Massachusetts’ historical achievements in innovative health care policy have positioned the state as a national leader in transforming health care coverage, access, affordability and quality. Yet there remains work to do to ensure equitable and affordable access to high-quality and coordinated health care for all residents of the Commonwealth.

With a new Massachusetts governor and slate of legislative leaders poised to enter office, there is a stark need and a unique opportunity for decisive leadership to address remaining reforms and ensure equitable access to quality health care for all Massachusetts residents. These new leaders will be charged with sustaining the Commonwealth’s health care reform achievements while advancing a bold vision for additional reforms that further improve the health and well-being of the residents of the Commonwealth in a turbulent and uncertain time.

In early 2022, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation solicited broad and diverse health care stakeholder perspectives on the most pressing health care issues in the Commonwealth. In a report based on these stakeholder reflections, Manatt Health identifies health care reform priorities for new state leaders in the executive and legislative branches, including potential actions state leaders can take to advance these priorities.

Five priorities emerged as common themes:

1. Addressing Systemic Racism and Inequities in Health
2. Ensuring Consumer Health Care Affordability
3. Confronting the Mental Health Crisis for Children and Youth
4. Improving Access to Long-Term Services and Supports, Including Long-Term Care
5. Mitigating Critical Health Care Workforce Shortages

To view the full report, executive summary and infographic, click here.