Montana Aiming for Universal Coverage

Big Sky Health Insurance: Montana is looking to become the second U.S. state to offer universal health coverage through a "health exchange," according to the Helena Independent Record. A bill being drafted in the Montana Legislature would "create a state health insurance exchange, which would work through existing private insurance companies to make insurance more accessible to individuals." It is modeled on a similar program in Massachusetts in which "employers are required to offer a policy to their employees, and all individuals eventually have the responsibility to get insurance." One expert likens Massachusetts’ system to "a giant human resources department run by the state," in which employees choose from a menu of options and companies potentially could reduce what they pay for the insurance. Companies would pay into a giant pool, but employees would be able to keep the same policy if they switch jobs. It’s unclear, however, how such a plan may affect waiting times to see doctors, premiums, referrals and exclusions from coverage.

—Garry Kranz