Monthly Archives: December 2008

Real Voices: Your Weekly Dose from the HCFA Helpline

Posted on December 20, 2008 by

Every week we highlight the voices of real people that contact our Helpline every day. Once a week you will be introduced to a family whose life has changed for the better due to health reform. If you or anyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Helpline | 1 Comment

Connector Board Votes on CommCare Procurement RFP: “Mr. Holland’s Opus”

Posted on December 19, 2008 by

The Connector Board sneaked in a Friday morning meeting before the anticipated snow storm to vote on the revised Managed Care Organization (MCO) procurement RFP. The Board discussed revisions to the proposed procurement process at length. The Board was also … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

American Academy of Pediatrics Pushes for Inclusion of Oral Health

Posted on December 19, 2008 by

The U.S. Surgeon General has identified the mouth as an early warning system, signaling trouble in other parts of the body. Oral health is inextricably linked to overall health. In fact, dental disease is caused by a bacterial infection in … Continue reading →

Posted in Oral Health | 1 Comment

Quality and Cost Council Approves Revised FY 2010 Budget Request

Posted on December 18, 2008 by

The Health Care Quality and Cost Council (QCC) met on Wednesday and approved its budget request for level funding of $1.182 million. Before this year’s 9C cuts, the QCC had proposed an FY10 budget of $3.2 million, so its new … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | Leave a comment

How Low Can It Go? 2.6% MA Uninsurance Rate

Posted on December 18, 2008 by

Congratulations to Massachusetts! Our rate of uninsurance is down to a remarkable low of 2.6%. The Division of Health Care Finance and Policy just released their annual report, “Health Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts: Estimates from the 2008 Massachusetts Health Insurance … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 2 Comments

Snow Alert: Connector Board Rescheduled to 10:00 Friday

Posted on December 18, 2008 by

Tomorrow, the Connector Board will meet at 10:00 am–in the 21st floor conference room of One Ashburton Place, Boston. The Board is scheduled to vote on the revised CommCare reprocurement plan. For the ACT!! Coalition’s reaction to the CommCare reprocurement … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Disparities Council meets

Posted on December 17, 2008 by

The Council on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities reconvened on Monday, after a two month hiatus. The meeting was chaired by Representative Byron Rushing and new Co-Chair Senator Susan Fargo. In collaboration with EOHHS Secretary Bigby, the two chairs led … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Disparities | Leave a comment

Data! Get Your Health Data Here!

Posted on December 17, 2008 by

The Division of Health Care Finance and Policy recently released two reports that provide an in-depth look into the Health Safety Net and the financial performance of Massachusetts’ hospitals. The Health Safety Net 2008 Annual Report gives an overview of … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market | Leave a comment

CommCare Anxiety

Posted on December 17, 2008 by

I’m feeling anxious about the Commonwealth Care reprocurement process, and it doesn’t feel seasonally appropriate. At last week’s Connector Board meeting (click here for the Powerpoint), Connector staff Patrick Holland offered to the Board a presentation on the Commonwealth Care … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 2 Comments

Berkshire Eagle: “DPH should insist on full disclosure.”

Posted on December 17, 2008 by

The Berkshire Eagle joined numerous other objective experts in calling for tougher DPH regulations on public disclosure of drug industry payments to doctors. The Blue Mass Group has been all over this issue, too (Lack of disclosure still doesn’t add … Continue reading →

Posted in Prescription Drug Reform | 1 Comment