House budget includes additional water rate relief May 16, 2008
The problem with the budget, for both the House and the Senate, is that this new healthcare law is pretty much draining all of the resources that the state has available, as far as new money goes. With all of the money going into health care, there isn t a lot left over to fund other initiatives in other areas. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Senate unveils budget; GOP to try to revive casinos May 15, 2008
One of the biggest question marks in the budget is funding for the state's 2006 landmark healthcare law. Senate budget writers used an estimate of $869 million to cover the law's subsidized healthcare program, known as Commonwealth Care. (Boston Globe)
State agency seeks to cover 30,000 more uninsured May 9, 2008
The authority overseeing the state's healthcare law is exploring ways to cover an additional 30,000 uninsured residents, a step that could increase the annual cost of the program by more than $250 million within a few years ... "If the promise of healthcare reform is that we're going to cover everybody who needs health insurance, this is a key group that's left out," said Brian Rosman, research director of Health Care for All, an advocacy group that helped craft the 2006 healthcare law. (Boston Globe)
Harwich news in brief: Explore Hawksnest woods Apr 15, 2008
Sager to discuss healthcare law The League of Women Voters of the Cape Cod Area is sponsoring a forum on the 2006 Massachusetts Health Reform Law. Dr. Alan Sager, professor of health policy and management at the Boston University School of Public Health, will address the issue of universal healthcare for Massachusetts and for the nation. (Harwich Oracle, MA)
Healthcare affordability figures updated Apr 11, 2008
The vote occurred on the same day officials and community members gathered to celebrate the second anniversary of the healthcare law that has resulted in more than 340,000 people getting insurance so far. "This is a wonderful, wonderful experiment, and it is showing great results," Governor Deval Patrick said at a State House ceremony. (Boston Globe)
Budgeting through a recession Apr 9, 2008
That jump doesn't include the costs associated with our new universal healthcare law. On the one hand, decisions to expand coverage and offer more generous benefits reflect admirable values and priorities. (Boston Globe)
Fair taxes for tough times Apr 8, 2008
The revenue plans are fairly modest: a $1 increase in the cigarette tax to help Massachusetts implement its landmark universal healthcare law; two technical changes to keep certain corporations from avoiding their fair share of taxes; and some smaller tax enforcement measures. All told, the changes would net an additional $522 million to help balance a $28 billion budget. (Boston Globe)
Man shot, critically hurt in Roxbury Apr 8, 2008
Murray says the extra revenue would help cover the higher than expected costs of Massachusetts' landmark healthcare law ... The cost of the healthcare law is soaring in part because more people than expected have signed up for subsidized care. (Boston Globe)
Righting healthcare reform in Massachusetts Mar 31, 2008
For companies that have experienced years of double-digit increases for employee health premiums, the exploding cost of the healthcare law is not surprising. During the debate, businesses successfully pushed for modest cost reforms. (Boston Globe)
Muddied revenue streams Mar 28, 2008
First, we can bail out the poorly planned state healthcare law by increasing the cigarette tax - and presumably hope more people start smoking. Second, we have the expansion of the bottle bill to help provide income to the homeless while reducing carbon emissions and increasing the state's revenue stream. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Bay State pulls back on health contracts Feb 29, 2008
State officials, struggling to keep down the cost of the subsidized insurance program at the heart of healthcare law changes, abruptly pulled back from new contracts with insurers this week, according to three sources close to the bidding process. The state canceled a meeting scheduled for yesterday at which officials were expected to review the contracts and to vote on ways to partially offset the costs. (Boston Globe)
A fair share for healthcare Feb 27, 2008
THE AUTHORITY overseeing the state's new universal healthcare law is about to raise its rates on people who are living on limited incomes. This insurance is subsidized by the state, and the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority wants to make sure that co-pays and monthly premiums are high enough to discourage people from switching from private insurance. (Boston Globe)
A 'together we can' moment Feb 13, 2008
