The subsidized insurance program at the heart of the state's healthcare initiative is expected to roughly double in size and expense over the next three years - an unexpected level of growth that could cost state taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars or force the state to scale back its ambitions.Because of this, the state is looking for more money from the federal government to make up the shortfall, although they admit:
If the state doesn't get all of the federal funds it is seeking, policy makers could face difficult choices: spend more state money or cut back the two programs by reducing enrollment, cutting subsidies, or eliminating benefits.The Boston Globe had reported earlier on 12/14/2007 that the state would probably have to, "cut payments to doctors and hospitals, reduce choices for patients, and possibly increase how much patients have to pay".
What's especially interesting is that several of the major presidential candidates want to implement the Massachusetts system on a national scale. But who will the federal government call upon for help when those costs skyrocket out of control? Perhaps the Great Money Fairy From The Sky?
The Massachusetts government needs to re-examine the flawed premise behind their plan: namely that the government should be attempting to provide universal health coverage at all.
