Cost Containment

Reining in healthcare cost increases is a priority MHA and our members share with all healthcare stakeholders in the commonwealth. Find more information on MHA’s efforts and leadership on this important issue below.
10.01.2018  | Report Indicates Why Outpatient Care Costs May Be Rising
A new study indicates that Medicare patients who receive care in a hospital outpatient department are usually poorer and sicker than those treated in an MD's office.
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.
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.
09.17.2018  | “Back of Envelope” Study Reaches Inaccurate Cost Conclusions
A nurse ratio cost study that the MNA released last week has been described as academically and scientifically unsound.
09.17.2018  | Healthcare Beats Benchmark – But Big Problem Looming
The state’s Center for Health Information and Analysis released its latest annual report on the performance of the Massachusetts healthcare system – and the picture it paints is a positive one.
09.03.2018  | GOP Pre-Existing Condition Bill Faces Unclear Path
Nearly a dozen Republican senators introduced legislation to bar health insurers from denying coverage to people with pre-existing health conditions.
08.27.2018  | Hospitals at Risk of Closing; Nursing Union Ignores the Facts
Approximately 30 hospitals a year across the U.S. are closing, according to a national study that is resonating in Massachusetts.
08.06.2018  | Reform Bill Agreement Stalls at Final Hour of Session
The legislative effort to get Massachusetts community hospitals some much-needed financial relief failed last week as the House and Senate were unable to reach compromise on two similar bills.
07.23.2018  | HPC Says BID-Lahey Merger May Be Costly
The Health Policy Commission has weighed in on another hospital/health system merger.
07.23.2018  | Proposed State Budget Passes Legislature, Sent to Governor
The Massachusetts Legislature approved a $41.88 billion FY2019 state budget last Wednesday and sent it to Governor Baker.
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.
07.16.2018  | CHIA Plans to Release Data Set Explaining CompareCare
On Friday CHIA will post on the CompareCare website a spreadsheet containing the data it used to populate its procedure pricing tool.
07.09.2018  | An Oppressively Hot Holiday Week Doesn’t Slow Hospitals
Things moved at a slow pace during last week’s oppressive heat wave and mid-week Independence Day holiday. But MHA continued its focus on key priorities.
07.02.2018  | CMS Responds to Massachusetts Medicaid Waiver Requests
Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services responded to the state’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver request that had been filed last September.
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.
06.18.2018  | Mass. House Releases Major Healthcare Overhaul
The Massachusetts House of Representatives could begin consideration as early as tomorrow on a massive healthcare reform bill.
06.04.2018  | Reducing Inappropriate ED Use to Reduce Costs
Last week 20 Massachusetts business groups announced that they were beginning an effort to reduce avoidable use of hospital emergency departments.
05.21.2018  | CHIA’s Transparency Site for Consumers Goes Live
The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) has launched CompareCare.
04.09.2018  | House Ways & Means Committee FY2019 Budget Expected This Week
The House Ways & Means Committee version of the FY2019 state budget is expected to be released by the committee this Wednesday.
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.

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: