Monthly Archives: June 2008

Legislature Enacts Cigarette Tax Increase

Posted on June 30, 2008 by

This afternoon, the House and Senate both passed an increase in the state tobacco tax. The $1 increase was part of the larger tax bill, and the legislature decided to pull out this piece to pass it with a July … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

Health Reform In the News (always)

Posted on June 30, 2008 by

A few good clicks: 1. “Money well spent” – that’s the conclusion of the Boston Globe editorial from Saturday on the outreach grant funding now before the budget conferees. The Globe drew this lesson from the delayed mailing of notices … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

2 Quality & Cost Council Committee Meetings Wednesday

Posted on June 30, 2008 by

The Health Care Quality and Cost Council will hold 2 committee meetings Wednesday, July 2, at One Ashburton Place, 21st floor.  The End of Life Committee will meet from 11-12:30 and the Communications and Transparency Committee will meet from 3-5.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control | Leave a comment

An Excellent E-Health E-Vent

Posted on June 27, 2008 by

The Third Annual E-Health Consumer Summit was a room-bursting success. Titled, “Are We There Yet? The Mass eHealth Collaborative Experience: Lessons Learned, Opportunities and Challenges for the Future,” the agenda balanced presentations – one weighing the policies and procedures of … Continue reading →

Posted in E-health, Health Care Quality | 3 Comments

Merrimack Valley Voices For Children’s Mental Health

Posted on June 27, 2008 by

Kayla (pictured above with her mother and Re. Golden) is one of the lucky ones. Faced with a bipolar diagnosis and substance abuse issues as a high school student, she and her family were able to access treatment that effectively … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Mental Health | Leave a comment

Quality and Cost Council to Advance at Retreat

Posted on June 27, 2008 by

The Health Care Quality and Cost Council will be holding a day-long retreat on Monday, June 30 at Worcester State College’s Student Center – Blue Lounge, 486 Chandler Street in Worcester (directions and campus map link -look for building 10). … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control | Leave a comment

In the Internet We Trust?

Posted on June 25, 2008 by

Some exciting news for consumers in the e-health world today: at a press conference this afternoon, Connecting for Health/Markle Foundation released its long-awaited Common Framework for Networked Personal Health Information. Endorsed by many organizations, including AARP, Consumers Union, The National … Continue reading →

Posted in E-health, Health Care Quality | Leave a comment

Prominent Doctors, Med Student Groups Support Gift Ban

Posted on June 24, 2008 by

The pharmaceutical gift ban is garnering more support from health care providers across the state. Four prominent Massachusetts physicians wrote to Governor Patrick, Speaker DiMasi and Senate President Murray in support of legislation that would prohibit pharmaceutical companies from giving … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control, Prescription Drug Reform | 2 Comments

Paul and Charlie Talk Transparency

Posted on June 23, 2008 by

Great back-and-forth dialogue in the comments section of our blog last week on the delay in the Quality and Cost Council’s website. At issue is the planned public posting of hospital cost data. The discussion is between Paul Levy, President … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | 5 Comments

Brockton Children’s Mental Health Forum – Local Voices Speak Out

Posted on June 23, 2008 by

On Friday, the Children’s Mental Health Campaign held its eighth regional legislative forum on reform of the children’s mental health system. Several parents shared stories about their personal struggles to get help for their children. These parents are often frustrated … Continue reading →

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