Monthly Archives: September 2007

Putting the Presidential Candidates’ Health Planks in Perspective

Posted on September 23, 2007 by

Today’s New York Times editorial does the best job we’ve seen assessing all the health positions of the Democratic and Republican candidates and putting them in a useful perspective. There’s reason to be hopeful, and there’s reason for concern. Money … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Politics, US health policy | 1 Comment

US Population Health in Perspective — We Stink

Posted on September 23, 2007 by

Stephen Schroeder, former head of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, makes a powerful case for a renewed and stepped up commitment to improve population health in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine – click here. “Improving population health would … Continue reading →

Posted in Public Health | 1 Comment

Update on MassHealth Dental Rates — A DHCFP Hearing

Posted on September 23, 2007 by

Earlier this week, the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) heard testimony regarding their proposals to adjust reimbursement rates paid to dental providers who treat MassHealth patients. In Massachusetts we face a crisis of access to dental care … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, MassHealth/Medicaid | Leave a comment

Notes from Quality & Cost Council Annual Meeting

Posted on September 22, 2007 by

A who’s who of quality improvement in MA gathered by the bay on Friday for the first annual meeting of the Massachusetts Health Care Quality & Cost Council. Secretary Judy Ann Bigby kicked off the event at the JFK Library … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

Health Safety Net Trust Fund Final Regs Issued Today

Posted on September 21, 2007 by

This afternoon, the State Division of Healthcare Financing and Policy issued its final regulations governing the new Health Safety Net Trust Fund taking effect on October 1. The Fund replaces the Uncompensated Care Pool, which turns into a pumpkin on … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

Re-Connecting: Connector Board Meeting 9/20/07

Posted on September 20, 2007 by

After an August hiatus, the Connector Board met this morning for the first time since July 12th (see all the handouts here). Secretary Kirwan opened the meeting with some personnel housekeeping. Nancy Schwartz attended the meeting for Insurance Commissioner Nonnie … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Is the Patrick Administration Readying a Declaration of War on Healthcare Costs?

Posted on September 20, 2007 by

For a meeting where not a heck of a lot happened, a heck of a lot happened at today’s Connector Board Meeting. Our report is above; here’s some excerpts from State House News’ report: BOSTON, SEPT. 20, 2007…..State officials implementing … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 3 Comments

EOHHS FY09 Budget Hearings

Posted on September 20, 2007 by

EOHHS Secretary Judy Ann Bigby will conduct two public hearings to hear the views of community members regarding the agencies under her purview. Wednesday, October 3, 2007 — 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont St, Roxbury, … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Politics, MassHealth/Medicaid | 1 Comment

Finally, Romney Says It: “I like the plan I put forward in Massachusetts”

Posted on September 19, 2007 by

OK, we categorize this as “health care humor.” Just count the number of times you break out laughing and you’ll get it. But this is no joke — this is Mitt Romney’s column in today’s Wall Street Journal. Priceless. Where … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Humor | 5 Comments

MA Is Number One in Health Spending, Again

Posted on September 19, 2007 by

It’s not news that MA has the highest per capita health spending in the nation, but the new Health Affairs study offers some helpful insights in understanding the nature of our dubious distinction. The numbers: 2004 — $6683 vs. $5283 … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market, States | Leave a comment