Policy & Research Overview

Through its policy and research portfolio, the Foundation provides independent information and analysis in the form of publications and events. 

Publications include a breadth of resources including chart packs providing basic information about Medicaid as well as in-depth reports on specific barriers to health care access. The Foundation typically commissions these publications from local and national consultants, academics, think tanks, and other researchers. Foundation policy staff have deep content expertise and take a strong role in developing project ideas and subsequently reviewing and shaping report content.

Policy initiatives concentrating on the Massachusetts Medicaid program, MassHealth, are largely conducted under the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI), a dedicated arm of the Foundation's policy and research agenda. 

Events range from presentations focused on opportunities for policy reform, to discussions of implications of research findings, to panels including representatives from other states or innovative (in state) programs to share different perspectives and lessons learned implementing specific Medicaid or other care delivery reforms.

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The Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute

The Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI) is an independent and nonpartisan source of information and analysis about the Massachusetts Medicaid program, “MassHealth.”

Publication Library

What is the Role of Provider Taxes in the MassHealth Program?
What is the Role of Provider Taxes in the MassHealth Program?

What is the Role of Provider Taxes in the MassHealth Program?

Published: May 15, 2025
This issue brief explains the critical role that provider taxes play in supporting the MassHealth program.
State Health Planning to Improve Access to Care in Massachusetts: Needs and Current Tools
State Health Planning to Improve Access to Care in Massachusetts: Needs and Current Tools

State Health Planning to Improve Access to Care in Massachusetts: Needs and Current Tools

Published: April 30, 2025
This issue brief describes the concept and history of health services planning and outlines the planning-related regulatory and policy tools that Massachusetts uses today.
Emerging Federal Policy and Potential Implications for Subsidized Health Insurance Programs in Massachusetts
Emerging Federal Policy and Potential Implications for Subsidized Health Insurance Programs in Massachusetts

Emerging Federal Policy and Potential Implications for Subsidized Health Insurance Programs in Massachusetts

Published: March 20, 2025
This chart pack describes the potential threats to subsidized health insurance coverage and financing in Massachusetts under the new federal administration.
MassHealth Matters to Massachusetts – Updated Infographic (2025)
MassHealth Matters to Massachusetts – Updated Infographic (2025)

MassHealth Matters to Massachusetts – Updated Infographic (2025)

Published: January 16, 2025
This updated infographic (2025) highlights key facts about MassHealth.