A study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that state wide reforms in Massachusetts’ health care system resulted in improved access for patients specifically suffering from colorectal cancer (CRC).
According to the report, “The state law promulgated basic health coverage for every resident, free health insurance for residents earning less than 150% of the federal poverty level, and employer-based insurance for businesses with more than 10 employees. And the plan was successful—within 6 years of the state law being passed, 98% of residents in Massachusetts had insurance coverage.”
The said law is said to be the precursor to the Affordable Care Act.
The study examined admission between 2001 and 2011 and included 17,500 CRC patients in Massachusetts and 144,000 patients in three control states, with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years.
Data showed that prior to state reform in 2006, patients who pay out of pocket and only had access to government facilities had lower access to care, specifically surgical interventions compared with those enrolled in private insurance.
In contrast, after the state-wide insurance reforms of 2006, the rate of surgical intervention increased by 44%.
Report author Surabhi Dangi-Garimella, PhD concluded, “These results are very encouraging, considering the dismal outcomes associated with CRC, which could stem from disparities in access, lack of insurance, site of care, and socioeconomic issues.”
