Monthly Archives: May 2010

Fight Over Mental Health Parity Rules

Posted on May 19, 2010 by

This guest post is by Matt Selig, Executive Director of HCFA partner, Health Law Advocates: A semi-under-the-radar public policy battle is taking place over the writing of the administrative regulations that will implement the 2008 federal Mental Health Parity Law. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Mental Health, US health policy | 1 Comment

What do patients want to know about their health care?

Posted on May 19, 2010 by

We have heard a lot about transparency in health care over the past few years. We have had numerous reports illuminate the various areas of our health care system from quality to cost and back again with each getting us … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control | 1 Comment

Next step for the Senate: Long term payment reform

Posted on May 19, 2010 by

S. 2437, the Senate President’s legislation to stabilize small group and individual insurance premiums passed yesterday after adding 24 amendments to its text (check out the redrafted amendments here).  You can watch the Senate debate here in a few days, … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | Leave a comment

Redefining Affordability

Posted on May 18, 2010 by

Today, the Senate debated Senate President Murray’s short term cost bill.  Amid debate about hospital assessments, association health plans, MCC, and transparency (a blog will be posted on these items shortly), one amendment sought to protect consumers from unaffordable health … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Oral Health IS Overall Health – Help Keep Critical Services

Posted on May 18, 2010 by

Access to oral health care is a critical part of promoting overall health. The best way to promote access and delivery of these crucial services is by having a strong network of multiple providers.  In recognition of this, the Massachusetts … Continue reading →

Posted in Oral Health | 1 Comment

Hospital Assets Report Released

Posted on May 18, 2010 by

Late yesterday, the DHCFP released its Study of the Reserves, Endowments, and Surpluses of Hospitals in Massachusetts. This report, required by Chapter 305 of the Acts of 2008 is groundbreaking in its review of hospital assets. Much like its Insurer … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market | Leave a comment

Senate President’s Short-term Cost Bill To Be Debated Tuesday

Posted on May 17, 2010 by

On Friday, Senate President Murray unveiled her legislation to stabilize small group and individual insurance premiums. The bill, S. 2437 (text; Senate President’s summary; section-by-section bullet-point summary), also expands transparency in our health system, setting the stage for more comprehensive … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | 3 Comments

Mass Plans Advance Dependent Coverage

Posted on May 17, 2010 by

One of most often asked questions on our HelpLine about the federal Affordable Care Act is related to the expansion of parents’ coverage for dependents up to age 26. HelpLine callers whose employers self-insure are eager to find out if … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market, National Health Reform | 1 Comment

We Can Still Save MassHealth Dental!

Posted on May 14, 2010 by

Out of all the MassHealth benefits, dental is the most universal; it provides vital health coverage to nearly 700,000 people in Massachusetts. The Governor and the House have proposed huge cuts to the MassHealth adult dental program, eliminating fillings, treatment … Continue reading →

Posted in MassHealth/Medicaid, Oral Health | 33 Comments

HCFA Celebrates 25 Years With Governor, Boston Mayor

Posted on May 12, 2010 by

Last night our friends and partner organizations shared in the excitement of celebrating Health Care For All’s 25th year of outreach, advocacy, education, and working toward a consumer centered health care system for everyone in Massachusetts. The silent auction featured … Continue reading →

Posted in HCFA | 1 Comment