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MASSACHUSETTS CONNECTOR
A BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCOUNT
OF WHAT WENT WRONG
by Josh Archambault
Pioneers Mission
Pioneer Institute is an independent, non-partisan, privately funded research organization that seeks
to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts through civic discourse and intellectually rigorous,
data-driven public policy solutions based on free market principles, individual liberty and responsibility,
and the ideal of effective, limited and accountable government.
This paper is a the Center for Health Care Solutions, which seeks to refocus the
Massachusetts conversation about health care costs away from government-imposed
interventions, toward market-based reforms. Current initiatives include driving public
discourse on Medicaid; presenting a strong consumer perspective as the state considers
a dramatic overhaul of the health care payment process; and supporting thoughtful
tort reforms.
The Center for Better Government seeks limited, accountable government by promoting
competitive delivery of public services, elimination of unnecessary regulation, and a focus
on core government functions. Current initiatives promote reform of how the state builds,
manages, repairs and finances its transportation assets as well as public employee benefit
reform.
The Center for School Reform seeks to increase the education options available to parents
and students, drive system-wide reform, and ensure accountability in public education. The
Centers work builds on Pioneers legacy as a recognized leader in the charter public school
movement, and as a champion of greater academic rigor in Massachusetts elementary
and secondary schools. Current initiatives promote choice and competition, school-based
management, and enhanced academic performance in public schools.
Pioneer Institute is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 organization funded through the donations of individuals, foundations and businesses
committed to the principles Pioneer espouses. To ensure its independence, Pioneer does not accept government grants.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
11
14
Looking Back
17
Conclusion
20
21
Endnotes
22
Introduction
Phase 1
Phase 2
10
Phase 3
We called it UDT Users Do Testing because nothing had been tested ahead of the
launch, it was a joke.
11
12
13
Phase 4
14
15
16
Looking Back
17
18
19
Conclusion
20
About Pioneer
Recent Publications
Josh holds a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard Universitys Kennedy School and a BA in
Political Studies and Economics from Gordon
College.
21
Endnotes
1. Josh Archambault, The Undisclosed Cost of Developing an Affordable Care Act State Exchange in Massachusetts,
September, 2014, Pioneer Institute. Available at: http://pioneerinstitute.org/download/the-undisclosed-cost-ofdeveloping-an-affordable-care-act-state-exchange-in-massachusetts/
2. Paul Solman, Mass. Exchange Model Shows Vast Coverage for Citizens, High Care Costs for State, PBS
NewsHour, October 1, 2013. Available at: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/business-july-dec13-makingsense_10-01/
3. Chelsea Conaboy, State Knew About Troubles with Health Site, The Boston Globe, January 25, 2014.
4. Editorial, Nothing to See, Folks, Boston Herald, November 13, 2013.
5. Josh Archambault, SURPRISE: Massachusetts Is Home To Americas Worst-Performing ObamaCare Exchange,
Forbes, January 29, 2014.
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