American Notes MASSACHUSETTS

"Forty million Americans have not a dime of health insurance," Michael Dukakis reminds audiences on the campaign trail, as he argues that the Federal Government should provide low-cost coverage. Last week the Governor could point to his home state as an example of how that can be done: the Massachusetts legislature passed the nation's first comprehensive health- insurance bill. By 1992 coverage will extend to everyone in the state, including the unemployed.

While the bill does not require businesses to provide health insurance, companies with more than five employees must either offer coverage or contribute a maximum of $1,680 to a state fund for each uninsured worker. Eventually, private and public health insurance should be extended to 600,000 people, 10% of the state's population, who are without coverage. Opponents are concerned that the plan will hurt small businesses and damage the Massachusetts economy. In 1992 the plan will cost companies, employees and the state an estimated $444 million in additional funds.