The first state to enact universal access to health care was Maine, which passed the Dirigo Health Reform Act in 2003, an attempt through various reforms to provide state residents health care by 2009.  Next Illinois passed the All Kids Health Insurance Program in 2005, expanding coverage to all children under 18. 

In 2006 Massachusetts and Vermont passed legislation to expand coverage to all state residents.  The Massachusetts plan combines a number of strategies, including an individual mandate for health insurance.  The Vermont plan provides comprehensive coverage for uninsured state residents.

All told, ten states considered universal health care bills this year, but in seven states the measures failed one way or another (and a bill is still pending in one state):

• California (S.B. 840 passed the assembly, but was vetoed by the governor in September.)
• Connecticut (S.B. 482 did not pass out of committee during regular session.)
• Florida (FL S.B. 310 did not pass out of committee during regular session.)
• Hawaii (H.B. 3128 and S.B. 2436 did not pass out of committee during regular session; H.B. 3116 passed the legislature in May, but was vetoed by the governor in July.)
• Missouri (S.B. 777 and H.B. 2123 did not pass out of committee during regular session.)
• New Hampshire (L.S.R. 2257 died.)
• New York (A.B. 4129 pending in committee.)
• Wisconsin (S.B. 698 did not pass out of committee; however another bill, A.B. 1140, is expected to be introduced in January 2007.)

Even though a majority of legislatures failed to pass universal health insurance laws in 2006, supporters continue to press on.  Universal health care will continue to be a critical issue to monitor in 2007.     

Source:

• “2006 Bills on Universal Health Care Coverage: Legislatures Fill in the Gaps,” National Conference of State Legislatures (website accessed October 20, 2006): http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/universalhealth2006.htm