Press Release

New Data Highlight Continued Health Care Affordability Challenges for Massachusetts Residents

While health care cost growth remains below national levels, residents with high deductible plans have trouble paying medical bills, face increased medical debt, and continue to experience unmet health care needs

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HPC Issues Findings on COVID-19 Health Care System Impacts; Plans To Weigh In on Mass General Brigham Expansion

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HPC Issues Statement on Preliminary Review of Atrius-Optum Transaction

BOSTON — Statement from the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission on its preliminary review of the Atrius-Optum transaction:

“Yesterday, the HPC notified Atrius Health and Optum that it has completed the preliminary review of their proposed transaction and has elected not to proceed to a full cost and market impact review (CMIR). During its review, the HPC examined the potential impact of the acquisition on health care spending and market functioning in Massachusetts using available data and information.

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New HPC Report Identifies Key Health Care Cost Drivers and Calls for Immediate Action To Confront Pressing Affordability Challenges Facing the Commonwealth

Recommendations take aim at excessive provider prices, health plan affordability, and persistent health inequities

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HPC To Host Virtual Policy Committee Meetings on Wednesday

Commissioners will discuss key updates on priority policy areas including out-of-network billing and the scope of the nurse practitioner workforce in Massachusetts

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New HPC Analysis Examines Increased Role of Telehealth Services in Massachusetts

HPC finds the number of virtual patient visits doubled in 2017, but overall use was well below the U.S. rate; recommends urgent policy action to expand access

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HPC Releases Two New Studies on Behavioral Health Care Treatment Access, Prescription Drug Affordability

Findings and Recommendations Provide New Insights into Access Barriers for Patients with Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder, and Affordability Issues for Patients with Diabetes in the Commonwealth

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New HPC Analysis Highlights Need for Transparency in Drug Pricing Practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Prices Charged by Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Generic Drugs Were Often Markedly Higher Than the Actual Cost of the Drug in Both the Massachusetts Medicaid Managed Care and Commercial Plans, Contributing to Higher Health Care Spending

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HPC Issues Report on Ambulance Utilization and Payment Rates

Chartpack identifies other state approaches to addressing ambulance billing reimbursement, highlights potential areas of future action

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HPC Releases New Analysis of the Effect of the Opioid Crisis on Acute Hospital Use

Opioid-related hospital use in Massachusetts declined for the first time this decade between 2016 and 2017, but disparities by geography, race, and income persist

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