Monthly Archives: June 2011

Enough. Join us at Noon Rally – In Front of State House

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

Today, HCFA and GBIO are issuing a challenge to insurers to freeze health premiums for one year or until a meaningful long-term cost containment solution is reached, and urged all stakeholders – doctors and hospitals, government, insurers, business and consumers … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | 2 Comments

Health Wonk Boot Camp Day 3: Looking to the Future

Posted on June 30, 2011 by

Day 3 of health wonk boot camp. The crowd is getting a bit thinner, but there’s still lots of good discussion and learning. These hearings are accomplishing both of their goals. First, its providing a forum for getting in-depth data … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | Leave a comment

And now a word from our sponsor…

Posted on June 29, 2011 by

The fiscal year ends on June 30th – there are just two days left to help Health Care For All this year! Health Care For All (HCFA) needs your support to fully fund our HelpLine. Will you make a donation … Continue reading →

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Health Wonk Boot Camp Day 2 – Reining in Prices

Posted on June 29, 2011 by

Yesterday’s takeaway was political leaders agreeing on the urgent need for decisive action to reform our health payment and delivery system. Liz Kowalczyk’s Globe lede was “State legislative leaders made their strongest statements yet in support of placing significant cost … Continue reading →

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Health Wonk Boot Camp Day 1 – Bold and Aggressive

Posted on June 28, 2011 by

Today, the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP) kicked off health wonk boot camp – its four-day annual public hearing on health care cost trends at Bunker Hill Community College. Today’s hearing featured statements from multiple government officials, … Continue reading →

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Employer Fair Share and the Mass Exodus?

Posted on June 27, 2011 by

We heard a very curious argument at a State House hearing last week. The bill was H. 2351, sponsored by Representative Randy Hunt (R-Sandwich). This bill would increase the threshold for the number of employees subject to the Employer Fair … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

Western Mass Voices For Better Care

Posted on June 24, 2011 by

The Health Care Financing Committee is holding its western Massachusetts regional hearing on Governor Patrick’s payment reform legislation in Pittsfield today. We have full coverage on our twitter feed – here’s a few of the tweets: [Connector ED Glen] Shor … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control | Leave a comment

Give health care cost increases a time-out!

Posted on June 24, 2011 by

Remember our challenge issued in April (see video above)? The time has come.  On June 30th, from 12-1pm in front of the Statehouse, consumers from Health Care for All and the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) are teaming up to … Continue reading →

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State Scoping Out ACA Implementation Options

Posted on June 23, 2011 by

Yesterday afternoon, EOHHS held its quarterly stakeholder meeting regarding implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Massachusetts (see presentations from the meeting). Secretary Bigby opened the meeting with an overview of accomplishments in the first year since the … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform, National Health Reform | 1 Comment

Stepping Toward Single Payer in the Green Mountain State

Posted on June 20, 2011 by

Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin recently signed Act 48 which will put Vermont on the path towards a single payer health system, hoping to save Vermont $500 million per year in health costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield MA Foundation and The … Continue reading →

Posted in HCFA | 1 Comment