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MassHealth Defense Campaign

MassHealth Defense Campaign. Presentation For: Grantmakers in Health Health Care For All April, 2003. Who is Health Care For All?.

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MassHealth Defense Campaign

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  1. MassHealth Defense Campaign Presentation For: Grantmakers in Health Health Care For All April, 2003

  2. Who is Health Care For All? We are building a movement of empowered people and communities with the goal of creating a health care system that is responsive to all people, particularly the most vulnerable. We are dedicated to making quality care the right of all people and support a health care system that is universal, comprehensive, and equitable.

  3. HCFA’s accomplishmentslegislation and regulations • Medical Security Plan • CommonHealth • Children’s Medical Security Plan • Chapter 203 – Access expansion to 300,000 • Prescription Advantage • Non-Group Reform • Non-profit Hospital and HMO Guidelines • Interpreters’ Law

  4. The Last Five Years • Between 1998 and 2000, uninsured in Massachusetts decreased According to state survey: • 5.9% of population, 365,000 people in 2000 • vs. 8.9% of population, 496,000 people in 1998 Kaiser Foundation CPS analysis: • 10.6% in 99-00, 575,000 people

  5. MassHealth Enrollment Increases • MassHealth enrollment has increased by 300,000 since 1997 • 44% increase in enrollees • In 2002, 988,000 people were enrolled in MassHealth • 15% of the state’s population • 21% of kids • 7% of adults

  6. MassHealth Costs Surge Source: MTF, 2002e based on Governor's supplemental requests to date; 2003p Medicaid based on House 1, total budget based on MTF projection of 3% growth over 2001.

  7. The Perfect Storm • September 11, 2001 • Economic Recession • Increasing Unemployment • State Budget Pressures • $3B deficit projected for FY04 • Rising Health Care Costs

  8. Leaders Target MassHealth For Cuts • Adult dental benefits eliminated (1/02) • Dentures, eyeglasses, prosthetics, orthotics, chiropractic therapy eliminated (1/03) • Children’s Medical Security Plan capped (11/02) • Coverage for 50,000 eliminated (4/03)

  9. The MassHealth Defense Group • With key support of Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation and The Boston Foundation, Health Care For All takes “big tent” approach to building a coalition • Physicians, nurses and other providers • Hospitals • Insurers • Labor Unions • Health and Public Health Advocates • Grassroots Advocates • Unusual allies – business leaders, etc.

  10. MassHealth Defense Campaign Budget • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation • The Boston Foundation • Boston Medical Center • Cambridge Health Alliance • Children’s Hospital • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care • Massachusetts Medical Society • Neighborhood Health Plan • Partners Health Care • Tufts Health Plan • UMass Memorial Health Care $167,500 Total Budget

  11. Elements of the Campaign • Consumer Involvement and Public Action • Communications • Research and Education • Coalition Building • Legislative Advocacy

  12. Consumer Involvement and Public Action • Identify and organize consumers affected by MassHealth cuts • Mobilize community leaders • Organize providers • Organize demonstrations, phone banking and letter-writing campaigns • Establish a committee of prominent leaders

  13. Communications • Develop strategic plan • Explore earned media opportunities • Faces Campaign • Images and stories of consumers • Images and stories of providers • Internet & Web-based advocacy • State polling & focus groups Harris Berman, M.D. (at podium), CEO of Tufts Health Plan

  14. Research & Education • Develop policy briefings: • MassHealth: What It Is. Why It Works. • The MassHealth Cuts: What They Are. Why They Don’t Work. What We Can Do. • What to do about Uninsured Adults Losing Coverage in MassHealth Basic • Detail economic and human impact of MassHealth cuts • Develop alternative cost saving proposals

  15. Coalition Building & Maintenance • Establish broad-based coalition of 150 members, including: Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Hospital Association, United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Massachusetts Teachers Association, Tufts Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts • Maintain internal communications: • bimonthly meetings • email updates • action alerts • up-to-date website

  16. Legislative Advocacy • Develop legislative strategy • Identify legislative allies • Engage legislators to disseminate materials to colleagues and act as sponsors of public events and media outreach • Mobilize sub-committee of MassHealth Defense Group to implement strategies

  17. Next Steps – Protect MassHealth From Cuts • Document impact of cuts • Develop policy briefings: • Veterans • People with disabilities • Children • Work to expand revenue base • Partner with education and other advocates

  18. Next Steps -Over the Next Year • Redefining Victory • Protect core programs • Significant revenue increase • Create framework for future expansions • Develop stronger coalition to keep health access on political agenda • Develop stronger voice for MassHealth recipients

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