Some have cited Massachusetts as an example of what Obama’s health care approach will be like.
Charlie Baker points to many of the circumstances unique to Massachusetts, such as “a declining population, a tight labor market, high per capita income, and relatively rich plan designs in its public and private health insurance programs,” which are characteristics that may not be applicable to other states.
But what really was the tipping point pushing the legislation to pass? It was the decision to ignore health costs, and indeed, “Massachusetts . . . decided not to hold coverage hostage to the difficult decisions about cost. “
Will the federal government have that same luxury? It’s unlikely in the current economic environment. As Mr. Baker points out, ignoring costs “simply takes a terrible situation and makes it even worse.”
