Health Care Reform Resources - UPDATED!

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Despite the situation in Washington, October is here and providers need to be up to speed on the latest changes to health care in MA and across the country. Below are some resources that will help you help your clients and your agencies navigate and best respond to these new health care systems and structures.

See the latest Affordable Care Act Implementation Update, a presentation by the Executive Office of Health & Human Services (MassHealth) and Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority (Health Connector)

Local:

MassHealth's mission is "to improve the health outcomes of our diverse members, their families and their communities, by providing access to integrated health care services that sustainably promote health, well-being, independence, and quality of life."

Health Connector- your one-stop-shop for Commonwealth Choice and Commonwealth Care plans. Go directly to their Get Started page for up-to-date information about where to find Navigators and Certified Application Counselors. [Note: Health Connector links in this post were updated 5/2015]

Health Care for All is a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to making quality, affordable health care accessible to everyone, regardless of income, social or economic status. HCFA is especially concerned about the most vulnerable members of society -- the uninsured, low-income elders, children, people with disabilities and immigrants. HCFA's work combines policy analysis, information referral, personal and legal advocacy, community organizing and public education.

National:

SAMHSA Health Reform Efforts: SAMHSA is a key source of technical assistance and information for the behavioral health field.

  • BHbusiness: Mastering Essential Business Operations is a training and technical assistance project for behavioral health providers whose primary services involve mental health or substance use treatment and recovery. Through BHbusiness, SAMHSA helps behavioral health providers increase their capacity in five critical areas: 1. Strategic Business Planning, 2. Third-Party Billing and Compliance, 3. Third-Party Contract Negotiations, 4. Eligibility and Enrollment, 5. Meaningful Use of Healthcare Technology (HIT)
  • Financing Research and Data
  • Medicaid Handbook: Interface with Behavioral Health Services