Monthly Archives: July 2008

Health Reform Up Close and Personal: Day 10

Posted on July 31, 2008 by

On the last day of the legislative session, with the health reform funding bill poised to be enacted and federal waiver negotiations still not complete, we want to yet again make sure everyone understands the human dimensions of chapter 58. … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 3 Comments

Last Dance, Last Dance, for L……….legislation

Posted on July 31, 2008 by

Today’s the last day of the formal legislative session. Like every two years, the final days are a blur of activity as the House and Senate rush to get through an agenda that can’t all fit in the time left. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Mental Health, Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control, MA Health Reform, Oral Health | Leave a comment

Big Progress on Smoking

Posted on July 30, 2008 by

The percentage of adults smoking in Massachusetts reached a historic low in 2007, dropping 8 percent from 2006 to 2007 (EOHHS press release here). Only 16.4% of the adult population is smoking, and the number continues to fall. This gives … Continue reading →

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Health Reform Up Close and Personal: Day 9

Posted on July 30, 2008 by

With the House-passed health reform funding bill before the Senate today, we want to make sure everyone understands the human dimensions of chapter 58. While us policy experts are discussing tens and hundreds of millions of dollars for this or … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

House Advances Shared Responsibility

Posted on July 29, 2008 by

The House today approved a supplemental budget bill (H. 5022, House press release/summary) that includes a modified version of Governor Patrick’s shared responsibility funding proposal to meet the MassHealth and Commonwealth Care shortfall for this year. The House decisively rejected … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

Health Reform Up Close and Personal: Day 8

Posted on July 28, 2008 by

With critical state and federal funding decisions for health reform under consideration over the next week or so, we want to make sure everyone understands the human dimensions of chapter 58. While us policy experts are discussing tens and hundreds … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Just Do It: The End-of-Session Legislative Agenda

Posted on July 28, 2008 by

The legislature turns into a pumpkin at midnight, Thursday, with the end of formal sessions. Legislation can still pass during the informal sessions which will continue through the end of the year, but anything controversial has to get through both … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Mental Health, Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control, MA Health Reform, Oral Health | 2 Comments

Health Reform Up Close and Personal: Day 7

Posted on July 27, 2008 by

With critical state and federal funding decisions for health reform under consideration over the next week or so (the federal waiver will enter its third 2-week extension Monday), we want to make sure everyone understands the human dimensions of chapter … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Health Reform Revenue – The Economic Analysis

Posted on July 27, 2008 by

Governor Patrick has proposed $130 million in assessments on employers, hospitals and insurers in order to fund a shortfall in MassHealth (mostly) and Commonwealth Care (some) for the current year. Without the funds, the state would cut back on benefits … Continue reading →

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Health Reform Up Close and Personal: Day 6 (rerun edition)

Posted on July 26, 2008 by

Back in April of last year, we posted a number of quotes collected by our Helpline (800-272-4232) from newly enrolled Commonwealth Care members. Since it’s the weekend, please excuse the repost. The stories are relevant again as state funding for … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 7 Comments