Report Compares Healthcare Access Through Public, Private Insurance

BOSTON — The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation has released a new report, “Monitoring Access to Care in Massachusetts: Comparing Public Coverage with Employer-sponsored Insurance Coverage.”

This report, prepared by Sharon Long and Thomas Dimmock of the Urban Institute, analyzes the 2013 Massachusetts Health Reform Survey (MHRS) by comparing the experience of adults with public coverage to adults with employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) coverage across a number of access and affordability measures.

Findings from the analysis show problems with access to care were more prevalent for adults with public coverage than for those with ESI. These disparities persist even after controlling for variations in healthcare needs and socioeconomic status between the two groups. The persistence of gaps in access to care for adults with public coverage raises concerns about systemic barriers to care within the Massachusetts healthcare system.

To read the report, visit bluecrossfoundation.org/publication/monitoring-access-care-massachusetts-comparing-public-coverage-employer-sponsored.