I've just never seen anything that says we're healthier now, just that most people are covered.
Well, here's a portion of the sites I searched and some of its findings:
According to this survey on WalletPop in 2009 which crunches data received from an annual list from CQ Press, Massachusetts was listed as the second most healthiest state. According to another survey from Forbes in 2010, Massachusetts is also ranked second (only behind to Vermont). And according to CNBC surveys, Massachusetts was ranked third.
20 Healthiest States for 2009 (Photos)-- WalletPop
Full Ranking: America's Healthiest And Unhealthiest States - Forbes.com
News Headlines
When we read the blurbs listed in these surveys about Massachusetts, we find that the state has the highest percentage of children & regular citizens covered by health insurance. This is also backed by a chart on Wikipedia that measures the percentage of uninsured people by state, using Census Bureau data obtained in their regular Current Population Survey. In 2007, Massachusetts had the lowest percentage of 5.4% and has been the lowest in subsequent years for 2008 (5.5%) and 2009 (4.4%).
Health insurance coverage in the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Also, here are more statistics regarding the 2006 health bill.
Despite roughly 44% of people who don't like it being mandated, the new health care law still receives 63% of support from its citizens, which breaks down to being 77% of Democrats, 60% of Independents and even 40% of Republicans. Despite a difficult financial environment in the state, 74% want the law to continue, with 51% favoring continuing it with some changes and 23% continuing it as is.
Massachusetts Support for Health Reform Rises Despite Rising Costs
Again, my point is that if Romney ran as an Independent he could use this to his advantage to sway voters. I provided just five of several independent sources showing that it does work. If I was running for president and had this as a trump card, I'd certainly be playing it. Considering the support it receives from Independent voters, it can only play to his advantage since he's getting little to no support from any of the key players in the GOP to begin with. But as a Republican candidate he has to denounce and run away from it since their litmus test requires everyone to publicly denounce anything governmentally funded.
Oh and good luck getting MassHealth if you can't afford a private plan. I've been waiting months.
Before I moved to New York permanently I was on MassHealth. Like any government program it takes a lot of time to process. But ultimately, if you're low to medium income and can't afford a private plan it's worth the wait. Better to have something than nothing at all.