Health care payers, providers, and policymakers are increasingly pursuing value-based payment (VBP) to improve the quality of care and population health while controlling rising health care costs. When implemented in Medicaid, VBP programs often include children and adults in the same model, though these models may not fully account for children’s distinct health needs.
Addressing timely access to behavioral health care through the adoption of open access methods supports the well-being of people with behavioral health conditions, improves staff productivity, and increases financial stability for provider organizations. However, no study has previously documented the experience of provider organizations using this model in Massachusetts.
Independent, nonpartisan research and analysis about the impact of state and national health reform on Massachusetts.
Lack of access to quality, affordable health care is created and compounded by structural racism and prevents people from achieving positive health outcomes. Our emerging grant program and policy analysis agenda aim to understand and disrupt structural racism to eliminate inequities in health care access, quality, and outcomes.
This is a new focus area for the Foundation and this section will be updated as the work evolves. Publications found in this section include those related our previous focus area on Social Equity and Health.
Coverage does not always equal care. Our focus is on expanding health insurance coverage and access to care, and developing strategies to increase coverage to reach those most in need.
A comprehensive source for independent, nonpartisan research and analysis about MassHealth, the Massachusetts Medicaid program.
Access to behavioral health is uneven and consumers often have difficulty getting the right combination of care when they need it. Our focus is on exploring methods that expand access and eliminate barriers to integrating behavioral and physical health care.
This budget brief highlights the state fiscal year (SFY) 2021 budget – which ran from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 – for MassHealth and other health reform programs. The SFY21 budget was delayed by six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic challenges and fiscal uncertainty. Included within the budget was $18.9 billion designated for health care coverage programs and related operational expenses.
