Monthly Archives: February 2008

The CommCare/MMCO Contract Fracas

Posted on February 29, 2008 by

Globe’s Alice Dembner does a fine job in today’s article outlining the contentious renegotiation between the Connector and the four Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MMCOs) to manage coverage for the 177,000 enrollees in Commonwealth Care. The Commonwealth wants to keep … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 2 Comments

It’s Not Just Drug Companies Doing It…

Posted on February 28, 2008 by

From today’s Washington Post, check out this story about the relationships between medical device makers and some/many surgeons who use their devices: Four makers of artificial hips and knees paid doctors more than $800 million in royalties and fees in … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market | 3 Comments

Sen. Pres. Murray to Release Cost Control Proposal on Monday

Posted on February 28, 2008 by

From today’s State House News Service, much anticipated: Senate President Therese Murray, who has been working on legislation to control rising health care costs, will outline her proposal Monday in Worcester. In a media advisory, Murray’s office said her bill … Continue reading →

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

Connector Meeting Postponed

Posted on February 27, 2008 by

The Connector issued the following statement today (Wednesday) after 5:00 p.m.: Connector Board Chairwoman and Secretary of Administration and Finance Leslie Kirwan announced today that Thursday’s Connector Board meeting has been postponed. The following is a statement from Secretary Kirwan. … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Health Experts Decry “Harry & Louise” Tactics

Posted on February 26, 2008 by

Nineteen health policy experts (one MA signer — MIT’s Jon Gruber) issue an open letter to presidential candidates complaining about the tone of the dialogue on health care, key excerpt: Unfortunately, the Obama campaign is circulating in Ohio and elsewhere … Continue reading →

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

Gov. Patrick Testifies in DC on SCHIP

Posted on February 26, 2008 by

Click here for Gov. Deval Patrick’s testimony today before the House Energy and Commerce Committee in Washington DC on the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. This morning, Governor Patrick was in DC to testify in support of overturning the Bush … Continue reading →

Posted in US health policy | Leave a comment

Real Life on Commonwealth Care

Posted on February 25, 2008 by

This Thursday, 2/28, the Connector Board will vote on raising copays and premiums for CommCare. The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) has done an excellent job of gathering CommCare consumer stories and their real-life budgets. Read Yolanda’s letter to Gov. … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 3 Comments

Essential Cost Control Reading: “Overtreated”

Posted on February 24, 2008 by

Word is that Sen. President Therese Murray’s cost control legislative proposal is coming soon — maybe this week or next. As we kick off what we hope will be a vigorous cost control discussion, it may be helpful to start … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market, Health Care Quality | 4 Comments

Q&C Council Push Back Web Launch

Posted on February 24, 2008 by

From State House News Service: The Massachusetts Health Care Quality and Cost Council will miss its March 1 deadline to make comparative health care information available on its website. “We’re not going to make it,” said Katharine London, executive director … Continue reading →

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New Additions of the Health Blogosphere

Posted on February 23, 2008 by

Two noteworthy and worthy additions to the health blogging universe have come to our attention. The Connecticut Health Policy Project has started the CT Health Notes Blog, a great new source of health policy information and analysis from the Nutmeg … Continue reading →

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