Policy & Research Overview

Through its policy and research portfolio, the Foundation provides independent information and analysis in the form of publications and events. 

Publications include a breadth of resources including chart packs providing basic information about Medicaid as well as in-depth reports on specific barriers to health care access. The Foundation typically commissions these publications from local and national consultants, academics, think tanks, and other researchers. Foundation policy staff have deep content expertise and take a strong role in developing project ideas and subsequently reviewing and shaping report content.

Policy initiatives concentrating on the Massachusetts Medicaid program, MassHealth, are largely conducted under the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI), a dedicated arm of the Foundation's policy and research agenda. 

Events range from presentations focused on opportunities for policy reform, to discussions of implications of research findings, to panels including representatives from other states or innovative (in state) programs to share different perspectives and lessons learned implementing specific Medicaid or other care delivery reforms.

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The Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute

The Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Institute (MMPI) is an independent and nonpartisan source of information and analysis about the Massachusetts Medicaid program, “MassHealth.”

Publication Library

Massachusetts Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform: Overview and Implementation Update
Massachusetts Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform: Overview and Implementation Update

Massachusetts Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform: Overview and Implementation Update

Published: August 8, 2024
This report describes the key components of the Roadmap to improve access to behavioral health care services, including an update on early successes and challenges, as well as opportunities to strengthen implementation moving forward
Strategies for Meaningfully Engaging MassHealth Members to Inform Program and Policy Decisions
Strategies for Meaningfully Engaging MassHealth Members to Inform Program and Policy Decisions

Strategies for Meaningfully Engaging MassHealth Members to Inform Program and Policy Decisions

Published: June 12, 2024
This report aims to inform MassHealth’s efforts to strengthen its overall member engagement strategy.
What is the Actual State Cost of MassHealth in State Fiscal Year 2025?
What is the Actual State Cost of MassHealth in State Fiscal Year 2025?

What is the Actual State Cost of MassHealth in State Fiscal Year 2025?

Published: May 16, 2024
This brief looks beyond the budget totals to help stakeholders better understand the actual state cost of MassHealth by accounting for the state and federal partnership that finances this program.
Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS) in Massachusetts: A Primer on LTSS Coverage, Access, and Affordability
Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS) in Massachusetts: A Primer on LTSS Coverage, Access, and Affordability

Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS) in Massachusetts: A Primer on LTSS Coverage, Access, and Affordability

Published: April 30, 2024
This primer provides a landscape assessment of long-term services and supports (LTSS) in Massachusetts, including a summary of LTSS payers and programs, utilization and spending, workforce capacity, and quality.
Holding on to Home: A Primer on MassHealth Estate Recovery
Holding on to Home: A Primer on MassHealth Estate Recovery

Holding on to Home: A Primer on MassHealth Estate Recovery

Published: February 7, 2024
These materials are intended to educate stakeholders about MassHealth’s estate recovery program.