The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) is an independent state agency charged with monitoring health care cost trends and making policy recommendations to improve the affordability of health care for all residents of the Commonwealth.
Through data-driven analysis, actionable policy insights, public accountability, and innovative investments, the HPC seeks to improve health care delivery, lower costs, and reduce health disparities.
Latest from the HPC
Press ReleaseNew HPC Research Examines Payments for Behavioral Health Care and Proposes Policy Options
Policy/Research BriefExamination of Payments for Behavioral Health Care Services
Read More about Examination of Payments for Behavioral Health Care Services.
Press ReleaseHPC Finds New Primary Care Model Has Potential To Increase Patient Access; Cost Impacts Raise Concerns
Research and Policy Spotlights
The HPC conducts research, develops policy recommendations, and provides insight into a number of notable topics and critical issues facing the Commonwealth’s health care system, including health care affordability, access to care, the health care workforce, and health equity.
Health Care Affordability
Health Care Workforce
Maternal Health
Pharmaceutical Drug Trends
HPC by the Numbers
3.6%
The Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark, a statewide target for the rate of growth of total health care expenditures in 2027.
$29,070
Average annual cost of health care for a Massachusetts family in 2023.
$100M+
Total amount disbursed by the HPC to investment program awardees between 2014 and 2026.
5.7%
Rise in health care costs between 2023 and 2024, exceeding the 3.6% benchmark for that year.
Office of Patient Protection
Through its Office of Patient Protection (OPP), the HPC safeguards the rights of health insurance consumers by regulating the internal appeal process and administering external reviews for consumers with fully-insured Massachusetts health insurance. OPP also issues open enrollment waivers and provides information and education about health insurance concerns to the public.
