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Kaiser Media Fellowships 2012 Massachusetts Site Visits
In May 2012 the Kaiser Media Fellows – journalists with a strong focus on health policy and state health reform – were invited to participate in a week-long program focused on containing health care costs, the impact of almost universal health insurance coverage in Massachusetts, and how the Affordable Care Act relates to Massachusetts’ state health reform law. The site visits in Boston and Cambridge gave journalists the opportunity to hear from a variety of experts and stakeholders, including state health officials, health policy analysts, academics, community clinic staff members and legislative staff. The program focused on a range of issues including the establishment and operation of Massachusetts’ health benefit exchange, initiatives to improve the delivery of health care and reduce costs, the role of Accountable Care Organizations in the local Boston community, and the public health and access to care implications of demographic changes in Boston.
2012 Massachusetts Site Visits Agenda
The Foundation has a brief from the State Health Care Reform Initiative that examines Massachusetts’ experience with coverage and access to care over the last six years, as well as the state’s ongoing efforts to deal with persistent high health care costs. The brief also compares Massachusetts health reform with the national reforms included in the Affordable Care Act. A fact sheet summarizes the health care landscape in Massachusetts. Also available is a brief that examines Massachusetts’ proposal to create an integrated service delivery and payment model for dual eligibles in the state.
2012 Kaiser Media Fellowships Massachusetts Site Visit Participants
Sarah Boseley, The Guardian
“US healthcare reform cannot be undone, says former Medicare boss” The Guardian, June 15, 2012.
Jonathan Cohn, The New Republic
“Obamacare’s Future, Romneycare’s Past” The New Republic, May 21, 2012.
“Who’s Afraid of the Mandate?” The New Republic, May 22, 2012.
Tracy Jan, The Boston Globe
“Anticipating options after health ruling” The Boston Globe, June 5, 2012.
“Control of costs a test for overhaul” The Boston Globe, July 1, 2012.
Sarah Kliff, The Washington Post
“Jon Gruber on Obamacare, premium support and health policy dreams” The Washington Post, May 21, 2012.
“How can Obamacare succeed? Romneycare offers a few clues.” The Washington Post, May 23, 2012.
“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass. wants you to decide whether to pay $50 or $500 for an MRI” The Washington Post, May 24, 2012.
“Maybe medical school debt isn’t the problem” The Washington Post, May 30, 2012.
Noam Levey, The Los Angeles Times
“A shift in how healthcare is paid for” The Los Angeles Times, December 12, 2012
Jason Millman, Politico Pro
“Massachusetts to move with Basic Health Plan” Politico Pro, May 22, 2012 (subscription required).
“Big challenge to the Massachusetts exchange? Federal health law” Politico Pro, May 31, 2012 (subscription required).
“Massachusetts health cost control could go national” Politico Pro, June 1, 2012 (subscription required).