State health reform flatlines.
Massachusetts' recent health reform has generated laudatory headlines and a flurry of interest in state-based initiatives to achieve universal health insurance coverage. In 1988, a similar Massachusetts effort was also acclaimed and was imitated by several other states. Unfortunately, none of those efforts can be judged a success. The authors briefly review this earlier experience and caution against premature declaration of victory.
Woolhandler
Steffie
S
Cambridge Hospital, MA 02139, USA.
Day
Benjamin
B
Himmelstein
David U
DU
D005544:Forecasting; D018166:Health Care Reform / Q000639:trends*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000639:trends; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013221:State Health Plans / Q000639:trends*; D017664:Uncompensated Care / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States; D019472:Universal Health Insurance / Q000639:trends*