Massachusetts Health Reform: A Public Perspective From Debate Through Implementation

This study examines public opinion about the new health reform law in Massachusetts at four stages, from the beginning of the debate in September 2003 through June 2008, two years into implementation. We find that the favorable political environment in Massachusetts likely encouraged leaders to act...

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Published inHealth affairs (Millwood, Va.) no. Supplement; pp. w556 - w565
Main Authors Blendon, Robert J, Buhr, Tami, Sussman, Tara, Benson, John M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.07.2008
Subjects
Health policy
Legislation
Massachusetts
Public opinion
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Summary:This study examines public opinion about the new health reform law in Massachusetts at four stages, from the beginning of the debate in September 2003 through June 2008, two years into implementation. We find that the favorable political environment in Massachusetts likely encouraged leaders to act and also contributed to the shape of the legislation as a "shared responsibility" compromise plan. Despite perceptions by some that the law is not helping the uninsured, support for it remains high-even for the individual mandate, the law's most controversial feature. There is little interest in repealing this legislation. Adapted from the source document.
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ISSN:0278-2715
DOI:10.1377/hlthaff.27.5.w556