BOSTON -- Insurance. Not the most exciting topic, but here in the Bay State, it has served as a political battleground and often a nightmare for anyone who gets sick or drives a car.

The health care revolution and the auto insurance overhaul could have been ungodly messes, but to date -- they are not.

According to recent census data, Massachusetts has the highest rate of insured residents in the nation. The federal government and other states have talked about it, but our state government created, from scratch, the first national model to push universal health care.

Although some companies are complaining about phase two of increased contributions and some individuals are being spun out of the system, so much has been achieved without the predicted agony.

The same applies to the state’s new managed competition for auto insurance. We have replaced a convoluted system, bringing new insurers to Massachusetts, with the companion benefits of generally lower rates and better deals for good drivers.

The many government agencies responsible have taken the bold steps toward successful implementation of true insurance reform. As consumers, it is now up to us do our homework and re-up.