Monthly Archives: November 2009

Share the Pain

Posted on November 18, 2009 by

As we posted last night, we understand the deep fiscal pain the Commonwealth is undergoing. That’s why we support looking at balanced revenue approaches, such as closing loopholes in our tax expenditure budget, or rethinking the planned drop in corporate … Continue reading →

Posted in budget | Leave a comment

November Disparities Council Meeting Canceled

Posted on November 18, 2009 by

The upcoming Disparities Council meeting originally scheduled for Monday, November 23 has been canceled. For more information about the Council, please visit their website. -Jessica Hamilton

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Also On Today’s Agenda: Save MSP

Posted on November 18, 2009 by

Also on today’s legislative agenda is the Patrick administration’s request for a $30 million stopgap appropriation for the Medical Security Program (MSP). We urge the legislature to approve the funds. The alternative would be loss of coverage to thousands, and … Continue reading →

Posted in budget, MA Health Reform | 3 Comments

MassHealth Cuts: A Better Way

Posted on November 18, 2009 by

Wednesday is the last day of formal legislative sessions for the year, and the House and Senate are expected to act on the Patrick administration’s request for flexibility to permit a number of reductions in services and increases in copays … Continue reading →

Posted in budget, MassHealth/Medicaid | 2 Comments

QCC Meets Tomorrow

Posted on November 17, 2009 by

The Quality and Cost Council is meeting tomorrow, 1-3pm, 1 Ashburton Place, 21st floor, Boston. The agenda includes committee reports, an implementation update on the Roadmap to Cost Containment, and a presentation from the MeHI on the plan for EMR … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | Leave a comment

MassHealth Smoking Cessation Program Works – DPH Releases Data Tomorrow at State House

Posted on November 17, 2009 by

This Thursday, November 19th is the 2009 Great American Smokeout, a project initiated by the American Cancer Society to educate the public about the health risks of smoking and encouraging them to quit, while shining a light on resources available … Continue reading →

Posted in MassHealth/Medicaid, Public Health | Leave a comment

Forum Looks at Successes in MassHealth Pharmacy Program

Posted on November 16, 2009 by

Community Catalyst, The Massachusetts Health Policy Forum and the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute welcomed Boston’s medical and health policy community on Friday to discuss the MassHealth Prescription Drug Quality and Cost Management program. The forum began with a presentation on … Continue reading →

Posted in MassHealth/Medicaid, Prescription Drug Reform | Leave a comment

Public Health Council to Meet Wednesday

Posted on November 13, 2009 by

DPH’s Public Health Council will be having their monthly meeting on Wednesday starting at 9:00 AM. Two interesting presentations on the schedule (pdf). First, the release of the Betsy Lehman Center’s report of the expert panel in obstetrics. The Center’s … Continue reading →

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What’s the Picture for Artists Three Years after Health Reform?

Posted on November 13, 2009 by

The Massachusetts Artists Foundation recently released a report assessing the impact of state health reform on professional artists. The report, Stand Up and Be Counted: A Survey of Massachusetts Artists on Their Work Lives, Socioeconomic Status, Access to Healthcare, and … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

Smart Jon Gruber Interview on Coverage Expansion Before Cost Control

Posted on November 12, 2009 by

Connector Board member and MIT economist Jon Gruber was interviewed today by Washington Post blogger Ezra Klein. In addition to the mention of Health Care For All, the interview shines lots of lights on how expanding coverage is the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control, MA Health Reform, National Health Reform | 1 Comment