Monthly Archives: April 2010

House Begins Budget Debate: HCFA’s Amendment Guide

Posted on April 25, 2010 by

This week the House begins debate on its version of FY 2011 budget (see the just-issued in-depth analysis by the Mass Budget and Policy Center). Representatives have proposed over 800 amendments (full list and summaries), which will be considered over … Continue reading →

Posted in budget | 1 Comment

DOI Hearings on Limited Networks, Transparency

Posted on April 25, 2010 by

The DOI will hold two informational hearings in the next few weeks. The first hearing, scheduled for May 6th at 10 am, will discuss limited provider networks and the effect they may have on small business health insurance premiums. Both … Continue reading →

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Weekly Small Group/Individual Insurance Availability Update

Posted on April 25, 2010 by

Here is the weekly update on insurance availability for individuals and small business: The Health Connector is now selling insurance for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, CeltiCare, Health New England, and Neighborhood Health Plan. Tufts, Fallon Community Health Plan, and Harvard Pilgrim … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market | 2 Comments

Building Support for Water Fluoridation

Posted on April 25, 2010 by

A recent study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry examined risk perception and water fluoridation support and opposition in Australia, and could have implications for how we advocate here. The US Centers for Disease Control considers fluoridation one … Continue reading →

Posted in Oral Health | 2 Comments

New Documentary on Patient Safety to Air Starting Tomorrow

Posted on April 23, 2010 by

A documentary titled “Chasing Zero: Winning the War on Healthcare Harm” is airing on the Discovery Channel starting tomorrow (see video preview). The one-hour documentary will air at 8:00am on April 24 and again on May 1. The actor Dennis … Continue reading →

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QCC Looks at Hospital Reporting

Posted on April 22, 2010 by

The Health Care Quality and Cost Council met on Wednesday for their monthly meeting. Secretary Bigby started the meeting by introducing a new Council member. Jean Russell, founder of BenefitsMart will be representing the Health Underwriters. Also announced was the … Continue reading →

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AHRQ Releases National Quality and Disparities Reports

Posted on April 21, 2010 by

The annual National Healthcare Quality and the National Healthcare Disparities Reports have recently been released by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.  These reports inform the American public on the status of health care quality and disparities in the … Continue reading →

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Quality and Cost Council Meeting is Tomorrow

Posted on April 20, 2010 by

The QCC is meeting tomorrow, April 21, 1-3pm, 1 Ashburton Place, 21st floor. Click here for the agenda. -Deborah W. Wachenheim

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From Rumor to Reality: Dr. Don Berwick Nominated to Head CMS

Posted on April 20, 2010 by

Dr. Don Berwick, the President and CEO of the Cambridge-based Institute for Healthcare Improvement  was nominated yesterday by President Obama to head up the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The position will require Senate confirmation, and while Dr. Berwick … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | 1 Comment

New American Lung Association Report Cites Lung Cancer Disparities

Posted on April 20, 2010 by

A new report by the American Lung Association, Too Many Cases, Too Many Deaths: Lung Cancer in African Americans, highlights once again that despite decades of advances in medical technology and research, improvements in health have not been equally distributed … Continue reading →

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