Hello everyone: please note that our blog category "Mass Health Care" has moved to new space within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Please visit and bookmark us at  http://hhs.blog.state.ma.us/blog/health-care/.

DHCFP is hosting a series of public forums on May 2nd, May 13th, and May 20th regarding the all-payer claims database (APCD) to engage in candid discussions and seek specific feedback that will help us refine our work and develop additional policies.  I encourage you   …Continue Reading APCD Community Engagement

  Last week, DHCFP began collection of total medical expenses data.  This week, we prepare for our second major data collection effort under Chapter 288: relative prices.     Relative price can be a deceptively complex measure.  Relative prices compare how much a carrier would pay each   …Continue Reading Moving Forward with Relative Prices

  This week, the Division prepared for an important event – the first filing of total medical expense data as required by Chapter 288.  Of all the new data our agency is collecting, total medical expenses (TME) may be the most interesting with respect to   …Continue Reading Collection of Total Medical Expenses Starts Today

  Back in April 2010, when DHCFP first proposed regulations to create an all-payer claims database (ACPD), certain aspects of the proposal were intentionally left broad in order to allow for further future refinement.  This coming May, DHCFP will receive health care claims data filings   …Continue Reading Upcoming APCD Forums

  Earlier today, we released our quarterly report on the financial performance of Massachusetts hospitals.  This edition includes the first three quarters of fiscal year 2010.  Overall, hospitals did well.  More than three-fourths of the Commonwealth’s sixty-five acute hospitals earned a profit during the period,   …Continue Reading An Update on the Financial Performance of Massachusetts Hospitals

The all-payer claims database (APCD) is a good example of our commitment to transparency and engagement. At our May 2010 public hearing to discuss the draft APCD regulations for both the collection and release of health care claims data, we heard testimony from dozens of   …Continue Reading APCD: An Example of Engagement and Transparency

  As I mentioned in my previous entry, DHCFP’s endeavors are meant to spark discussion, create transparency, and inspire innovation. For example, we recently hosted an educational symposium on bundled payments for payers, providers, and other interested parties. With over 150 attendees, the event provided   …Continue Reading Update on Recent Activities

  It’s full steam ahead at the Division of Health Care Finance and Policy (DHCFP).  Last week’s successful launch of the all-payer claims database embodies one of many important initiatives that DHCFP has undertaken to further its ongoing mission to provide reliable, objective health care   …Continue Reading Engaging You in 2011

    This past Monday, the Division’s all-payer claims database (APCD) began collecting health care claims data from all registered payers in the Commonwealth. I am pleased to report that – to date – the APCD has registered almost 90 health care payers and third   …Continue Reading Another Step Forward with APCD