Comments on: What Universal Coverage Means in Massachusetts

By: Neil H.

Neil H. — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:19:17 +0000

This is how death spirals begin. As the pool gets sicker, prebmiums rise and then more healthy people drop out and premiums rise even more …….

By: Devon Herrick

Devon Herrick — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:24:27 +0000

Massachusetts offers many lessons for what NOT to do with our health care system.

1) It’s easy to enroll people when coverage is free; but difficult when you expect people to pay for it.

2) If the penalty is low and enforcement non-existent, expect people to forgo coverage.

3) People will game the system and sign up for coverage long enough to get the care they need and drop afterwards.

By: Virginia

Virginia — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:47:03 +0000

I agree. It completely violates the fundamental principles of a well-functioning insurance market.

By: Larry C.

Larry C. — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:46:57 +0000

Some insurance friends of mine have been telling me about this for some time, but this is the first time I have seen it discussed in public.

By: Joe S.

Joe S. — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:55:11 +0000

I believe this is only the beginning. Once people understand that not having insurance means that they pay a nominal fine (if any) and that if they get sick they can always go get coverage at no extra cost, there will be many more gaming the system.