For Immediate Release:
July 18, 2022
Media Contact:
Laura Giordano
Cell: 774-214-6410
lgiordano@melwoodglobal.com
PRESS STATEMENT:
Health Care For All Praises Legislators for Significant New Investments in Health Access in FY2023 State Budget
BOSTON – Health Care for All Executive Director Amy Rosenthal released the following statement in response to significant new investments made by the Legislature in the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget, which overwhelmingly passed the House and Senate today.
“The Massachusetts Legislature demonstrated their continued commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts remains a national leader in health care with the provisions included in the FY2023 state budget, including ongoing funding for HCFA’s free consumer HelpLine and a new focus on oral health. During the past several years, the need to prioritize health equity and access to affordable, comprehensive health care services has become increasingly clear.
“The Legislature’s ongoing support of the Health Care For All’s free consumer HelpLine, which provides assistance to more than 25,000 individuals in five languages each year, helps to ensure that Massachusetts residents will continue to receive the guidance needed to navigate the complex health care system.
“The rising cost of health care means families often forgo necessary care, most often beginning with dental care. The creation of the Oral Health Commission will move us toward a more equitable and accessible dental care system and will ensure oral health remains a priority for the state.
“Health Care For All and the consumers we support thank Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues and the other conferees for their hard work. We look forward to the implementation of these important health care policies and will continue to work with the Legislature to promote health equity and access to coverage and care for all Massachusetts residents.”
###