NEW: Gov. Patrick Launches Website to Help Citizens Understand New Healthcare Bill

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Thursday, September 27, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Health Team

The Patrick administration today launched a new website designed to help consumers and stakeholders better understand and cope with the content and consequences of the new health care bill passed in August. The law was passed with the goal of lowering costs for families and businesses across the Commonwealth

The website will be a clearinghouse for information about efforts to control health care costs, creating a transparent home for updates on progress, notices of upcoming events, and other information important to consumers throughout the state.

In August, Governor Patrick signed landmark legislation that launched the next phase of health care reform. Implementing the reforms in the legislation, which takes effect Nov. 5, will result in nearly $200 billion in savings over the next 15 years by moving to alternative payments, increasing transparency, addressing market power, promoting wellness, enacting malpractice reform and supporting health information technology. Implementation will include a number of state agencies, along with cooperation from providers and insurers, non-profit organizations, and input from and information delivered to the public.

“We took the next big step forward on health care reform by proposing and passing a cost containment bill,” said Governor Patrick. “This website provides important information on the law’s implementation in a centralized location and will keep the public updated on the progress we’re making.”

The website includes information on the law, notice of upcoming events, and a single portal for connecting with healthcare-related state agencies, authorities, and commissions. In the coming weeks, additional resources will be added to the site with timelines of when specific provisions go into effect and how these efforts will benefit Massachusetts businesses, consumers, and health care providers. Stakeholder groups are encouraged to share this website with their constituents as a valuable resource to understand health care cost containment and the implementation process in Massachusetts.

The administration will also hold forums to provide opportunities for updates and input from stockholders. The first of these forums will be held on Wednesday, October 10, at 9:30 am at One Ashburton Place on the 21st floor.

The new website's address is http://www.mass.gov/governor/agenda/healthcare/cost-containment/

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