Martha Bebinger covers the State House, health policy and whatever else sounds interesting for WBUR. She is currently on leave to participate in the Nieman fellowship program at Harvard.
BOSTON — Many say Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was the hardest working member of the Senate — and possibly the most effective senator in the history of the chamber. He championed civil rights and immigration laws, health care reform and education. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger walks us through Kennedy’s political motivations, style and accomplishments.
BOSTON — Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, who represented Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate for 46 years and championed causes large and small, has died at home in Hyannisport. He was 77.
BOSTON — With health care spending expected to nearly double over 10 years, and budget cuts threatening the coverage law, many state leaders say it is time to get serious about controlling costs growth. A special commission is sending the legislature a major overhaul that’s a return to managed care, but this time the incentives are to give patients more care, and earlier, as opposed to less. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger reports on how a visit to your doctor might be different in this new health care system.
BOSTON — Health insurance premiums for small business owners in Massachusetts routinely increase twice as fast as those for larger employers. On Beacon Hill, House and Senate health care leaders say they have a plan to end that pattern. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger reports.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On Thursday, a special commission on health care payments is expected to recommend dramatic changes that could affect almost one-sixth of the state’s economy. It wants to shift from paying providers based on the volume of tests or procedures to a system where the incentive is to work within a budget by keeping patients healthy. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger has been spending time with patients and doctors at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge.
BOSTON — With more than a year to go before voters go to the polls, the gubernatorial race is heating up. Charlie Baker is resigning from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care so he can run for governor. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger reports.
BOSTON — The sales tax in Massachusetts will increase 25 percent on August 1 now that Gov. Patrick has signed a budget bill for the fiscal year that begins Wednesday. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger has more.
BOSTON — A new round of public debate about allowing casinos in Massachusetts kicks off at the State House on Monday.
BOSTON — The Boston Archdiocese and its hospital network, Caritas Christi, have decided that participating in a joint health insurance venture would violate church teaching, including its anti-abortion stance.
BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick lifted his threat to veto a sales tax increase that legislators approved to help balance next year’s budget.
BOSTON — Financial pressures on the state’s landmark health coverage law are growing. Residents who earn just above the federal poverty level will be the latest group to feel the effects. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger reports.
BOSTON — The sagging economy is forcing another cut in the state’s effort to provide nearly universal health coverage. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger has more.
BOSTON — The Massachusetts legislature is expected to approve a final fiscal 2010 budget Friday. It includes sales, meals and other local tax increases, but still cuts more than $2.4 billion.
BOSTON — The House and Senate plan to pass a consolidated pension reform bill Thursday that they hope will help restore public confidence in the battered chambers. But it is, in the eyes of supporters and analysts, a first step. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger reports.
BOSTON — Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi faces federal corruption charges. Prosecutors say he used his power and influence to help a software firm secure just over $20 million from the state in exchange for $57,000 in kickbacks. DiMasi says he always did what was best for the people of the Commonwealth. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger reports.
BOSTON — As the debate about how to control rising health care costs reaches the next level in Massachusetts, two new groups that include the most powerful players in Greater Boston are staking out their positions. One includes major hospitals, health insurers and universities. The other is a coalition of employers. The groups have overlapping members and goals, which highlights a conflict Massachusetts faces as it tries to control the rising cost of one of its most important industries. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger has more.
BOSTON — In its third year, the state’s health coverage law is giving more residents access to affordable care, but there are problems. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger explains.
BOSTON — A special commission has mapped a plan to control health care spending by rewarding doctors for helping patients stay healthy instead of rewarding them for delivering unlimited care when patients get sick. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger frames the politics of trying to sell this major change to the business community, the public and politicians on Beacon Hill.
BOSTON — With state revenues declining, the Senate is expected to approve hiking the state sales tax and may lift the sales tax exemption on gasoline. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger has details.
BOSTON — A new report from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation is contradicting the perception that the state’s landmark health coverage law is a budget buster. WBUR’s Martha Bebinger reports.
