Monthly Archives: May 2011

Globe Editorial, Letter Refute Pharma Claims

Posted on May 9, 2011 by

In a strong, cogent editorial last week, the Boston Globe emphasized the value of protecting our state’s restrictions on gifts from the drug and device industry to doctors: A THREE-year-old state law forbidding gifts from drug companies to doctors seems … Continue reading →

Posted in Prescription Drug Reform | 3 Comments

Assertive Patient Is On The Air

Posted on May 9, 2011 by

Our Assertive Patient website is the topic of the Public New Service’s radio news coverage this week. The story gets distributed throughout the Commonwealth. The site was launched last year by HCFA’s Consumer Health Quality Council. Please help spread the … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | Leave a comment

SJC Rules For Equal Health Rights For All Legal Immigrants

Posted on May 6, 2011 by

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled today (read the decision) that the state’s removal of a group of legal immigrants from the Commonwealth Care program violated the equal protection guarantees of the state Constitution. The case was brought by HCFA’s … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 1 Comment

The Need for Prevention in Payment Reform: Evidence for Reducing Costs & Improving Health Outcomes

Posted on May 6, 2011 by

A room full of legislators, researchers, and advocates gathered at the State House on Tuesday, May 3, to discuss the importance of including community-based prevention in any payment reform measure in order to improve the health of children and families … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control, Public Health | 3 Comments

Children’s Mental Health Awareness – The Week is Now

Posted on May 4, 2011 by

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 1-7, 2011) is an opportune time to take stock of the accomplishments of the Children’s Mental Health Campaign in Massachusetts, but also to recall the important steps we still need to take to … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Mental Health | 1 Comment

Advocates Paint the State House RED for Oral Health

Posted on May 3, 2011 by

Over 50 advocates for oral health came out to the State House to voice their support for restoration of MassHealth adult dental benefits at the Joint Committee on Public Health hearings today. Donning red attire as a sign of support … Continue reading →

Posted in Oral Health | Leave a comment

Challenge: Enroll All Kids. Timeline: May 2011. Prizes: Valuable Cash. Winners: Everyone

Posted on May 2, 2011 by

The May 2011 Statewide Enrollment Challenge has officially begun! Across the state, 66 organizations have accepted the challenge to continue their hard work and enroll as many eligible children into health care as they can during the month of May. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Health, Helpline, Outreach | Leave a comment

SCOs – “The best kept secret in health care in Massachusetts”

Posted on May 2, 2011 by

Today’s MetroWest Daily News includes an op-ed arguing for paying more attention to SCOs – the Senior Care Options programs that provide integrated, patient-centered care to seniors who are covered by both Medicare and Medicaid. The op-ed, by two SCO … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control, MassHealth/Medicaid | 1 Comment

Community-Based Prevention Essential Part For Health Care Cost Reform

Posted on May 2, 2011 by

For payment reform to succeed, it must include a renewed investment in community-based prevention. Please join us tomorrow (Tuesday, May 3), where the Massachusetts Public Health Association, Health Care For All, Boston Public Health Commission, and Health Resources In Action … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control, Public Health | 1 Comment