HCFA applauds the hard work of Speaker Sal DiMasi and his unwavering commitment to health reform in Massachusetts. DiMasi was a driving force behind the law. With just two years of implementation, over 440,000 previously uninsured people now have health insurance. The Speaker’s deep commitment to social justice shined through the countless hours and political capital he dedicated to making real reform a reality.

While health reform gets the headlines, we would like to take a moment to recognize other areas where the Speaker’s leadership improved access for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable. Many thanks to DiMasi for his work on MassHealth Equality, which requires the state Medicaid program to provide equal treatment to same-sex couples; on reforming children’s mental health services to prioritize what is in the best interest of the child, and breaking down administrative silos; on Mental Health Parity, which requires insurers to provide the same coverage to mental health as they would to physical health; on expanding access to quality oral health services to those most in need; and, on legislation that requires more compassionate long term care, just to list a few of many initiatives he championed.

On behalf of the Commonwealth’s health care consumers, we thank you, Mister Speaker and your amazing staff, for your leadership and compassion.