The Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector: A Model for State and Federal Health Reform?

Award Amount: $91,276
Approval Date: November 11, 2008
Start Date: November 15, 2008
End Date: October 14, 2009
Trustees of Tufts College
136 Harrison Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Principal Investigator: Amy Lischko, Ph.D.

The Massachusetts Health Insurance Connector, an integral part of the state's comprehensive health insurance reform, was established to facilitate the purchase of quality, affordable health insurance by small businesses and individuals who lack access to employer-sponsored health coverage. With a new president soon to take office and with states indicating strong interest in health reform, interest in the Connector and its effectiveness is growing. For this project, researchers will analyze state data and interview government officials and representatives of small businesses, consumer groups, health plans, and other stakeholders to examine the structure of the Connector and its impact on the efficiency of the Massachusetts health care system, the affordability of insurance and scope of benefits, and administrative burdens. The findings will help determine how the Connector contributes to Massachusetts' health reform and possible lessons for other states and the nation.