Health Policy Commission: Fall at the HPC

The HPC is accepting applications for PCMH PRIME, a certification program developed in collaboration with the NCQA to reward practices with a strong commitment to behavioral health integration.

A list of organizations that are currently PCMH PRIME Certified or On the Pathway to PRIME can be found here.

Please do not hesitate to contact the HPC with any questions.

HPC Releases Policy Brief on Oral Health

In August, the HPC released a policy brief on oral health care access and emergency department utilization for avoidable oral health conditions in Massachusetts.

Click here to read the policy brief.

Job Opportunities

The HPC is currently accepting applications for:

Fall 2016 Interns

Click here for more information.

Keep in Touch

Be sure to Visit our Website and follow us on Twitter to get the most timely information.

Welcome!

Executive Director David Seltz provides an update on upcoming work at the HPC

We hope you had a lovely summer. Summer 2016 saw the launch of our Heath Care Innovation Investment Program , the release of our Policy Brief on Oral Health , and the collection of Pre-Filed Testimony in advance of the 2016 Cost Trends Hearing.

This fall is an exciting time for the HPC as we plan to release two major reports and host the 2016 Health Care Cost Trends Hearing.

The HPC will hold a Board meeting tomorrow, September 7, at noon in our offices (50 Milk Street, 8th Floor). This meeting will include the issuance of a final Cost and Market Impact Review (CMIR) report of the proposed BIDCO/BIDMC/Metrowest transactions. The CMIR report will include any potential referral of the transactions to the Attorney General for further action. In addition, the Board will consider the release of the HPC's Opioid Use Disorder Report. This report focuses on the impact of the opioid epidemic on hospitals and makes a number of recommendations around care delivery and payment reforms that could accelerate the state's ability to respond to the epidemic. Finally, the Executive Director of the Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA), Ray Campbell, will present the major findings from CHIA's Annual Report on the Performance of the Massachusetts Health Care System, including the state's spending and growth performance against the statewide health care cost growth benchmark, set by the HPC at 3.6% for 2015. This report will be released by CHIA shortly after the meeting.

Thank you for your continued engagement in our work.

Have a safe and wonderful fall!

Regards,

David Seltz

Executive Director

HPC Event: 2016 Cost Trends Hearing

On October 17 and 18, 2016, the HPC will host the 2016 Health Care Cost Trends Hearing. State and national policymakers and researchers will convene to focus their attention on the challenges and opportunities in the Commonwealth's health care sector. This prominent two-day public hearing features live testimony from top health care executives and industry leaders.

The public hearing format allows the Commonwealth's health care experts to question these key stakeholders about the state's performance under the Health Care Cost Growth Benchmark and other health care reform efforts. A full agenda and list of speakers will be released shortly. Please check our website for additional information.

In preparation of the two-day event, each year the HPC - in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General - releases requests for Pre-Filed Testimony from major Massachusetts healthcare stakeholders. Questions for payers, providers, and hospitals can be found on the HPC's website. Testimony was due to the HPC on Friday, September 2. All submitted 2016 pre-filed testimony can be viewed on our website . Testimony from 2013 , 2014 , and 2015 are also available on the HPC's website. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Health Policy Commission Awards $11.3 Million in Investments through Health Care Innovation Program

In July, the HPC announced the launch of the Health Care Innovation Investment (HCII) Program, approving over $11 million in investments to 20 competitively selected awardees. A complete listing of awards is located here . HCII is a unique opportunity for Massachusetts providers, health plans, and their partners to implement innovative models that deliver better health and better care at a lower cost.

The first phase of HCII invests in initiatives that span the entire Commonwealth. Funded awards will support collaboration among 144 organizations as diverse as large academic medical centers, health plans, world class research institutions, rural community hospitals, small primary care practices, community behavioral health providers, and more. Awards range from $250,000 to $1,000,000 and are divided among three pathways:

We are thrilled to be working with the awardee organizations to launch these programs and pilots over the next few months. The HPC will provide updates on HCII at upcoming Board Meetings.

2016 Public Meeting Schedule

Be sure to check our website for the most up-to-date information on 2016 meetings

Below, please find the 2016 public meeting schedule. All Board and Advisory Council meetings, with the exception of the 2016 Cost Trends Hearing, will take place at 50 Milk Street at 12:00PM.

Board Meetings

Wednesday, September 7

Wednesday, November 9

Wednesday, December 14

Cost Trends Hearing

Monday, October 17 and Tuesday October 18

Advisory Council Meetings

CANCELLED Wednesday, September 14

Committee Meetings

Unless otherwise noted, the first meeting is at 9:30AM, followed by the second meeting at 11AM.

Wednesday, October 26 - CTMP/CHICI

Wednesday, November 2 - CDPST/QIPP

Wednesday, November 30 - CDPST/QIPP

Wednesday, December 7 - CTMP/CHICI/QIPP

All meeting dates are subject to change. Please check our website for updated information.