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 innovative investment programs. The HPC’s goal is better health and better care – at a lower cost – for all people across the Commonwealth.
HPC finds the number of virtual patient visits doubled in 2017, but overall use was well below the U.S. rate; recommends urgent policy action to expand access
Recommends greater accountability and oversight of health care providers, health plans, and the pharmaceutical market; urges scrutiny of outpatient care as well as strategies to improve primary and behavioral health care access
