Between Oct. 8 and Oct. 16, 2008, 54 outreach workers in Massachusetts communities responded to a nine-question online survey from Community Partners asking for their observations and opinions of health care reform (HCR) after two years of implementation.
Results of the survey (PDF) show that outreach workers are pleased that many clients can now get coverage who could not before HCR. One respondent also noted:
Respondents agree with earlier surveys that found low-wage earning residents have benefited the most; they are also very concerned about those who still can’t afford available options – for example, those over 300% of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines and without access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance (ESI).
We asked respondents to name specific barriers that remain to getting and keeping coverage. In addition to their concerns about affordability, many reported that clients are confused about what they should do because the programs are so complex and communications are often unclear. The biggest perceived barrier to actually receiving care is the difficulty of finding a provider. For example:
Outreach workers responded to the request for suggestions for improvements with a long list of creative ideas, ranging from very specific to more general or fundamental, such as:
Click here for the Executive Summary (PDF).
Click here to see the complete survey results (PDF, 206KB).
discriminating health law
How anyone in this state agree with a law that forces residents to but into high cost high deductable plans?The law is discrimination based on income and age.I cannot afford the insurance because I am middle income and 58 years old so my cost would be doubled from low income,youger persons.This is a really bad law.
let's get honest
You forgot to mention another category of people who can't afford health insurance - those who are 200 to 300 percent FPL. The enrollment in this category has been very small and remains about the same as it was one year ago. Also, copays are not affordable for many in all the ranges of Commonwealth Care.
I can't imagine how you can call the MA plan a success when people can't find doctors, and if they do, there's no choice. That, in and of itself discourages seeking care. It is highly unlikely that this will change regarding doctor choice b/c the reimbursement rate is so low and the paperwork onerous for the docs. Some will not take Comm Care patients while others have decided to no longer take them. This is one of several reasons that the Commonwealth Care plans discriminate.
The Commonwealth Care program is also discriminating in that eligibility and affordability are determined using line 22 of the tax form whereas those who are over 300% use line 37.
Furthermore, the text that was added to the MBR regarding estate recovery may as well have been left off b/c it does not protect people who sign this. No one will know if current practice has already changed when they sign the form or, for that matter, when it will change. This phrase really serves as a red alert that the terms of the policy may change after someone has signed the form. This is a highly inappropriate manner in which to do business and also voids people's rights. I would never do business with a company presenting me with such an open-ended contract. This also goes to discrimination b/c residents over 300 percent FPL are not faced with such an unconsionable situation.
The MA plan is failing. This is quite obvious. It is also not sustainable nor is it fiscally responsible. Although some residents benefit from the MA mandated insurance, a large part of the targeted population is being exploited as well as seriously harmed both financially and with regard to their well-being. Therefore, it cannot be called a success.
Those who have been adversely affected by this law are not "unfinished business" nor have they "fallen through the cracks of health care reform." These are demeaning descriptions. We are human beings with faces and names, and our lives have been gravely harmed by this law. There are no excuses. We are worse off than before this law.
The MA plan is gov't-sanctioned coercion and collusion. Coercion is deliberate violence and is inhumane.
MA Health Care Mandate Law
Wow! I didn't see this letter, but whoever this person is, he/she took the words right out of my mouth. Coming back to my home State of MA and thought it was being run by a dictatorship. I have had some very poor providers, bad treatments and miles to go before I can reach a physician. And only then, when you get there your imagination puts you in a state of paranoia. I have been treated for skin cancer on my face in November by a physician in Plymouth, MA. It is becoming apparent that what they did, did not work. I called and "there will be a $85.00 charge." She "forgot to give me the cream that goes on this area." That is only one of the horror stories. Any more that you want to hear, just ask. That story is one of the least stressful events in my life!
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