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.

MMPI logo

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

MassHealth Matters to Massachusetts – Updated Infographic
MassHealth Matters to Massachusetts – Updated Infographic

MassHealth Matters to Massachusetts – Updated Infographic

Published: January 10, 2024
This infographic highlights key facts about MassHealth’s impact on residents, the health care system, and the state’s economy.
An Overview of Peer Health Care Professions in Massachusetts
An Overview of Peer Health Care Professions in Massachusetts

An Overview of Peer Health Care Professions in Massachusetts

Published: December 21, 2023
This brief provides an overview of the primary professions that comprise the peer workforce in Massachusetts, where they work, and the various approaches to training, certification, and payment of these providers.
Achieving a Racially and Ethnically Equitable Health Care Delivery System in Massachusetts: A Vision, Toolkit, and Proposed Action Plan
Achieving a Racially and Ethnically Equitable Health Care Delivery System in Massachusetts: A Vision, Toolkit, and Proposed Action Plan

Achieving a Racially and Ethnically Equitable Health Care Delivery System in Massachusetts: A Vision, Toolkit, and Proposed Action Plan

Published: December 13, 2023
This report proposes a vision and plan for action—collectively a statewide Health Equity Action Plan—for achieving a racially and ethnically equitable health care delivery system in Massachusetts.
What to Know Now About MassHealth ACOs
What to Know Now About MassHealth ACOs

What to Know Now About MassHealth ACOs

Published: October 25, 2023
This report was developed as a resource for stakeholders to help explain the basics of MassHealth Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and includes updated information on the two types of ACOs, who they serve, and the services they provide.
MassHealth: The Basics – Facts and Trends (October 2023)
MassHealth: The Basics – Facts and Trends (October 2023)

MassHealth: The Basics – Facts and Trends (October 2023)

Published: October 19, 2023
This UPDATED edition of the chart pack provides new data on MassHealth enrollment and spending from the most recent state fiscal years available, as well as a summary of MassHealth’s latest reform efforts.