Massachusetts program captures attention of states
August 25, 2007

CAMBRIDGE, Mass - A chronic nerve condition in his neck and recurring
stomachaches dogged Joe Rothfarb until the 25-year-old left California for
Massachusetts, where an ambitious new state law is opening doors once closed
to many seeking affordable medical care.

The frustrating search for health insurance in California thrust the former
rock musician into a Catch-22 familiar to millions of Americans: Undergoing
diagnostic tests meant submitting claims to pay the medical bills, which
caused one insurer to refuse to renew Rothfarb's policy because he was
tabbed as having a pre-existing condition.

His move to Boston a year ago to do graduate studies in social work at
Boston University changed all that.

                  ( much political and religious writings deleted )

Rothfarb, the transplanted Californian, said that before his move to
Massachusetts, he took a job of little interest to him with a manufacturer
of testicular and breast implants and other prosthetic devices in Santa
Barbara only because the position offered a group policy that seemed to meet
his needs.

Now he pays $35 a month - with no deductibles but a $10 co-pay - for a
policy that covers CT scans, specialists, routine care, drugs and physical
therapy.