Monthly Archives: January 2007

Paul Levy Opens Up on Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Posted on January 25, 2007 by HCFA

Another must-read blog entry by Beth Israel-Deaconess CEO Paul Levy today on BIDMC’s efforts and results to date in reducing ventilator-associated pneumonia — one of the major categories of hospital acquired infections. I humbly suggest Paul is engaged in breakthrough … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Quality | Leave a comment

The Affordability Plot Thickens

Posted on January 24, 2007 by HCFA

Tomorrow, the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization is releasing their study of health insurance premium affordability under MA health reform. Here’s today’s State House News preview, with important insights from Sen. Moore, Rep. Walrath (co-chairs of the Health Reform Conference Committee) … Continue reading →

Posted in MA Health Reform | 16 Comments

Kudos to North Adams Regional Hospital

Posted on January 24, 2007 by HCFA

We offer kudos to North Adams Regional Hospital out in Berkshire County which recently started a new procedure for helping uninsured patients. Now, whenever an uninsured patient has any service at the hospital, the admissions worker informs them up front … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market, Health Care Quality, MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

SorryWorks! Coalition Director at HCFA

Posted on January 24, 2007 by HCFA

Doug Wojcieszak, the founder and spokesperson for the SorryWorks! Coalition, spoke at Health Care for All about apology and disclosure following adverse medical events. Both apology immunity (allowing a healthcare provider to apologize following an adverse medical event without the … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Notes and Observations on the Connector Mishegas

Posted on January 23, 2007 by HCFA

Several interesting quotes from state leaders on recent events involving the Connector: Administration and Finance Secretary Leslie Kirwan: “Affordability and choice are critical for us,” said. “We are not going to rush on a vote. …This is the time to … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market, MA Health Reform | 7 Comments

Gov. Patrick Signs His First Law — It’s about Health

Posted on January 23, 2007 by HCFA

And so the story ends… Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday signed his first legislation into law, chapter 1 of the acts and resolves of 2007: H 2011 further revising membership of the Public Health Council. Just to recap, for the final … Continue reading →

Posted in Public Health | Leave a comment

Connector to Insurers: Sharpen Your Pencils

Posted on January 22, 2007 by HCFA

Following a policy committee meeting last Friday that left many of us concerned Minimum Creditable Coverage (MCC) plans would be neither creditable nor affordable, today’s full Connector board meeting provided better news. Bottom line: the Board delayed its decision on … Continue reading →

Posted in Health Care Market, MA Health Reform | 5 Comments

Senator Barrios Starts a Blog

Posted on January 22, 2007 by HCFA

Sen. Jarrett Barrios joins the blogosphere. Click here for a sample. Welcome aboard!

Posted in Health Care Politics | Leave a comment

Today’s Connector Board Meeting Location

Posted on January 22, 2007 by HCFA

Today’s meeting of the Connector Authority Board from 2 to 4 p.m. has been moved to the 21st floor of One Ashburton Place

Posted in MA Health Reform | Leave a comment

PA Gov. Rendell Offers “Prescription for Pennsylvania”

Posted on January 21, 2007 by HCFA

Check out PA Gov. Ed Rendell’s “Prescription for Pennsylvania” health reform proposal. Some key ideas: — Mandated participation by employers — starting with firms with 50+ workers — Coverage subsidies for uninsured with incomes below 300% of the poverty line … Continue reading →

Posted in States | Leave a comment