Massachusetts health reform: Impact on women's health

Massachusetts health reform has led to near-universal insurance coverage and is widely considered a model for the nation. Understanding the experience of women in Massachusetts is fundamental to recognizing challenges and opportunities as the state moves toward payment and delivery system reform; it also provides timely information essential to inform health policy and clinical care in the rapidly changing landscape of national health reform. This session examines the impact of Massachusetts health reform on women's health and access to care, by (1) reviewing data on how women of all ages, races and ethnicities are faring under Massachusetts' model; (2) examining access to specific women's health services in Massachusetts post-reform, including contraceptives, breast and cervical cancer screening, and cardiovascular disease prevention; (3) identifying gaps in current research; and (4) discussing challenges and opportunities for public health and health policy in Massachusetts and across the country.