Category Archives: National Health Reform

Senate Budget Debate Starts Wednesday – Here’s Our Amendment Recommendations

Posted on May 21, 2013 by

Tomorrow the state Senate will begin debating its version of the state budget for fiscal year 2014, which begins on July 1. Like the House budget did, the Senate Ways and Means version starts out with a strong commitment to … Continue reading →

Posted in budget, Children's Health, Children's Mental Health, Health Disparities, MA Health Reform, MassHealth/Medicaid, National Health Reform, Oral Health, Prescription Drug Reform, Public Health, Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities | Leave a comment

More Building Blocks For ACA Implementation

Posted on May 3, 2013 by

While ACA implementation remains contentious in many states, in Massachusetts the building blocks are being set in place in a routine and orderly way. On Wednesday, MassHealth released its revised ACA implementation plan, called the “Roadmap to 2014.” Also released … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform, MassHealth/Medicaid, National Health Reform | Leave a comment

Brouhaha Good News Update: De-Merger Averted; Tobacco Surcharge Rejected

Posted on April 7, 2013 by

Several weeks ago we posted on the controversy over implementing ACA rules on insurance regulations. It can get complex, but the short summary is that when Chapter 58 merged the individual and small group health insurance markets, Massachusetts allowed insurers … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform, National Health Reform, Private Market | 3 Comments

What’s all this brouhaha? Small group insurance premiums controversy erupts

Posted on March 11, 2013 by

Last Tuesday’s Globe lead editorial (“Mass. needs an Obamacare waiver for small-business health plans“) looked at an arcane issue that has turned into a big deal for some small business associations in Massachusetts. If you just read the editorial, or … Continue reading →

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Blue Cross Foundation Updates ACA Implementation Chart

Posted on March 5, 2013 by

The Mass Blue Cross Foundation has helpfully maintained an ACA Tracking Tool, listing the various decision points facing Massachusetts as we implement the Affordable Care Act. The chart is the best snapshot of the myriad of complicated considerations and issues … Continue reading →

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Mass Receives Federal Innovation Grant To Advance Payment Reform

Posted on February 21, 2013 by

The federal CMS announced today that Massachusetts is one of 6 states awarded a State Innovation Models initiative grant (press release, and grant information). The Massachusetts award is for a not shabby $44 million. The grant program is part of … Continue reading →

Posted in Healthcare Cost Control, National Health Reform | Leave a comment

Widmer and Lord Bring Mass Health Reform Lessons To Michigan

Posted on February 19, 2013 by

Last week, the University of Michigan’s Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation brought together key business leaders from Massachusetts and Michigan and experts from the University of Michigan to explore lessons from Massachusetts’ experience with health reform and what may … Continue reading →

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Planning Underway for Connector Version 2.0

Posted on February 15, 2013 by

The Health Connector is holding steady as they prepare for full implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Yesterday, the Connector Board voted on the draft 2013 Affordability Schedule, approved plans for the FY2014 Commonwealth Care renewal, and officially launched … Continue reading →

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Esquire: The Man Who Killed Osama bin Laden… Is Screwed (Updated)

Posted on February 12, 2013 by

Last September we wrote about the crisis of uninsured veterans. A national study we helped with found that 1 in 10 veterans are uninsured (for more statistics, see this amazing graphic, excerpted below): This was brought home today in an … Continue reading →

Posted in National Health Reform, Private Market | Leave a comment

Budget FY 2014, Round 1: House 1

Posted on January 24, 2013 by

Governor Patrick released his Fiscal Year 2014 budget proposal today, which continues this administration’s strong commitment to ensuring access to affordable, quality health care for everyone in Massachusetts. Budgets have both a revenue side and a spending side. This budget … Continue reading →

Posted in budget, Health Care Quality, Healthcare Cost Control, MA Health Reform, National Health Reform | 3 Comments