DiMasi also got ahead of Patrick by supporting a $1 increase in the cigarette tax, with the expected $152 million in revenue dedicated to make sure the state's landmark universal healthcare law remains sound. Other proposals in Patrick's budget DiMasi gave the nod to yesterday include $166 million in tax enforcement measures, such as revoking sales-tax exemptions on bug sprays and lawn chemicals and certain airplane parts. (Boston Globe)
The new Mass healthcare law Jan 29, 2008
Mon Jan 28, 2008, 04:48 PM EST. In April 2006, a new law was passed that requires most Massachusetts residents to get health insurance. (Saugus Advertiser, MA)
Mass. group links drug costs, marketing Jan 17, 2008
Members of the newly formed Massachusetts Prescription Reform Coalition said that rapid growth in the cost of prescription drugs threatens the state's new healthcare law and other efforts to extend insurance coverage to all residents. "There is an urgent need in Massachusetts to control healthcare costs, to sustain healthcare reform, and avoid croaking the overall economy," said John McDonough, executive director of Health Care for All, an advocacy group that played a lead role in shaping the... (Boston Globe)
A comeback for competence Jan 10, 2008
Romney even took credit for the Massachusetts healthcare law, deciding, at least for that one night, that a concrete government achievement was a bigger plus than nanny-state mandates were a minus. On the Democratic side, the vision of government's role was more expansive, but even here the candidates emphasized competence and can-do spirit - government not as a direct actor but more as a facilitator and backstop. (Boston Globe)
Late TV listings Jan 6, 2008
Topics: A free service that answers people's questions about drug coverage; a no-excuses workout of three easy exercises that can work for people at all fitness levels; changes in the state's mandatory healthcare law and a study exploring the link between race, diet, and diabetes that focuses on Asians. Guests: Mary Sullivan, MassMedLine director; Joe Alcaro, personal trainer, Boston Sports Club, Newton, 10:30 a.m. (NECN). (Boston Globe)
Penalty could exceed $900 for refusing to get insurance under Massachusetts mandatory healthcare law Jan 1, 2008
Local Search Site Search. THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING. (Boston Globe)
Governor just keeps on giving Dec 19, 2007
With added costs under the new universal healthcare law, an unemployment insurance rate increase, and a host of other expenses, the cost of doing business in Massachusetts is higher than ever, and now Patrick is pushing hard to close phantom corporate tax "loopholes." That's one gift the state's business community would like to get a receipt for -- so they can return it. Businesses aren't the only group to end up on the governor's naughty list this year. (Boston Globe)
Nearly 300,000 in Mass. covered under new healthcare law Dec 6, 2007
covered under new healthcare law - The Boston Globe ... seek coverage under healthcare law. (Boston Globe)
Clinton denounces Obama's healthcare proposal Nov 29, 2007
Clinton and Edwards would require individuals to carry health insurance, as Massachusetts now does under its new healthcare law, while Obama focuses on lowering costs and would only require parents to have coverage for their children. Clinton pounced on that distinction yesterday, charging that Obama's plan would "leave 15 million Americans virtually invisible." By her calculation, that number would include 100,000 in Iowa, or, as she noted pointedly, more than half the population of Des Moines. (Boston Globe)
GOP rivals swap barbs on values, crime Nov 26, 2007
On Sunday, Giuliani said Romney had made a mistake by mandating coverage for all Massachusetts residents in his landmark healthcare law. "When you mandate it, it ends up costing you much more money," Giuliani said. (Los Angeles Times)
More of this story Nov 22, 2007
Cut Bank Pioneer Press :: Cut Bank Montana News. Local responders, HEAT members attend homeland security training. (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
Rivals tag Romney on healthcare pitch Nov 16, 2007
Rudy Giuliani, campaigning in Florida yesterday, pointed out that Romney, who signed the landmark Massachusetts healthcare law while he was governor, has dropped the enrollment requirement from the healthcare plan he is pitching as a presidential candidate. Instead, he would leave such proposals up to each state. (Boston Globe)
* Nantou speaker summoned Oct 18, 2007
The case also accuses Wu and other dental association officials of bribing lawmakers to support passage of the Oral Cavity Healthcare Law (fdk) in 2003, Soong said ... 4 million to support the Oral Cavity Healthcare Law. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Ma. Gov, House Speaker Differ on Casinos Sep 20, 2007
Dan Bosley, pointing to the speaker's leadership in creating a landmark healthcare law that requires everyone in the state to be insured. "He gets into the nitty gritty," said Bosley, a North Adams Democrat and vocal opponent of casino gambling. (Forbes)
