In The Spotlight

Massachusetts Health Reform: Bragging Rights and Growing Pains

Many have proclaimed the Massachusetts health care reform plan a success, noting the greater than expected enrollment rates in the program’s first 18 months. But some observers sound notes of concern, such as the plan's higher-than-budgeted price tag. How is implementation of universal coverage progressing in Massachu-setts? How is the Connector model working? This briefing, cosponsored by the Kaiser Family Foundation, will address these and related questions. Read More

With a substantial body of evidence showing that racial and ethnic minorities receive poorer quality care than others, state and federal policy makers are looking for ways to reduce disparities. This briefing looked at what states are already doing to help reduce disparities, and what the federal government and the states could do to narrow gaps even more. Cosponsored by The Commonwealth Fund. Read More

While the United States delivers some of the best medical care in the world, there are major inefficiencies in our system. We have high rates of medical errors, millions without health insurance coverage, and lower utilization of advanced health information technology than most western European nations. What can we learn about coverage patterns and health care costs in other countries that might help inform our choices in the U.S.? This briefing, cosponsored by The Commonwealth Fund, addressed these and related questions.  Read More

Comparative effectiveness research holds out the tantalizing prospect of making it easier for patients and their doctors to choose the best treatment. Who should conduct such research -- government, the private sector or some combination? Who should decide which interventions to evaluate? Who will pay for it? This briefing, cosponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, addressed these and related questions. Read More