Brief Will Health Reform Lead to Job Loss? Evidence from Massachusetts Says No.
Lisa Dubay, Sharon K. Long, Emily Lawton
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In 2006, Massachusetts enacted an ambitious health care reform bill that greatly expanded insurance coverage in the state. This brief explores whether the State's reform initiative led to a dampening of employment and, thus, economic growth. Employment trends in Massachusetts immediately after health reform was implemented and over the period of the recession closely mirrored those of comparison states that had similar employment patterns to Massachusetts prior to health reform. The evidence suggests that Massachusetts has achieved its goal of near-universal health insurance coverage under its 2006 health reform initiative, with no indication of negative job consequences.
Research Areas Health and health care
Tags Health insurance State health care reform
Policy Centers Health Policy Center