John Auerbach's take on the Mass. model

Massachusetts and its health coverage law continue to be under the national spotlight during the debate on revamping the country's health care system.

The Wall Street Journal's Health Blog decided to ask John Auerbach, commissioner of the state Department of Public Health, whether he thinks health has improved here since the law mandating near-universal coverage was passed in 2006.

Yes, Auerbach answers, and gives three reasons why: Smoking rates have gone down, colonoscopies have gone up, and more flu shots were given than ever, all signs that people were getting care they might not otherwise have received without being insured.