HPC Sets 2026 Health Care Benchmark at 3.6% and Calls for Renewed Commitment to Affordability Across Health Care System
HPC issues final report on cost and market impact review of new Dana-Farber-Beth Israel cancer care collaboration
Press Release
Primary Care Task Force Launched To Stabilize and Strengthen Massachusetts Primary Care
New effort co-chaired by HPC and EOHHS tasked with recommending a new primary care spending target, improving patient access, and strengthening workforce
Massachusetts Launches Effort To Improve Maternal Health Access, Quality, and Safety
New task force co-chaired by the Health Policy Commission and Department of Public Health begins critical work to assess and provide policy recommendations for maternal health care in Massachusetts
Health Care Spending Grew Faster Than Inflation, Labor Costs, and Income, Exacerbating Affordability Challenges for Massachusetts Residents
A major driver of spending growth is pharmaceutical spending, which, net of rebates, increased by $1 billion or 10% from 2022 to 2023
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC), in conjunction with the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, held the Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark Hearing today, an annual hearing to assess performance against last year’s benchmark and consider the target for the next year (calendar year 2026).
Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz: Statement on CHIA’s Annual Report
BOSTON — “CHIA’s Annual Report on the Performance of the Massachusetts Health Care System documents that health care cost growth is continuing to grow at an alarming pace. Total health care expenditures totaled $78.1 billion dollars in 2023, representing 8.6% growth from the prior year -- far surpassing the state’s health care cost growth benchmark of 3.6%, with real ramifications for our residents and businesses.
Health Policy Commission Issues Preliminary Report for 10th Cost and Market Impact Review: New Dana Farber-Beth Israel Partnership
Proposed affiliation and new cancer hospital would be a significant realignment for cancer care among major Massachusetts health care providers
New HPC Research Finds Nearly Half of Patients with Behavioral Health-Related Emergency Department Visits Experienced Boarding
47% of children ultimately admitted to a psychiatric bed in an acute care hospital stayed in the ED more than 24 hours in 2024
HPC Research Spotlights Challenges in Primary Care Delivery and Opportunities to Stabilize Provider Workforce
Commissioners also discussed impacts of recent health care legislation on the HPC’s oversight authority and 2025 agenda
Statement From HPC Executive Director David Seltz on Historic Massachusetts Health Care Bills
BOSTON — “Today, Governor Healey signed two historic health care bills into law that will strengthen oversight of the health care market and address rising drug costs. The HPC applauds the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, as well as Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka for working to pass consequential and nation-leading legislation to protect patients and to improve the access and affordability of health care in the Commonwealth.
HPC Determines First State-Mandated Performance Improvement Plan Targeting $176 Million in Health Care Savings Was Successful
Mass General Brigham health care spending growth was meaningfully reduced during the 18-month improvement plan. Sustainability of cost savings will depend on MGB’s long-term commitment to the state’s health care cost growth benchmark.