MassHealth/ Medicaid

In Massachusetts, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are combined into one program called MassHealth. Medicaid is a shared state and federal program to provide health insurance for poor and disabled residents. CHIP is medical coverage source for individuals under age 19 whose parents earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to pay for private coverage. MHA monitors prospective and recently implemented changes to MassHealth, provides information about how specific aspects of the plan affect care providers, and advocates for fair and equitable implementation of the program. 
02.17.2020  | Senate Passes Mental Health Parity Bill
The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a sweeping mental health reform bill last Thursday that takes a large step towards "parity."
02.03.2020  | MHA to CMS: Withdraw Drastic Proposed Medicaid Rule
MHA joins numerous organizations across the country, including AHA, in its criticism of of a new CMS Medicaid proposal.
02.03.2020  | CMS Unveils Medicaid Block Grant Proposal; Critics Pounce
The Trump Administration unveiled its newest version of Medicaid block grants last Thursday –a proposal it calls “Healthy Adult Opportunity.”
01.20.2020  | A Chance to Comment on Duplicative Healthcare Measures
MHA is encouraging its membership to weigh in on recommendations for possible changes to the 2021 state Aligned Measure Set.
12.23.2019  | MHA to MassHealth: Use Caution When Targeting 340B Drugs
The Executive Office of Health & Human Services has released proposed regulations that would give MassHealth the authority to designate and exclude from MassHealth coverage high-cost drugs that are purchased under the 340B program.
12.09.2019  | EOHHS Proposed Rx Rule Raises Concern
The Executive Office of Health & Human Services has issued draft regulations governing pharmacy services delivered to MassHealth patients.
11.25.2019  | 3 Bills –Kid’s Health, Tobacco, Safe Driving – Await Gov’s Signature
Three bills that MHA and its membership have endorsed throughout their journey in the State House were passed by the legislature last week.
11.18.2019  | State Unveils Coordinated Plan to Ease ED Boarding
A new Expedited Psychiatric Inpatient Admissions Policy, or EPIA 2.0, builds on the original EPIA that was released in February 2018.
11.11.2019  | MassHealth Seeks to Expand Prior Authorizations
A new MassHealth policy that would require prior authorizations for more than 350 medical and diagnostic services is on hold for now.
10.21.2019  | Governor Baker Lays Out Newest Health Reform Plan
Governor Charlie Baker last Friday introduced the latest legislative proposal to reform the state’s healthcare system.
10.14.2019  | Do You Have Thoughts on Healthcare-Community Partnerships?
Massachusetts is seeking input on the design of a new initiative called “Moving Massachusetts Upstream” (MassUP).
10.14.2019  | State Releases 2020 MassHealth Contract
The state has released the 2020 RFA – the main contract between the MassHealth program and acute care hospitals serving Medicaid patients.
09.09.2019  | The New State-Hospital Medicaid Contract is Delayed One Month
MassHealth has extended the acute hospital 2019 RFA one additional month through October 31, 2019.
09.02.2019  | State Proposes Tweaking Health Safety Net Regulations
The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has issued proposed changes to the two regulations governing Health Safety Net (HSN) eligibility and payments.
08.05.2019  | Baker Signs $43.3 Billion Budget, Issues No Spending Vetoes
Last Wednesday, Governor Charlie Baker signed a $43.3 billion FY2020 state budget, and did not issue a single spending veto.
07.22.2019  | MassHealth Makes it Easier to Provide Substance Use Disorder Treatment
MassHealth has released several bulletins regarding the coverage and coding of Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) in order to increase access to treatment.
05.20.2019  | State Senate Debate Begins Tomorrow
The State Senate begins debate tomorrow on the Senate Ways & Means proposed state budget for FY2020 and the 1,100-plus amendments to it that have been filed.
04.22.2019  | MHA to House: Solidify Safety Net Funding, Addiction Treatment
The Massachusetts House of Representatives today begins debate on the proposed FY2020 state budget, and the nearly 1,400 amendments to it that have been filed.
04.15.2019  | Safety Net Funding for Uninsured in Doubt
MHA will be working with legislative champions in the House to strengthen the FY2020 budget directive in a manner that will ensure the administration fulfills the $15 million transfer to the Health Safety Net.
03.18.2019  | Hospitals on Board With 3.1% Benchmark – With Caveats
The Health Policy Commission in coming months is scheduled to decide on whether the state’s healthcare cost growth benchmark – currently set at 3.1% – should remain at that level.

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: