Massachusetts State Bulletin News
By: States: Massachusetts Source: AARP.org Date Posted:
April 2008
Drug marketing reform – With the financial stability of the state’s health care reforms threatened by the high cost of prescription drugs, AARP Massachusetts has joined a coalition that aims to restrict pharmaceutical marketing practices.
“Current practices, such as giving gifts to doctors or using data on their prescribing patterns to tailor sales pitches, are driving up drug costs,” says Jessica Costantino, AARP Massachusetts director of advocacy. “And these increases are being passed on to consumers.”
From 2002 to 2007, prices of widely used brand-name drugs increased by 50.4 percent, more than two and a half times the inflation rate. To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/ma.
March 2008
Prove it – As Bay Staters prepare their 2007 tax returns, they must—with few exceptions—prove they have health insurance, as required by state law, or face losing a tax credit worth $219. Taxpayers with insurance should file Schedule HC and submit Form 1099-HC, sent by the insurance company or other provider. Those without insurance must have completed the Commonwealth Health Care Connector’s Affordability Tool and must answer related questions on their tax returns—or must submit a copy of a state-issued certificate of exemption, showing they could not buy insurance due to hardship.
AARP Massachusetts encourages uninsured residents to get coverage soon because under draft rules for 2008, penalties will increase and could add up to as much as $912.
For more information, go to www.mahealthconnector.org or call 1-877-623-6765 toll free.
January/February 2008
Self-empowerment – The Partnership for Healthcare Excellence has launched a website to make it easier for consumers to become active participants in their own health care. The website provides tools residents can use to find a doctor, prepare for medical appointments or surgery, and compare hospital quality and patient satisfaction ratings. In addition, the site offers tips on taking medications safely and updates on health care issues. The partnership includes medical, advocacy, public health, business and other organizations.
AARP Massachusetts serves on the council guiding the effort."Motivating patients and caregivers to become actively engaged in their own health care is one of the best ways to improve the safety and effectiveness of care," says Deborah Banda, AARP state director.
Visit the site at http://www.partnershipforhealthcare.org/.
December 2007
Street smarts – AARP Massachusetts volunteers recently worked with the Institute of Transportation Engineers to conduct a safety audit of three major intersections in Cambridge. The audit is one of four that will be conducted nationwide to help engineers and planners design roads and intersections that are safer for pedestrians—especially for those with hearing, vision or agility problems.
The group commended the city for safety but suggested several low-cost, high-impact improvements such as better-synchronized signals and audible countdowns at crosswalks; benches or shelters at bus stops; and clearer markings for bicycle lanes.
For more information, go to www.aarp.org/ma.
Share
preview