Two thirds of uninsured Massachusetts residents gain health insurance coverage through 'Romneycare', though many still face barriers to accessing insurance and healthcare.
This landmark legislation aims for universal healthcare coverage in the state. Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006, also known as "An Act Providing Access to Affordable, Quality, Accountable Health Care," establishes the Massachusetts Health Connector, which creates a marketplace for people with income 150-300% FPL to access health insurance. It also requires employers with more than ten employees to provide health coverage and forms the Health Disparities Council to make recommendations for reducing and eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities.
While the legislation is found to decrease uninsurance rates across groups, disparities in coverage still exist, as do barriers to care for many. A 2016 study notes that "While the sustained increase in coverage is impressive,...coverage does not guarantee access to health care or access to affordable health care" and notes that gaps in coverage exist among nonelderly adults, "particularly high for immigrants, minorities, those with less than a high school education, and those with family income at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level."