Collin College breaks ground on the expansion of Central Park Campus Aug 29, 2007
Star Community Newspapers. In The Community, With The Community, For the Community. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Romney's plan empowers citizens Aug 27, 2007
IN THE Aug. 23 editorial the Globe dismisses the individual choices and free-market principles at the heart of the Massachusetts healthcare law. Under the plan Mitt Romney signed as Massachusetts governor, state citizens are empowered to enter the private market and obtain their own health insurance. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Romney's rhetoric glosses Mass. years Aug 22, 2007
Skips some facts on healthcare law ... The Massachusetts healthcare law is exceedingly complicated, and it would be difficult for Romney to explain all the nuances in a town hall-style meeting, or in TV or radio advertisements ... "What's important about the Massachusetts healthcare law is that it's working, and Mitt Romney got it done by reaching across the political aisle," Romney spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said yesterday. (Boston Globe)
Genetic discrimination Aug 18, 2007
"It seems particularly draconian to say, 'Well, you're out with no benefits,' whereas another person with the same injury gets the coverage simply because we don't know there's a gene in there that's causing this," said Alex Capron, a professor who studies healthcare law, policy and ethics at USC.. The fear of genetic discrimination coincides with early efforts to decode the human genome more than 25 years ago. (Los Angeles Times)
Special election for state Senate a one-party race Aug 16, 2007
His top issues would include promoting "innovative industries," such as life sciences and renewable energy, advocating money for crime prevention, and helping ensure the success of the state's new healthcare law. Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company. (Boston Globe -- Local)
Tough questions on gambling Aug 9, 2007
In Massachusetts, some of the most acute needs are in the areas of transportation infrastructure, the new healthcare law, and aid to cities and towns. This is likely to be an integral part of any legislative debate to legalize casinos in Massachusetts. (Boston Globe)
MGH, Brigham make honor roll Jul 16, 2007
More than 155,000 Massachusetts residents have obtained health insurance prior to the July 1 deadline to obtain coverage, the state agency implementing the healthcare law said last week. About 2,500 people bought private insurance through the state's Commonwealth Choice program since it went on sale in May, a figure that is 50 percent higher than anticipated, according to the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority , which implements the law. (Boston Globe)
A down payment on progress Jul 13, 2007
Still, it manages to fund a few important initiatives, most notably the new universal healthcare law, which weighs in at $1. 8 billion. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Liebert named health financing director Jul 11, 2007
Liebert, 40, has operated a local healthcare law practice, worked at a Fremont law firm and served as staff counsel to the State Department of General Services. She lives in Folsom with her husband Drew Liebert, counsel to the Assembly Judiciary Committee, and her stepdaughter. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Healthy advice Jul 7, 2007
"It's critical that the higher- level advertising and marketing be matched by boots on the ground helping individuals through the process of understanding their choices and actually enrolling in coverage," said John McDonough, executive director of Health Care for All, an advocacy group that helped get the new healthcare law passed in April 2006 and that has received a state outreach grant. To provide more insurance options, the state has expanded eligibility for Medicaid, created a new... (Boston Globe -- Local)
Healthcare law's turn at bat Jul 1, 2007
JUST ABOUT everyone in Massachusetts is supposed to have health insurance coverage starting today under the state's new healthcare law ... According to Blendon's poll, the more that people knew about the healthcare law, the better they liked it. (Boston Globe)
Ambitious goals; shifting stances Jun 30, 2007
And he hailed two families who should be able to afford medical insurance under the state's new healthcare law. Then the Romneys left Beacon Hill and returned home for a quiet evening, a chapter of their life closed. (Boston Globe)
The fights on the right Jun 20, 2007
Or health insurance: The Massachusetts healthcare law that takes effect next month is highly praised by the Heritage Foundation and fiercely critiqued by the Cato Institute, two of Washington's most influential right-of-center think tanks. From school vouchers to stem cell research to racial preferences to torture, the American right bubbles with debate and disagreement, while the left, for all its talk about "diversity," rarely seems to show any. (Boston Globe)
