By Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby There’s no question that underage drinking is a serious public health problem in communities across the nation. Here in Massachusetts, we’ve made progress in reducing rates of alcohol consumption among our young people, but there’s   …Continue Reading A Smart Step Toward Reducing Alcohol Use Among Our Youth

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services   Today we celebrate the one-year anniversary of the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, known to many by its nickname, ACA.  This historic legislation, closely modeled after the health care   …Continue Reading Celebrating the passage of the Affordable Care Act and Massachusetts’ role shaping it

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services   One of the top priorities for the Patrick-Murray Administration and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services is to find ways to deliver quality care to individuals and contain the rising costs   …Continue Reading Recognition for reducing hospital readmissions

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services Yesterday marked a health care milestone in Massachusetts which I’m particularly pleased to blog about: Governor Patrick announced comprehensive health care payment and delivery reform legislation that is designed to control rising health care   …Continue Reading A Massachusetts milestone: health care payment reform legislation

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services   In the four years since I assumed the role of Health and Human Services Secretary of Massachusetts, residents of the Commonwealth have witnessed significant changes in the health care landscape. We have successfully   …Continue Reading The problem with health care in Massachusetts: The way we pay for it.

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services   Last week, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced the invitation of 46 primary care practices to participate in the Patient-Centered Medical Home Initiative.  This is a tremendous milestone in a   …Continue Reading Reforming Primary Care In the Commonwealth: Putting the Patient First

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is not only a time be aware of breast cancer, but it’s an opportunity to learn more about the proactive steps women can take to protect themselves.    …Continue Reading Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services   During a legislative hearing last November, Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Angelo McClain attributed his motivation to accept the role of DCF Commissioner to his own experience as a youth within   …Continue Reading Kudos to Department of Children and Families Commissioner McClain

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services   Earlier this week, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services hosted an open meeting for stakeholders on ‘Implementing Federal Health Reform in Massachusetts.’ The meeting was an opportunity to share updates and   …Continue Reading First Open Meeting on National Health Care Reform

Posted by: JudyAnn Bigby, MD, Secretary of Health and Human Services   Congratulations are in order for the Department of Transitional Assistance!  Massachusetts was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct the first ever Healthy Incentives Pilot (HIP), a program that   …Continue Reading A great step forward for healthier eating and living in the Commonwealth