December 20, 2010: The 2010 Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey (MHIS) numbers were announced last week, revealing that an estimated 98.1 percent of all Massachusetts residents were covered by health insurance during the survey period (Spring 2010)—the highest coverage rate in the United States.

Massachusetts’ overall coverage increase represents a statistically significant year-over-year gain from 2009, when the MHIS results showed a 97.3 percent overall coverage rate for the state.  The same is true for the coverage rates of Massachusetts children, 99.8 percent of whom were covered in 2010, compared with  98.1 percent in 2009.  The MHIS data are consistent with the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) and Current Population Survey (CPS) estimates that reflect calendar year 2009.

SHADAC Senior Economist Sharon Long, who helps conduct the MHIS through her work with Urban Institute, commented, “The continued high level of insurance coverage in Massachusetts is quite impressive given the lingering effects of the Great Recession.  Massachusetts is a testament to what is possible when government, employers, providers and citizens participate together in the health reform process. “

Link to the full MHIS report, “Health Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts: Results from the 2008-2010 Massachusetts Health Insurance Surveys.”