MassHealth Defense Campaign

Presentation For: Grantmakers in Health

Health Care For All

April, 2003

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.

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

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

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

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.

MassHealth Costs Surge

21.6%20.9%

20.4% 20.3% 20.3%20.9%

21.6%

23.3%

25.1%

18%

19%

20%

21%

22%

23%

24%

25%

26%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002e 2003p

Medicaid Spending Percentage of Total Budget

The Perfect Storm

September 11, 2001

Economic Recession Increasing Unemployment

State Budget Pressures $3B deficit projected for FY04

Rising Health Care Costs

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)

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.

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

Elements of the Campaign

Consumer Involvement and Public Action

Communications

Research and Education

Coalition Building

Legislative Advocacy

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

Communications

Develop strategic planExplore earned media opportunitiesFaces 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

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

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

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

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

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