Advertisement

"Hospitals Doing their Part" by Michael Sack

Massachusetts hospitals are the frontline of health reform implementation. Along with health centers, most of the people enrolling in MassHealth and Commonwealth Care are signing up where they get their health care. As it should be.

That’s why we’ve teamed up to produce and distribute a set of posters and brochures that will soon be available to help inform the public about the law and direct them to our doorsteps. The message is simple: “Do you need health insurance as required by law? We can help. Just ask.” When people come into the hospital or health center, we can determine whether they are eligible for one of the programs and help them select the right plan that is right for them.

Hospitals are seen as an important community resource to which people look for assistance. Businesses and individuals need help in navigating through this new health reform law. It can be a complicated maze of programs and options. Since hospitals, and our staff, need to understand the options, we can aid others who need to do the same.

It was clear to me recently, in addressing a group of Chamber of Commerce business leaders, that a lack of information and some misinformation is adding to the complication. Here’s what I heard: Folks are keenly interested in hearing about what the law means for them and clearly hungry for information about it. Where can you go and whom can you speak with?

There is no question that we have a big job ahead of us in educating the public. Hospitals in Massachusetts are committed to doing their part. We have to. There is simply too much at stake for all of us.

Michael V. Sack, FACHE
President and Chief Executive Officer
Hallmark Health System, Inc.

This program aired on March 26, 2007. The audio for this program is not available.

Advertisement

More from WBUR

Listen Live
Close