Diametrically opposed

Abstract

As states continue to grapple with rising healthcare costs and budget constraints, two have set themselves on divergent paths. In Vermont, Gov. Peter Shumlin, left, is set to sign a bill that would steer the state toward a single-payer system in which residents will have their care paid for out of a single fund. Meanwhile, Florida is on the verge of turning its Medicaid program into a managed-care system to be overseen by private insurers.