Apr 10, 2008 3:20 pm US/Eastern
2 Years Later: The Impact Of The Health Care Law
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Families and lawmakers are celebrating the second anniversary of landmark legislation mandating health coverage for all Massachusetts residents.
So what kind of effect is the law having on our system?
Hundreds of thousands of people have signed up for health benefits since the state's new law requiring coverage took effect last year.
That means many fewer people are uninsured, but it also means a greater burden on an already strained health care system.
Two years ago, Danielle Nickerson lost her job and her health insurance.
"I have a seven year old daughter," she said. "This was a huge shock."
But she was lucky to get health benefits through the state's new law requiring insurance for all residents
"If I didn't have health insurance, there is no way I could see a doctor," she said.
About 340,000 people have signed up for health coverage since the law was passed two years ago.
That's more than triple the number originally expected.
So in order to help ensure that coverage, state lawmakers are proposing several initiatives to curb rising health care costs, which are putting a burden on employers, businesses and families.
The huge influx of new patients is also putting a huge burden on the already growing shortage of primary care physicians in Massachusetts.
Hoping to relieve some of the pressure, state lawmakers have proposed bills to forgive medical school debt for new doctors willing to become primary care doctors in underserved areas.
Massachusetts has also recently authorized the opening of mini-clinics in drug stores like CVS.
Experts are also encouraging people to see more nurse practitioners and physician's assistants for help.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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