As health care overhaul supporters look to Massachusetts model, state’s residents look away

more images

more images

Does Mass. health care model need a double take?

BOSTON — Massachusetts residents may enjoy the state law that requires health insurance for all residents, but they aren’t convinced a national overhaul modeled after it will work.

That’s evidenced by this week’s upset win by the Republican who captured the U.S. Senate seat held for nearly 50 years by the late Edward Kennedy.

Scott Brown has vowed to block President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul even as he continues to defend the Massachusetts model.

Then there are people like 50-year-old cafeteria manager Mary Foote. She says “we’re paying enough for the health issue in Massachusetts without paying for the rest of the nation.”

Brown says allowing the federal government to expand on the state law would result in higher taxes and deep Medicaid cuts.