Medicaid / MassHealth

Information and updates on state-federal programs that provide coverage to low-income, disabled and elderly people.
10.01.2018  | 2019 RFA Goes into Effect on November 1
The 2019 acute care hospital Request for Application was released last week and will take effect November 1.
09.24.2018  | While Lawsuits Continue, 340B Stewardship Principles Are Urged
The American Hospital Association last week announced 340B drug program “good stewardship principles.”
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.
08.06.2018  | State Report Shows Hospitals are Skating on Thin Ice
The state has released Massachusetts hospital financial performance data for all of 2017 and the picture is not at all rosy.
07.30.2018  | Governor Signs Budget and Tobacco Bill
Last Thursday, Governor Charlie Baker signed the $41.7 billion FY19 state budget.
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  | House Passes Important Bill in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse
The Massachusetts House of Representatives voted unanimously last Wednesday to pass a sweeping, multi-part bill to fight the opioid crisis.
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.
06.11.2018  | 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.
05.21.2018  | Senate Budget Debate Begins; MHA Suggests Two Amendments
Debate on the Massachusetts Senate’s budget proposal begins tomorrow and MHA has two priority amendment.
04.23.2018  | Three Hospital Priorities for FY2019 House Budget Debate
Debate begins today on the Massachusetts House Ways & Means Committee’s state budget proposal for FY 2019.
04.16.2018  | House Budget Provides Support for DSH and Safety Net
The Massachusetts House Ways & Means Committee released its proposed FY19 state budget last Wednesday, and a preliminary review of it shows that the budget writers were responsive to some key hospital priorities.
04.16.2018  | MassHealth ACO Program Continues to Evolve
MassHealth continues to tweak its sweeping Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program that went live in March.
04.02.2018  | Hospitals Eligible for $10.4 million in CHRTF Funding
EOHHS announced last week that 52 acute care hospitals are eligible for $10.385 million through the Community Hospital Reinvestment Trust Fund.
03.26.2018  | State Funding for Primary Care Providers Needing ACO Help
EOHHS announced a new opportunity for primary care providers seeking to participate in the new MassHealth ACO program.
03.05.2018  | FY19 Budget Priorities for House Ways & Means Committee
MHA weighed in with the House Ways & Means Committee as it prepares to take the next step in the state’s budget process.
03.05.2018  | New Day Dawns for MassHealth Program
The MassHealth Accountable Care Organization (ACO) program went live last Thursday.
02.28.2018  | Statement from MHA President & CEO Steve Walsh regarding MassHealth ACOs
Statement from Steve Walsh, President & CEO, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA), regarding MassHealth ACOs.

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: