The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC), established in 2012, is an independent state agency charged with monitoring health care spending growth in Massachusetts and providing data-driven policy recommendations regarding health care delivery and payment system reform. The HPC’s mission is to advance a more transparent, accountable, and innovative health care system through independent policy leadership and investment programs.
Since 2010, the number of urgent care centers in Massachusetts increased eight-fold, while the number of retail clinics nearly tripled. The average cost of care for minor conditions is four to eight times lower at these settings compared to EDs.
Innovative, cutting-edge initiatives aim to address health-related social needs and increase access to timely behavioral health services for residents of Massachusetts.
