Approved by the legislature and Governor Patrick in 2012, Chapter 224 (An Act Improving the Quality of Health Care and Reducing Costs through Increased Transparency, Efficiency and Innovation) sets goals for future growth of public and private health costs, creates new state entities to oversee health providers, and contains many provisions designed to promote changes in the delivery of health care and systems of payment for that care. Implementation of Chapter 224 will affect all health care providers in Massachusetts, including mental health clinicians.
This primer covers several key elements of the law – including Cost Control and System Reforms, New State Entities, and other Behavioral Health Entities. Download the full ‘Guide to Payment Reform’ here.
Additional links on payment reform:
Chapter 224 of the Acts of 2012, An Act Improving the Quality of Health Care and Reducing Costs through Increased Transparency, Efficiency and Innovation
A copy of the Massachusetts legislation that sets benchmarks for future health cost growth and contains provisions designed to transform public and private health care delivery and payments systems.
Summary of Chapter 224
A comprehensive summary of Chapter 224, produced by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation
The 2013 Behavioral Health Integration Task Force Report
This report details the 29 separate recommendations put forward by the Behavorial Health Integration Task Force — including payment reform and mental health parity in rates; privacy policies in integration of services; and general coordination of care.
