After facing double-digit premium increases three years in a row, the Early Learning Child Care center in New Bedford, MA, dropped their employee health coverage and started paying a mandated fine to the state under the the Massachusetts universal coverage law.

And ... it wasn't a total disaster, like it would be in most states.

The center's employees were able to sign up with Commonwealth Care, so they still have coverage. And their jobs.

It was hard to get universal coverage passed, but stories like this remind us why it was worth it to have members in Massachusetts organize for it in their state, and members all across the country organize for it nationally.

When private premiums go up more than 50 percent in three years and small businesses just can't take the strain, it's better if people don't have to fall into absolute poverty or reach retirement age in order to get other coverage.