Car crashes into statue; two injured Jun 17, 2007
State residents polled on healthcare law Ninety-two percent of Massachusetts residents are aware of a new law requiring all state residents to have health insurance, according to a new poll. But the poll also suggested that 73 percent were doubtful that all will purchase the required coverage. (Boston Globe)
Statement by President Bush Jun 14, 2007
I asked them to determine how the federal government could best help to support state and local efforts to ensure that our communities, including college campuses, are safe. They responded quickly, traveling to a dozen states to hear from governors, law enforcement officials, mental health professionals, educators, and other state and local officials. (PR Newswire)
President’s Statement on the Report to the President on Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy Jun 14, 2007
President s Statement on the Report to the President on Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy. For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary June 13, 2007. (White House News Releases)
* Oral healthcare law passed, but not without debate Jun 14, 2007
Oral healthcare law passed, but not without debate ... The Oral Cavity Healthcare Law (fdk) passed the legislature in May 2003 without objection, but not without fierce debate on whether oral diseases should be covered by the Bureau of National Health Insurance (BNHI). (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
* Prosecutors probe Taiwan Dental Association Jun 14, 2007
The Supreme Court Prosecutors Office's Special Investigation Section (SIS) raided the Taiwan Dental Association late on Tuesday night and questioned 27 dentists about alleged involvement in bribing lawmakers to support passage of the Oral Cavity Healthcare Law (fdk) in 2003 ... 4 million (US$739,400) in total to support the Oral Cavity Healthcare Law. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
FalconStor Sets Up for Nordic Territory Jun 11, 2007
Business Wire: public relations, press release distribution, investor relations, SEC filing. Company Information Center. (BusinessWire)
The Republican big tent Jun 6, 2007
Mitt Romney did not have a good night, speaking of non sequiturs and null sets and finding himself on the defensive for signing a healthcare law some of his opponents called a big government mandate. His attempt to play the Reaganesque role of optimist looking to a bright future fell flat. (Boston Globe)
Board OK's rules on health coverage Apr 13, 2007
"Our vote . . . sets the stage for covering virtually everyone with insurance that meets the highest standards in the nation," said Leslie Kirwan, chairwoman of the board of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority, which is overseeing the healthcare law. Officials estimate that 60,000 people will be exempted from getting insurance because it is considered unaffordable. (Boston Globe)
US News ranks med schools Apr 2, 2007
The deteriorating environment has led to a shortage of physicians and reduced access to care as the state implements its new healthcare law, the group warns. The findings are based on an index the society compiles about the overall climate for physicians, including such measures as liability costs and the number of employment ads in the New England Journal of Medicine. (Boston Globe)
For Patrick loyalists, some talking points Mar 19, 2007
These talking points, according to a copy obtained by the Globe, include statistics on the corporate tax changes Patrick has proposed, his concerns about children affected by the New Bedford immigration raid, and his efforts to lower premium costs under the state's new healthcare law. "Take a look, and the next time you're approached by someone wanting to know 'What's up with your guy,' you counter with a specific initiative," Nancy Anderson, a ward organizer during the campaign, wrote in an... (Boston Globe -- Local)
A welcome advocate on healthcare Mar 15, 2007
When the new healthcare law was hammered out, former governor Mitt Romney and legislative leaders estimated that affordable coverage would cost about $200 a month for those who do not receive healthcare benefits from employers. Yet the first set of bids offered by insurers averaged $380 a month. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Watch health of local businesses Mar 6, 2007
Last year's new healthcare law added another $30 million. And Patrick hopes to revisit the balance between business and residential property taxes in a way that would keep business's share higher than it would otherwise be. (Boston Globe)
High deductibles a healthcare worry Mar 5, 2007
