so is not enough; Governor Patrick is wishing mightily to no effect.
No comments:
Post a Comment