MHPF Highlights
Forum Looks at Successes in MassHealth Pharmacy Program
Senator Harriette Chandler: True Health Care Must Include Dental Care
MHPF in the News
Michael Doonan gives and update on Massachusetts Health Reform
Michael Doonan talks about hospital cuts in MA
Press Releases
Release 6.16.09
Debate Continues on How to Provide Quality Dental Care to All Residents
Release 1.26.09
Mass In Motion: Addressing Obesity and Overweight in the Commonwealth
December 14, 2009
Healthy Aging in the Commonwealth: Pathways to Lifelong Wellness
As the baby boom generation retires and life expectancy increases, steps can and must be taken to help seniors stay healthy, active and socially engaged. National efforts and best practices around the country will be described by our keynote speaker, Nancy Whitelaw, senior vice president for Healthy Aging, and director of the Center for Healthy Aging at the National Council on Aging. Challenges in our state as well as best practices will be analyzed in our issue brief and discussed by a panel of top state officials and nonprofit organization leaders implementing innovative and successful programs in our communities. Speakers include Secretary of Elder Affairs, Ann Hartstein, Anita Albright from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Robert Schreiber from Hebrew Senior Life, and Rosa Palacios from Commonwealth Care Alliance. 
Forum held on November 13, 2009
Medicaid Prescription Drug Quality and Cost Management: Options, Opportunities and Progress
This forum, cosponsored by the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute and Community Catalyst explored efforts in Massachusetts to improve quality and control Medicaid prescription drug costs. The latest research was presented, followed by a panel discussion on best practices in Massachusetts and around the country. Cindy Thomas, PhD. and Jeffrey Prottas, PhD. presented the findings from their paper, “The MassHealth Pharmacy Program, Implementation Report”. Dr. Jerry Avorn, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School presented on “academic detailing” and Alison Little, representing the Drug Review Effectiveness Project at the Oregon Health and Sciences University presented on other states’ approaches. Other panelists included Paul Mendis from Neighborhood Health Plan and Paul Jeffrey from the Office of Medicaid.
Forum held on June 16, 2009
Putting the Mouth Back in the Body: Improving Oral Health across the Commonwealth
Issues of oral health are critical to overall health. However, many still do not have access to preventive measures we know work. There is also a looming shortage of dental health care providers. Threatened cutbacks in adult dental coverage under MassHealth could jeopardize recent progress. This forum examined the state of oral health, and options for continued improvement at the state and national level. Speakers included: Senator Harriette Chandler, Representative John Scibak, Conan Davis from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Catherine Hayes from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Frank Robinson from Partners for a Healthier Community, Libby Mullin from Mullin Strategies, Stewart Landers from the MA Department of Public Health, and Judith Jones from Boston University School of Dental Medicine. This forum was co-sponsored and made possible by the Massachusetts Dental Society and the DentaQuest Foundation.