Monthly Archives: March 2010

DOI Considers Insurer Rate Review Regs

Posted on March 31, 2010 by

The Division of Insurance held public hearings today regarding their emergency regulations promulgated last month in an effort to provide premium relief to small businesses. Several organizations testified including the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans and Blue Cross Blue Shield … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | 1 Comment

Dr. Gawande Speaks on Quality and Disparities

Posted on March 30, 2010 by

Dr. Atul Gawande was the featured speaker at Monday morning’s MGH Disparities Forum, organized by The Disparities Solutions Center at MGH. He spoke about the “bell curve” of care, with the best performers at the top, the worst at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | Leave a comment

Proposed Dental Cuts In Massachusetts Threaten Health Of Our Communities: Lessons Learned From California

Posted on March 30, 2010 by

Given the current economic climate, states are searching for ways to cut back costs.  Eight months ago, California made drastic cuts to dental benefits for adult Medicaid recipients, leaving 3 million poor and disabled Californians uninsured for dental cleanings, exams, … Continue reading →

Posted in Oral Health | 5 Comments

NAMI Raises Voice For Mental Health

Posted on March 29, 2010 by

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) had their annual lobby day at the State House on Monday. Consumers and advocates from across the state came to show their support for mental health services that are currently being offered in … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Mental Health, Public Health | 1 Comment

Massachusetts Sets the Record for the Number of Flu Shots This Season

Posted on March 29, 2010 by

A state report released this past week indicated that Massachusetts led the country in the number of vaccinations against the seasonal flu and H1N1. 57% of the state’s population was vaccinated against the seasonal flu with 36% of individuals were … Continue reading →

Posted in Public Health | Leave a comment

Twin Bedfellows

Posted on March 26, 2010 by

h/t: Blue Mass Group

Posted in Health Care Humor | 3 Comments

Don Berwick to Head CMS?

Posted on March 26, 2010 by

Dr. Don Berwick, the President and CEO of the Boston-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement, is rumored to have been chosen to head up the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Though the appointment has not been publicly announced, … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, National Health Reform | 5 Comments

Congressional Delegation to Laud Health Law Today

Posted on March 26, 2010 by

Senator Kerry and members of the Massachusetts House delegation will speak today on benefits of health reform to Massachusetts this afternoon, at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. Also, Congressman Markey released a summary of the fiscal benefits to Massachusetts … Continue reading →

Posted in National Health Reform | 1 Comment

John McDonough Takes The Long View on Health Reform

Posted on March 25, 2010 by

CommonWealth Magazine’s Michael Jonas has a thoughtful interview with John McDonough, former HCFA Executive Director who served on Senator Kennedy’s HELP Committee health staff in 2008 and 2009. Their talk yesterday covered the role of Massachusetts health reform, Scott Brown, … Continue reading →

Posted in National Health Reform | 1 Comment

QCC Talks EOL (End of Life)

Posted on March 23, 2010 by

The Massachusetts Health Care Quality and Cost Council met to discuss the recommendations of the Expert Panel on end of life (EOL) care and to hear a presentation by Kevin Beagan, Deputy Commissioner of Insurance, regarding the health care components … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | Leave a comment