Gregory Sullivan, Massachusetts inspector general, has expressed dismay at recent data showing high numbers of patients from New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island coming to Massachusetts for free medical care, according to a Boston Herald news report.
In 2006, the state of Massachusetts passed a healthcare reform bill that extends free primary care, urgent care and long-term care to uninsured low-income state residents. However, residency requirements are not strictly enforced, according to the news report. As a result, of the $6.8 million Massachusetts spent on free medical care for out-of-state residents in 2009, 30 percent was spent on New Hampshire residents, 12 percent on Rhode Island residents and 10 percent on Connecticut residents.
"The taxpayers of Massachusetts, out of compassion, to help people who cannot (afford) health care, established this free care fund," said Mr. Sullivan. "Now, people from out of the state are taking advantage of it, and it's not right."
Data showed out-of-staters did not just hail from the Northwest. According to the news report, individuals from every state, except Arizona, traveled to Massachusetts to obtain free medical care.
Read the news report about Massachusetts free medical care.
Read other coverage about healthcare costs:
- Louisiana to Distribute $83M to Private Hospitals That Care for Needy Patients
- HDHPs Reduce Health Spending by 14%
- 8 Points on Dealing with Medicare Value-Based Purchasing
In 2006, the state of Massachusetts passed a healthcare reform bill that extends free primary care, urgent care and long-term care to uninsured low-income state residents. However, residency requirements are not strictly enforced, according to the news report. As a result, of the $6.8 million Massachusetts spent on free medical care for out-of-state residents in 2009, 30 percent was spent on New Hampshire residents, 12 percent on Rhode Island residents and 10 percent on Connecticut residents.
"The taxpayers of Massachusetts, out of compassion, to help people who cannot (afford) health care, established this free care fund," said Mr. Sullivan. "Now, people from out of the state are taking advantage of it, and it's not right."
Data showed out-of-staters did not just hail from the Northwest. According to the news report, individuals from every state, except Arizona, traveled to Massachusetts to obtain free medical care.
Read the news report about Massachusetts free medical care.
Read other coverage about healthcare costs:
- Louisiana to Distribute $83M to Private Hospitals That Care for Needy Patients
- HDHPs Reduce Health Spending by 14%
- 8 Points on Dealing with Medicare Value-Based Purchasing