Monthly Archives: November 2009

Connector Board Report – November 12th

Posted on November 12, 2009 by

On Jay Gonzalez’s first Connector Board meeting as Secretary of Administration & Finance and the chair of the Connector Board, there was plenty to discuss. Materials from the meeting are posted here. The meeting discussed the plans for next year’s … Continue reading →

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The Secret of our Success — Revealed!

Posted on November 12, 2009 by

Why has Massachusetts been so successful in increasing heath care coverage to uninsured residents? A new study provides the answer! The study, by Urban Institute researched Stan Dorn and colleagues, was funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. As the … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform, Outreach | 1 Comment

Evidence-Based Medicine and Quality of Care

Posted on November 10, 2009 by

Sunday’s NY Times Magazine cover story focused on Intermountain Healthcare, a network of hospitals and clinics in Utah and Idaho that is mentioned by many as an example of how care should be provided across the country. Medical providers and … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 2 Comments

Children’s Mental Health on the Road – Somerville

Posted on November 9, 2009 by

Last Thursday evening, the Children’s Mental Health Campaign held its 15th regional forum in Somerville. The event, cosponsored by the City of Somerville, drew over 40 individuals from Somerville and the surrounding communities. As always, the most powerful and heart-wrenching … Continue reading →

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Report on Quality and Cost of Hospital Care Released

Posted on November 9, 2009 by

The Division of Health Care Finance and Policy, using data posted on the Quality and Cost Council’s website (www.mass.gov/myhealthcareoptions), issued a report allowing for a side-by-side comparison of hospitals’ quality ratings and costs for care for a defined set of … Continue reading →

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AARP Supports Two HCFA Quality Bills

Posted on November 8, 2009 by

The September 1 Massachusetts AARP Bulletin featured a story about legislation in Massachusetts seeking to prevent hospital infections and seeking to reduce the overuse of CT scans. Health Care For All worked with Massachusetts legislators to introduce both of these … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 1 Comment

Who’s Getting Over on Students?

Posted on November 8, 2009 by

Many of us who have ever been enrolled in a student health plan (SHP) and all of us in the health policy arena knew that student plans are lousy. Last week, the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy released … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market | 4 Comments

Thanksgiving is Now — House Health Reform Vote

Posted on November 8, 2009 by

All 10 members of the Massachusetts congressional delegation voted for the House health bill last night (see national voting chart). Now they need to hear our gratitude and appreciation. It’s time for thanks-giving. We are proud that health reform is … Continue reading →

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Who Cares for the Caregivers?

Posted on November 6, 2009 by

The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), in collaboration with Amy Lischko of the Department of Public health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, released findings from a survey of eldercare and disability services employers. The study, Coverage for … Continue reading →

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Commonwealth Care Bridge Roll-Out: One Last Chance To Get It Right

Posted on November 5, 2009 by

Today’s Globe article, “Immigrants face hurdles with new care coverage, points out that many of the legal immigrants who were automatically enrolled in Commonwealth Care Bridge program on Oct. 1st and Nov. 1st experienced delays in receiving enrollment materials. This … Continue reading →

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