This report seeks to inform the discussion of MassHealth sustainability through a novel analysis of MassHealth data that differentiates among the major drivers of MassHealth spending. The report examines whether spending is being driven by growth in enrollment or per-enrollee spending, and which populations or types of services are the biggest contributors to spending growth. The findings suggest that as enrollment growth tied to previous coverage expansions levels off, the state will increasingly need to focus on controlling per-enrollee spending, particularly in the areas of pharmacy and long-term services and supports (LTSS).
Following a review of the findings, this report proposes a series of tailored policy options informed by other states’ strategies to further understand and address spending growth in the areas of pharmacy and LTSS.
