MetroFuture supports the Commonwealth’s goal of universal health insurance. The plan will help residents to access health care by increasing transportation services to health care facilities. Its emphasis on physical activity and access to healthy food will also yield better health outcomes, reducing the incidence of obesity and its attendant health problems. Healthier lifestyles and better preventative care are two important factors in the production of a comprehensive and sustainable health care system, but health care affordability must be addressed as well. The Commonwealth would continue to work with insurers, businesses, and individuals to guarantee that individuals can not only afford their health insurance premiums but also copayments,
deductibles, medications, and other expenses associated with health care.

Cost is a substantial barrier to accessing health care in the Commonwealth, even among the insured. As of 2007, 86% of uninsured residents reported cost to be an obstacle to care. Attaining the Commonwealth’s goal of universal health insurance is a goal within reach – almost 95% of the Commonwealth’s residents were insured in 2007. However, an increasing number of the insured – up from 29% in 2000 to 37% in 2007 – are also reporting cost to be an obstacle.

Objectives:

• All residents in the region will have health insurance.
• A decreasing proportion of the region’s residents aged 19 to 64 will find cost to be an obstacle to obtaining medical care.