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Utah Could Follow Massachusetts Model for Health Coverage

None by KCPW

Experts to Advise Huntsman

Massachusetts may be on to something, according to Governor Jon Huntsman, Junior. He plans to tap the expertise of the team that advised Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in recently creating near universal coverage by requiring all state residents to obtain health insurance.

Huntsman says a similar plan could work for Utah, partnering with insurance companies and sanctioning people who do not obtain health insurance. Furthermore, he wants to take care of what he calls the "free-rider problem" of people using emergency services as a substitute for health coverage. Huntsman says he's still interested in allowing small businesses to tap into the state's public health pool as another way to lower costs.

There are approximately 250-thousand Utahns who are uninsured. The Governor says he's committed to coming up with some fixes by the next legislative session. The new Massachusetts health plan is coming under criticism that it will be considerably more costly than lawmakers estimate.


Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW

1. Helen Langan said:

Julie,

I couldn't agree with this more. I hope our legislative leaders will take this to heart.

Helen Langan

2. Karolyn Wilson Frost said:

I believe in a country with the medical technology that we have it is a shame that we do not have health care for all of the citizens. It is a huge issue. I work at times for our Emergency room and the abuse of services costing valuable tax dollars and the amount of charity work we provide is unbelievable. This is a very worthy subject to write about. The amount it costs in an ER for a "cold, fever, sore throat is unbelievable and the amount of abuse of the ER is also incredible. I believe everyone poor,middle class,rich should have health care. Thanks for the opportunity to express my opinion. Karolyn

3. Doug Andrus said:

I find it really strange that in a state that requires people to work 40 hrs for a position in poverty, because our minimum wage doesn't cover a subsistance level standard of living, is worried about health insurance. I keep getting the feeling I had better check my wallet before the Republican majority of congress robs me once again. Where were the republicans when Hilary Clinton was shouting about the Health Care Crisis that was coming. Once again hind sight of the conservative group that is spending more than they have to spend again and blaming it on the Democrats and other progressive thinkers of our society. I think that our state had better take a long hard look before we jump into another Iraq like deception. Our state is nowhere near as wealthy as Mass. Our working poor are in need of help on the wage level not the wealfare level.

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