The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

5144.0: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 - 2:54 PM

Abstract #69141

Massachusetts Medical Security Program (MSP): A state response to provide universal health care; insurance for the unemployed

Mara Yerow, MPH, CHE, Mass Division of Employment & Training - Medical Security Program, 19 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114, 617-626-6316, MYerow@detma.org

The Massachusetts Medical Security Program (MSP) is a safety net program designed to provide health insurance coverage to a segment of the state’s uninsured population. The Massachusetts Medical Security Program was established in 1988 under AN ACT TO MAKE HEALTH SECURITY AVAILABLE TO ALL CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH AND TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL FINANCING, i.e., Massachusetts Universal Health Legislation. It should be noted that this is the landmark legislation upon which Governor Michael Dukakis based his health care platform in running for President in 1988. The MSP is the only part of the Universal Health Legislation which survived administrations subsequent to Governor Dukakis. Also, the MSP is the only such program in the United States.

The presentation will provide an overview of the program and discuss its development, implementation and evolution.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Universal Health Care, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Medicaid and Managed Care: Reaching and Serving Those in Need

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA