Health Policy Commission
Coverage of Health Policy Commission in the Nexus archive.
- Health insurance woes reaching ‘inflection point,’ commissioner says
Massachusetts faces significant health insurance premium hikes, with nearly 700,000 residents seeing an average 10.4% increase. Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw highlights the merged market's deteriorating risk pool and 'inflection point' for addressing escalating costs. Small businesses are shifting to self-insured plans, exacerbating affordability challenges as low-value care and rising family plan premiums strain the system.
- Healey’s ‘serious’ look at health care also a confidential effort
Governor Maura Healey's health care affordability work group, operating confidentially, has reached the midpoint of its process and is expected to deliver initial recommendations to the governor within weeks. The group, formed in January, aims to address rising health care costs through 'new and innovative' solutions, with ongoing work planned through the year.
- Regulators attach conditions to MGB-CVS MinuteClinic plan
Regulators approved conditions for Mass General Brigham and CVS MinuteClinic's partnership to expand primary care, but expressed uncertainty about the scope and quality of care. The deal faces cost disputes, with regulators trimming their initial spending estimate to $39.9 million, and requires 30-day review before finalization.
- Senate ready to force more money toward primary care — and away from specialists
Massachusetts senators plan to pass a bill increasing primary care funding by requiring health care entities to allocate 15% of spending to primary care by 2028, shifting resources from specialists and pharmaceuticals. The proposal faces expected pushback from hospital systems and specialty care sectors, as primary care currently receives only 6.6% of insurer spending.