Monthly Archives: July 2007

National Guide to “Connectors”

Posted on July 17, 2007 by

Michael Miller and Christine Barber, our colleagues at Community Catalyst, have created “A Consumer Guide to Creating a Health Insurance Connector.” Click here for the full report. They explore strengths and weaknesses of the Connector, using the Massachusetts prototype as … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform, States | 3 Comments

Kerry on Medicaid Waiver: What Does He Know?

Posted on July 16, 2007 by

From today’s State House News Service: Kerry said he was optimistic a $385 million federal Medicaid waiver’s extension could be negotiated. He said, “It’s so tied to the health care reform that’s taking place here. It’s really critical to that. … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Things Are Moving in California

Posted on July 15, 2007 by

Check out the 7/1/07 post on the California Health Access Blog for details on the emerging health access package in the CA legislature. Favorite line: ardent single payer supporter, Sen. Sheila Kuehl, speaking at the hearing: Sen. Sheila Kuehl joked … Continue reading →

Posted in States | 2 Comments

Bush Threatens SCHIP Veto — Make Our Day

Posted on July 15, 2007 by

I have mixed feelings about today’s report that President Bush is preparing a veto of the bipartisan plan to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) when it reaches his desk, most probably in September before the current program … Continue reading →

Posted in US health policy | 2 Comments

Free “Employers’ Guide” to MA Health Reform

Posted on July 14, 2007 by

Alden Bianchi, from Mintz Levin, is a first-rate legal expert on MA health reform and the sticky-wicket of state health reform — the federal Employee Retirement and Income Security Act (aka: ERISA) of 1974. Alden has produced an updated version … Continue reading →

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Another Pool Reg Gotcha

Posted on July 13, 2007 by

Look at the map below, of Massachusetts Community Health Centers: Here’s the quiz: which of the 52 community health centers are independent, and which operate under the license of a hospital? Not sure? Under the proposed new Pool regulations, it … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Patrick Administration Acts to Ensure Employers Pay their Share

Posted on July 13, 2007 by

Good news out from Blue Cross Blue Shield today. The insurer has decided to rescind its recent decision to lower its minimum employer contribution rate requirement to 33%. Until this month, BCBS and all insurers in the state required employers … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market, MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

New Lifeguard, New Pool

Posted on July 12, 2007 by

The Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) issued its draft regulations for the “Health Safety Net Trust Fund” today. This is the unwieldy name given to the fund that will replace the Uncompensated Care Pool starting on October. … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 3 Comments

Connector Board Revisits Minimum Standards for Drug Coverage

Posted on July 12, 2007 by

Executive Director Report Jon Kingsdale opened today’s Connector Board (materials are here) by highlighting the “steady growth” of coverage. June closed with 27,000 new individuals enrolled in plans. CommCare grew by 12,000 and 15,000 enrolled in unsubsidized “commercial plans” (CommChoice … Continue reading →

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Spitzer Sets a Universal Health Agenda for NYS

Posted on July 12, 2007 by

From yesterday’s NYTimes, New York Governor Eliot Spitzer is directing key folks in his Adminstration to start work on a universal health coverage plan for New York State: Mr. Spitzer has directed the health commissioner and the insurance superintendent to … Continue reading →

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