Monthly Archives: July 2009

Speaker Pelosi Highlights Mass Health Reform Success: Real Stories From Real People

Posted on July 24, 2009 by

I’m a policy analyst, spreadsheet and chart kind of guy, but too much of the health reform discussion is about numbers and theory. We in Massachusetts know that health reform is about helping real people. The over 425,000 newly covered … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Mass Taxpayers Foundation in Globe Today: “Stay the Course”

Posted on July 23, 2009 by

Michael Widmer and the Mass Taxpayers Foundation he heads have long been recognized as one of the preeminent authorities on the Massachusetts budget and spending levels. The Foundation’s analysis is considered honest and credible. When Mike Widmer speaks, people listen. … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 4 Comments

Remembering Those Impacted by Poor Quality Care

Posted on July 23, 2009 by

Groups and individuals across the country will be observing Patient Safety Day, this Saturday, July 25. In Boston, the observance will take place 11:00an-noon at Boston Common in front of the Massachusetts State House. There will be a moment of … Continue reading →

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Remembering Those Impacted by Poor Quality Care

Posted on July 23, 2009 by

Groups and individuals across the country will be observing Patient Safety Day, this Saturday, July 25. In Boston, the observance will take place 11:00am-noon at Boston Common in front of the Massachusetts State House. There will be a moment of … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 3 Comments

Standard Times Gets It: “Pay now or pay later”

Posted on July 20, 2009 by

Yesterday’s lead editorial in the Standard Times puts the fiscal context on Governor Patrick’s plan to provide a modest reduced benefits to legal immigrants eligible for Commonwealth Care: The state might be saving itself some money by withholding $70 million … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 8 Comments

What CommCare Means For Two Mothers

Posted on July 18, 2009 by

The news that Commonwealth Care will not be cut off for 30,000 legal immigrants on August 1 as planned was a welcome reprieve for many in the middle of ongoing medical treatment. Before the extension of coverage was announced, we … Continue reading →

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A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Free Meals

Posted on July 18, 2009 by

At last week’s XXII Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (note the sponsor logos), held in Boston, 7,500 attendees from over 80 countries learned the latest in scientific findings on important medical issues like gene therapy of … Continue reading →

Posted in Prescription Drug Reform | 1 Comment

Temporary Reprieve for Legal Immigrants in CommCare, Budget Saga Continues

Posted on July 17, 2009 by

Neil Cronin from the Mass Law Reform Institute shares an update on coverage for legal immigrants: “Finally there’s some good news to report on the continuing saga of special status legal immigrants. Because the state legislature has thus far failed … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Disparities, Helpline, MA Health Reform | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Outreach Funding Restored in FY10 Budget

Posted on July 17, 2009 by

This week, the House and Senate overrode Gov. Patrick’s veto of Outside Section 129, which includes $2.5 million for community outreach and enrollment grants. Funding would come from the Connector and HEFA. Outreach grants are distributed community organizations and health … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Commission Releases Recommendations on Health Care Payment Reform

Posted on July 17, 2009 by

The Special Commission on Payment Reform held their final meeting yesterday to release and unanimously approve recommendations on how to change the health care payment system in Massachusetts. The Commission is recommending Massachusetts transition from a predominately Fee-For-Service (FFS) payment … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | 8 Comments