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Masshealth

All articles tagged with #masshealth

health18 days ago•61 min saved

MassHealth ends GLP-1 obesity coverage, affecting thousands statewide

MassHealth will stop covering GLP-1 weight‑loss medications starting Friday, affecting about 22,000 Medicaid beneficiaries (including roughly 2,500 children). Coverage remains for diabetes or obesity with certain medical conditions. The move is projected to save about $15 million but risks weight regain and worsened health for those losing access, leaving some to go without treatment, pay out of pocket, or seek cheaper alternatives; under‑21 coverage remains only with medical necessity.

via The Boston Globe|

#glp-1 #health #masshealth

health27 days ago•5 min saved

Massachusetts cuts coverage for weight-loss drugs, pushing patients to pay out of pocket

MassHealth and the state Group Insurance Commission will stop covering GLP-1 weight-loss drugs starting July 1, affecting about 22,000 people and leaving many low-income patients to shoulder up to roughly $450 per month out of pocket. Some patients are taking second jobs or depleting savings to afford treatment, while doctors warn that restricting access undermines obesity as a disease and may worsen health outcomes. State officials say the policy saves about $15 million annually amid rising drug prices, and even private insurers have reduced coverage; alternatives include switching to less effective medications. The move highlights tensions between access to effective obesity treatments and cost containment, with concerns about equity and long-term health impacts for those on public insurance.

via WBUR|

#glp-1 #health #masshealth

health1 month ago•2 min saved

MassHealth sues UnitedHealthcare for $100M over senior care misclassifications

MassHealth Attorney General Andrea Campbell filed a Suffolk Superior Court lawsuit accusing UnitedHealthcare of knowingly misclassifying health assessments for seniors in the Senior Care Options plan to inflate payments, alleging at least $100 million in improper charges; UnitedHealthcare denies the claims, saying the suit misrepresents the program, while MassHealth seeks to protect taxpayer funds amid budget pressures and potential federal funding cuts.

via WBUR|

#fraud #health #masshealth

politics2 years ago•4 min saved

Gov. Healey's $375M Spending Cut: Impact on MassHealth, Schools, and Fire Depts.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey plans to cut $375 million from state spending, with MassHealth facing the largest reduction of $294 million due to lower-than-anticipated caseloads. The cuts will impact various sectors, including behavioral health supports, housing services, grants to fire departments, parks, and economic development projects. Despite the reductions, there will be no layoffs, withdrawal from the Rainy Day Fund, or cuts to local aid and school funding. The move comes in response to flagging tax revenues, with the state's fiscal picture prompting a $1 billion reduction in revenue estimates. Legislative leaders and officials are concerned about the impact on local government services, while the administration also plans to increase non-tax revenues by $625 million and tap into a state escrow account to cover rising emergency shelter costs.

via MassLive.com|

#budget-cuts #gov-maura-healey #massachusetts