MHPF Highlights
Healthy Aging Forum Looks at Patient-Centered Care For Seniors
Forum Looks at Successes in MassHealth Pharmacy Program
MHPF in the News
Brandeis professor traces efforts to reshape health care
'Romneycare,' meet 'Obamacare'
Press Releases
Release 6.21.10
Report Confirms Massachusetts Will Realize Coverage Gains and Financial Benefits Through National Health Reform
Release 6.2.10
Two Reports Study Health Care Reform Impact on Women’s Health
Forum held on May 16, 2012
Overweight and Obesity in Massachusetts: A Focus on Physical Activity
Childhood obesity continues to be a major concern for the nation and for the state of Massachusetts. But while a number of efforts are underway to address the problem, Massachusetts is still one of six states to see an increase in obesity rates for the second year in a row. Even worse, the Commonwealth ranks dead last with the lowest percentage of high school students who get the recommended sixty minutes of physical activity daily. The battle against obesity requires addressing both nutrition and physical activity, but less attention has been paid to physical activity, despite evidence linking it to improved health and academic success. At the forum we discussed why our children are not physically active, and the associated health costs and consequences. We examined best practices and potential solutions, and hear key stakeholder and policymaker reactions. This forum was made possible by generous grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, and The Boston Foundation. 
Forum held on October 26, 2011
Beyond Parity: Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care Under Payment and Delivery System Reform
As Massachusetts implements provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and debates delivery system and payment reform within the Commonwealth, this Forum aimed to critically examine how these major policy initiatives impacted care for individuals with mental health and addiction disorders. Reforms hold the promise of improving the quality of care and the well-being of individuals with mental health and addiction treatment needs in Massachusetts. Yet, critical questions remain about how to effectively transform systems of care in the state to best meet the prevention, treatment and recovery needs of this population. At the Forum, we heard recommendations on how to move into the next phase of health reform in Massachusetts with the goal of improving mental health and addiction care, as well as best practices from experts around the country and reactions from state leaders in this field. Speakers included: Honorable Steven Walsh, Chair, Joint Committee on Health Care Financing; Barbara Leadholm, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health; Colleen Barry, Associate Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Michael Botticelli, Director, Department of Public Health Bureau of Substance Abuse Services; Daniel Fisher, Executive Director, National Empowerment Center; Colleen Labelle, Program Director and Faculty, Boston University School of Medicine; Paul Mendis, Chief Medical Officer, Neighborhood Health Plan. Richard Frank, Margaret T. Morris Professor of Health Economics, Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School moderated. This forum was co-sponsored by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.
Issue brief available at: http://bluecrossfoundation.org/Policy-and-Research/Convening/Beyond-Parity.aspx
Forum held on September 27, 2011
Substance Exposed Newborns: Addressing Social Costs Across the Lifespan
This forum examined the implications of prenatal substance exposure through the life span and consider policies and initiatives for prevention and treatment. Prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, misused prescription medication, and illegal drugs can seriously impact the child and family and result in substantial cost to society. Massachusetts and other states have undertaken initiatives to reduce the impact of prenatal exposure but many opportunities remain. Even in a time of significant budgetary constraints, it is essential to consider options that will, over time, save taxpayer money, improve lives, and build a healthier and more productive Commonwealth. This forum was made possible with the support of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.