Universal Health Care to Cost Massachusetts More Than Was Budgeted
18 04 08 - 14:21
By KEVIN SACK
Published: April 17, 2008
In its first full year, universal health coverage in Massachusetts will cost the state $153.1 million more than was budgeted, according to a supplemental budget request released Monday by Gov. Deval Patrick. The state had appropriated $472 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, but enrollment in the state's subsidized insurance programs for low- and middle-income workers exceeded expectations. About 340,000 of the state's estimated 600,000 uninsured have gained coverage since Massachusetts began requiring health insurance.
state had projected that 136,000 people would sign up for its Commonwealth Care policies, but 174,000 are now enrolled. Cyndi Roy, a spokeswoman for Mr. Patrick, a Democrat, said this year's shortfall would be offset by surplus revenues in the state's general fund. For the coming fiscal year, Mr. Patrick has requested $869 million for Commonwealth Care, but his aides have already conceded that will not be enough as enrollment continues to grow.