Monthly Archives: June 2008

Survey: Public Opposes Drug Company Gifts

Posted on June 23, 2008 by

The proposed ban on gifts to doctors from pharmaceutical companies in the Senate health care cost and quality bill (S. 2660) has been grabbing headlines and op-ed space since it was first introduced in March, and now a new survey … Continue reading →

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

Waiver to be Extended 2 -4 Weeks

Posted on June 21, 2008 by

Friday’s “productive” meeting between Governor Patrick and federal HHS Secretary Leavitt resulted in an agreement to extend the current waiver for 2 weeks beyond the June 30 deadline. Because of July 4, it’s not certain that the negotiations can wrap … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Outreach Grantees Make It Happen

Posted on June 20, 2008 by

Last week, we received updates from the Office of Medicaid on the outreach grantees who are doing critical work in helping people sign up and stay on health care coverage under funding through EOHHS. Beginning in November 2007, 45 non-profit … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 2 Comments

Key Waiver Discussion in DC

Posted on June 19, 2008 by

Friday morning at 11:30, Governor Patrick, EOHHS Secretary Bigby and state officials will meet with federal HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt to discuss “the waiver.” Also at the meeting will be representatives from Senator Kerry and Senator Kennedy’s office, and possibly … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Study: Most Children Strongly Opposed To Children’s Healthcare

Posted on June 19, 2008 by

Study: Most Children Strongly Opposed To Children�s Healthcare

Posted in Health Care Humor | Leave a comment

Quality and Cost Council Meets: Website Delayed Until Mid-Summer

Posted on June 18, 2008 by

The Cost and Quality Council’s website launch has now been delayed until late July or early August due to problems with cost data. The Council members will be testing the site ahead of the launch. Kudos to Jim Conway, Council … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control | 8 Comments

Never Pay for Never Events

Posted on June 18, 2008 by

Would you pay more for car that’s defective than you would for one that’s works well? Of course not, but that’s pretty much how the health care payment system works. But change is afoot. EOHHS Secretary Bigby announced today that … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control | 1 Comment

Could Cost Transparency Increase Costs?

Posted on June 16, 2008 by

The Health Care Quality and Cost Council is putting the finishing touches on its first key deliverable, a website with detailed, comparable information on quality and the actual price providers charge for common medical procedures. The quality data will undoubtedly … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | 5 Comments

Disparities Council Meets

Posted on June 16, 2008 by

The Council on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities convened its monthly meeting today. Chaired by Senator Dianne Wilkerson and EOHHS Secretary Bigby, the Council built on its earlier meetings, beginning to outline a plan of action for the diverse group … Continue reading →

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Quality and Cost Council Meeting Wednesday

Posted on June 16, 2008 by

The Health Care Quality and Cost Council will be meeting on Wednesday, 1:00-4:00 pm at 1 Ashburton Place, 21st floor. The agenda includes: A. Update on Health Claims Data Issues: Suanne Singer, Maine Health Information Center B. Update on Website … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | Leave a comment