Annual opportunity to engage health care leaders on issues central to the Commonwealth’s mission of health care cost containment and quality improvement
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission will host the 5th Annual Health Care Cost Trends Hearing on October 2 and October 3, 2017 at Suffolk University Law School. The program booklet is located here.
The annual health care cost trends hearing is a public event at which policymakers and researchers convene to address challenges and discuss opportunities for improving care and reducing costs in the Commonwealth’s health care sector. The prominent, two-day hearing features live testimony from top health care executives, industry leaders, and government officials. Questions are posed from Massachusetts and national health care experts about the state’s performance under the Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark, the drivers of health care costs, and other health care reform efforts.
The Hearing will feature remarks by Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, and Dr. Karen Joynt Maddox, nationally recognized health policy expert.
The Hearing will also feature testimony under oath from nearly 20 health care leaders from across Massachusetts, including commercial health plans, hospitals, and other providers. This year, the four panels will focus on “looking back and looking forward” to identify strategies for a more accountable and affordable health care system in Massachusetts.
Witness Panel 1: Reducing Unnecessary Hospital Use
Monday, October 2, 2017 - 11:15 AM
This panel will focus on efforts to reduce avoidable hospital readmissions and other forms of unnecessary hospital utilization. This panel will also discuss addressing the behavioral health and social needs of patients to avoid emergency department visits and boarding.
Dr. Christopher "Kit" Gorton, President, Public Plans, Tufts Health Plan
Ms. Eliza Lake, Chief Executive Officer, Hilltown Community Health Center
Ms. Cheryl Pascucci, Family Nurse Practitioner, Baystate Franklin Medical Center
Ms. Christine Schuster, President and CEO, Emerson Hospital
Dr. Michael Wagner, President and CEO, Tufts Medical Center
Witness Panel 2: Evaluating the Impact of Recent Provider Transactions
Monday, October 2, 2017 - 1:30 PM
The panel will examine trends in keeping community-appropriate care in the community, before and after recent hospital acquisitions and affiliations. This panel will also discuss how broader changes in the provider market are impacting care delivery as well as cost, quality, and access.
Ms. Dianne Anderson, President and CEO, Lawrence General Hospital
Dr. Howard Grant, President and CEO, Lahey Health
Dr. Peter Slavin, President, Massachusetts General Hospital
Dr. Ralph de la Torre, Chairman and CEO, Steward Health Care System – CONFIRMATION PENDING
Witness Panel 3: Promoting High-Value Care Through Payment Reform and Purchaser Innovations
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - 10:00 AM
This panel will focus on the adoption and improvement of alternative payment models (APMs) and innovations to promote the use of high-value providers. This panel will also examine purchaser strategies to promote efficient care and innovative care delivery models.
Ms. Deborah Devaux, Chief Operating Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Dr. Roberta Herman, Executive Director, Group Insurance Commission
Dr. Steven Strongwater, President and CEO, Atrius Health
Witness Panel 4: Achieving the Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark in 2018 and Beyond
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - 11:30 AM
This panel will discuss strategies to meet the health care cost growth benchmark in 2018 and beyond by tackling issues such as the scalability of innovations in care delivery and payment, spending on pharmaceuticals and medical devices, and the future of our health care system.
Mr. Richard Buckley, Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, AstraZeneca
Dr. Rushika Fernandopulle, Co-Founder and CEO, Iora Health
Mr. Eric Schultz, President and CEO, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Dr. Kevin Tabb, President and CEO, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
More than 40 organizations were required to submit pre-filed testimony responding to questions raised by the HPC and the Attorney General’s Office. Review requests and submissions received to date here.
WHO: Governor Charlie Baker
Attorney General Maura Healey
State Auditor Suzanne Bump
Senate President Stanley Rosenberg
House Speaker Robert DeLeo
Dr. Stuart Altman, Chair, Health Policy Commission
Board Members, Health Policy Commission
WHEN: Monday, October 2, 2017
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
The two-day agenda is located here.
WHERE: Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
