Posted on November 12, 2009 21:31
Topics: Health Care Reform | State Legislation
Post Type: report
This report, released on October 28, conducted by the Center for Health Law and Economics at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, examines the effects of proposed national health care reform on Massachusetts’ health care system.
From the report:
The House and SFC bills provide for enhanced federal match for populations newly eligible for Medicaid because of higher income thresholds or broadened eligibility categories. Because Massachusetts’ income eligibility is already at or higher than proposed levels for all affected populations, Massachusetts would be one of only two states with no “newly eligible” recipients. Under the SFC bill, Massachusetts would receive only very limited additional federal funds (0.15% Medicaid FMAP increase from FFY 2014 through 2019). Under the House bill, the state would receive enhanced FMAP for childless adults between 100% and 133% FPL who currently are covered under the Waiver. Both bills include a maintenance of effort (MOE) requirement, which would be extremely challenging with little to no additional federal assistance.
Center for Health Law and Economics, University of Massachusetts Medical School. (2009). National health care reform and its impact on Massachusetts.
Full report: http://bluecrossfoundation.org/~/media/Files/Policy/Policy%20Publications/091028CHLENationalHealthCareReform.pdf
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Posted on November 2, 2009 15:47
Topics: Health Care Reform | State Data | State Legislation
Post Type: report
On September 1, the Urban Institute released an updated report which found that, as of Fall 2008, Massachusetts’ health care reform had continued to achieve its goal of near-universal health care coverage while also maintaining high program approval in spite of rising costs. State policymakers are now turning to the second phase of their health care reform, reducing health care costs.
From the executive summary:
Massachusetts’ ambitious 2006 health reform initiative continues to be a proving ground for many of the elements being debated in national health reform proposals. Early evidence from Fall 2007 showed substantial gains in coverage under health reform in the state; however, those estimates predate the implementation of some important elements of Massachusetts’ initiative. Most notably, the penalty for failing to comply with the individual mandate, which requires that adults who have access to affordable coverage obtain insurance, was implemented in 2008 based on coverage as of December 31, 2007. The penalty in 2008 was relatively small, with a larger penalty taking effect in 2009 based on coverage for all of 2008. Other important changes between 2007 and 2008 include increases in premiums and cost-sharing under CommCare (the new subsidized insurance program) and CommChoice (the new insurance purchasing arrangement), along with increases in the “affordability schedule” that determines the amount an individual is expected to be able to pay for health insurance under the individual mandate. This policy brief provides an update of the impacts of health reform on insurance coverage in Massachusetts as of Fall 2008 for working-age adults, the primary target population of the state’s reform initiative. It also provides an update on support for health reform in the state. Estimates of the impacts of health reform on access to and affordability of health care in the state as of Fall 2008 are reported in a companion paper.
The Urban Institute. (2009). Massachusetts health reform survey: An update on insurance coverage and support for reform as of fall 2008. Longley, Sharon K. & Stockley, Karen.
Full report: http://www.urban.org/uploadedpdf/411958_mass_health_reform.pdf
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Posted on September 21, 2009 13:38
Topics: Health Care Reform | Innovation | State Data | State Legislation
Post Type: report
This report is one of several key products of the NGA Center for Best Practices State Alliance for e-Health. It is intended to give interim guidance to state leaders as they begin to implement the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
From the report:
Health information technology (IT) and electronic health information exchange (HIE) have emerged as a primary means of shaping a health care system that is effective, safe, transparent, and affordable. They are important tools to improve the efficiency of health care delivery. When linked to other system reforms, technology can support better quality health care, reduce errors, eliminate redundant services, and improve population health data. States are committed to promoting technology as a means to improve the nation’s health system.
This guide recommends actions states should begin today to ensure successful implementation of HITECH (health information technology). Many of the actions require decisions within the year. Some states may be in a position to move more swiftly than others in deploying HIE, but all will experience an unprecedented level of new activity and policy challenges.
National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, State Alliance for e-Health. (2009). Preparing to implement HITECH: a state guide for electronic health information exchange.
Full report: http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0908EHEALTHHITECH.PDF
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Posted on September 21, 2009 11:10
Topics: State Data | State Legislation | Trends
Post Type: report
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released its annual state snapshots tool, providing information on health care quality in each state. The snapshots highlight states’ strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the provision of health care.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2009). 2008 State Snapshots.
State Snapshots Tool: http://statesnapshots.ahrq.gov/snaps08/index.jsp
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Posted on June 16, 2009 21:28
Topics: Insurance | Legislation | Mental Health | Parity | Private Insurance | SAMHSA | State Legislation | Substance Use
Post Type: report
This 1998 report examined the state of mental health and substance abuse parity under the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 and state parity laws. The study summarized characteristics of state parity laws, conducted detailed case studies of five state parity laws, analyzed actuarial estimates of the costs of parity, and provided estimates of premium increases under full and partial parity.
The full report is available from SAMHSA here: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/Mc99-80/Prtyfnix.asp
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Posted on May 12, 2009 11:08
Topics: Health Care Reform | Legislation | Mental Health | Parity | State Legislation
Post Type: report
This report examines the projected impact of mental health parity legislation in Massachusetts; primarily with respect to projected costs in various scenarios.
Download the full report (pdf): http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dhcfp/r/pubs/mandates/mental_health_parity_report.pdf
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