MassBio garnered headlines last week as discussion at the annual Policy Leadership Breakfast centered on one of state government’s hottest topics— the rising costs of healthcare, and how government intends to get involved.  

More than 250 MassBio members joined dozens of legislators and staff to discuss the potential impacts of healthcare reform implementation both nationwide and here in Massachusetts. A panel discussion focused on the future of payment reform in the Commonwealth. Panelists included Secretary of Health and Human Service JudyAnn Bigby, Rep. Steven Walsh, Co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financings, Dr. Edward J. Benz, President & CEO of Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Lynne Morin, a patient advocate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Geoff Mackay, MassBio Vice Chair and CEO of Canton-based Organogenesis, moderated. 

The administration, Sec. Bigby said, is focused not solely on cost, but also on coordinated care, wellness & prevention, value and building on innovations already taking place.

“We are not only looking at cost, we want to ensure access to treatment, we want improve quality,” she said. “We’re learning a lot from what the market is already doing.”

Rep. Walsh, in responding Governor Patrick’s remarks at last week’s State of the State address calling for swift action on payment reform, said the legislature would act in the current legislative session.

Walsh said House Speaker Robert DeLeo has three principles in mind when crafting a House version of the bill—legislation he said “will be the boldest and most aggressive healthcare bill ever filed”—cutting healthcare cost growth by half, protecting hospitals, and ensuring patients maintain access.

 Stay tuned for videos from the event!