Health Policy Commission

The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) is an independent state agency that develops policy to reduce healthcare cost growth and improve the quality of patient care. MHA engages and interacts with HPC staff and commissioners alike to ensure that our members’ perspectives are heard, taken into account and included at all stages of the HPC’s research, assessment and recommendations concerning broad healthcare cost and quality goals.
10.01.2018  | Nursing Union Criticizes Oversight Group for Performing Oversight
The HPC announced last week that on Oct. 3 it will release its analysis of the healthcare costs associated with ballot Question 1.
10.01.2018  | HPC on BID-Lahey Merger: AG Review Needed
The HPC has released its final report on the proposed large merger of hospitals and physician practices that would be known as Beth Israel Lahey Health.
07.23.2018  | Creative, Community-Focused Hospitals Receive Grant Funding
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) last Wednesday announced its SHIFT-Care grant awardees.
07.23.2018  | HPC Says BID-Lahey Merger May Be Costly
The Health Policy Commission has weighed in on another hospital/health system merger.
07.16.2018  | HPC Insight into BID-Lahey Merger Due this Week
The HPC is expected to vote Wednesday on the preliminary Cost & Market Impact Review relating to the BID-Lahey merger.
06.25.2018  | House Healthcare Bill Includes Help for Hospitals
A conference committee will now attempt to resolve differences between the House bill and legislation from the Senate passed last year.
06.11.2018  | DeLeo Indicates House Healthcare Reform Bill Due this Month
The State House News last week quoted House Speaker Bob DeLeo as saying he expects a House healthcare cost-control bill on the floor by the end of June.
05.14.2018  | HPC Hears Concerns Over Insurers’ Pharmacy Mandates
MHA has informed the HPC about patient safety and cost considerations related to insurance companies’ drug policies.
04.09.2018  | Merger Takes Another Step to Fulfillment
The Massachusetts Public Health Council last week approved the proposed merger of he Beth Israel Deaconess system, Lahey Health, and other entities.
04.02.2018  | ... But Ratio Ballot Question Threatens Trend
The proposed statewide ballot question to impose one-size-fits-all ratios on hospitals would threaten the state's cost growth benchmark.
04.02.2018  | State Healthcare Costs Continue to Beat Benchmark ...
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) released its annual cost trends report last week.
03.19.2018  | Knowledge Sharing Session on Telehealth, Behavioral Health
The HPC is hosting a peer-to-peer knowledge sharing session on strategies for using telehealth to support behavioral health integration.
03.12.2018  | Merger Takes Big Step to Fulfillment
The deal involving Lahey Health, the Beth Israel Deaconess system, and other entities received a favorable report from DPH.
01.08.2018  | HPC Refers Partners-Mass Eye and Ear Merger to AG
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) last week issued its final review of the proposed merger between Partners HealthCare and Massachusetts Eye and Ear.
01.08.2018  | New $750K Grants Available Through HPC
The Health Policy Commission (HPC) last Wednesday announced a new grant program for eligible providers to help them reduce avoidable acute care use.
12.19.2017  | HB1143 / SB1199 An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services
HB1143 / SB1199 An Act Relative to the Closing of Hospital Essential Services
12.19.2017  | SB1174 etal Omnibus Healthcare Facilities Testimony
SB1174, HB1181/SB1183, SB1269, HB1136, HB1137, HB1207, HB3250, SB1248, SB1270, HB1175, HB1197, SB1230, HB2441, HB2477, HB3514, SB1212, SB1234 Healthcare Facilities
12.18.2017  | HPC to Review Multi-Hospital Merger
The deal involving Lahey Health, the Beth Israel Deaconess system, and other entities will get a full cost and market impact review from the HPC.
12.18.2017  | HPC Votes to Shake Up its Subcommittees
The Health Policy Commission says it is restructuring its standing subcommittees to better align them with “priority policy outcomes.”
11.13.2017  | State Senate’s New Reform Bill Raises Cautions
The healthcare “cost-containment and reform” bill that the Massachusetts Senate passed at midnight last Thursday offer some positive steps forward, but also areas of concern.

Resources

Click on the links below for easy access to important information related to state healthcare issues and advocacy.
Visit the Commonwealth of Massachusetts websites below to find information on legislative hearings and other meetings of interest to the healthcare community.
To guide your navigation of the legislative process and assist your advocacy efforts, please visit the following state websites:
MHA has also developed the following documents for your information and benefit:
  • Directory of Government Officials
  • 2016-2017/2017-2018 State Legislative Package