The board overseeing the state's landmark healthcare law is considering minimal coverage plans with deductibles up to $2,000 before the full benefits of insurance kick in. Saturday, Governor Deval Patrick released the latest plans, which the board is scheduled to vote on this week. (Boston Globe)
Insurers slice rates on health premiums Mar 4, 2007
Jon Kingsdale of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority discussed the healthcare law yesterday at the State House with Governor Deval Patrick (left) ... "The whole range of quotes is lower now," said Jon Kingsdale, executive director of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority, which oversees much of the implementation of the healthcare law ... The state's healthcare law was developed by Romney, who worked with Senate President Robert E. Travaglini and House Speaker... (Boston Globe -- Local)
Budget relies on one-time fixes Mar 1, 2007
Aides to Patrick said the savings would come from cutting rate increases for nursing homes by about $24 million and delaying about $34 million in increased payments to hospitals promised under the universal healthcare law. Typically, each dollar in state spending is matched by the federal government to make up the program's $8. (Boston Globe)
Activists want more affordable rentals in the marina Feb 26, 2007
12:55 AM PST, February 26, 2007. As construction booms in the waterfront area, activists want the county, which owns the land, to require increases in affordable apartments. (Los Angeles Times)
Economist sees value in religiosity Feb 10, 2007
If you've heard of him, it's likely as one of the consultants who advised the Legislature and governor in writing the state's new universal healthcare law, and now a similar proposal for California. But Gruber also studies religion, not so much devotionally (he's Jewish and believes in "a higher power" beyond the dean of the faculty, yet attends temple only on the High Holy Days), but for faith's economic and social effects. (Boston Globe)
Romney distances self from Mass. health plan Feb 3, 2007
The healthcare law requires all Massachusetts adults to obtain health coverage that meets minimum standards as of July 1 or pay a penalty, unless they prove they cannot afford it. Businesses with more than 10 employees but without "fair and reasonable" health insurance must pay an annual fee. (Boston Globe -- Nation)
Insurance law far from cure Jan 31, 2007
The least they can do now is go back and fix the faux universal healthcare law they saddled us with last year. Eileen McNamara is a Globe columnist. (Boston Globe)
Many insured would have to add coverage under new law, panel says Jan 30, 2007
State healthcare law sets higher minimums. By Alice Dembner, Globe Staff | January 30, 2007. (Boston Globe)
6-figure pay for care plan overseers Jan 27, 2007
The state's landmark universal healthcare law, approved last year to provide affordable coverage to the state's approximately 500,000 uninsured residents, has created a bureaucracy with a salary scale like that of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority or the Massachusetts Port Authority, two quasi-independent agencies that Patrick and former governor Mitt Romney have railed against for their overly generous compensation packages. With the agency struggling to provide the affordable premiums the... (Boston Globe)
Change in healthcare law urged Jan 25, 2007
Today's Globe Local Opinion Magazine Education NECN Special reports Obituaries. Group asks state to delay penalties. (Boston Globe)
Single-family home sales, prices drop in December Jan 23, 2007
State panel tells health insurers to lower prices The panel assigned with turning Massachusetts' groundbreaking healthcare law into a reality sent insurers back to the drawing board, saying they need to do better at coming up with low cost plans. The move came after members of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector were told on Friday that the average price for the new plans could cost about $380 a month, almost twice what former Governor Mitt Romney had predicted before signing the bill... (Boston Globe)
Schools, healthcare top issues forum Jan 21, 2007
The legislators said Connecticut could enact a universal healthcare law this year as was done in Massachusetts in 2006. Gomes said rising healthcare costs are a problem for the middle class as well as the poor. (Bridgeport News, CT)
USappeals court rejects Maryland state healthcare law Jan 18, 2007
U.S. appeals court rejects Maryland state healthcare law. www. (Xinhua)
Patrick's power of the purse Jan 11, 2007
Legislators rewrote the local aid formula, financed the initial stages of the new healthcare law, and increased money for higher education, but then they got carried away -- a gazebo here, a boat ramp there -- on projects that are beloved in individual districts but to most people seem like pork-barrel spending. Since July 1, the growth in state revenue has slowed to 3. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
