For Immediate Release:
April 1, 2022
Media Contact:
Laura Giordano
Cell: 774-214-6410
lgiordano@melwoodglobal.com
PRESS STATEMENT:
Statement from Health Care For All’s Executive Director Amy Rosenthal Regarding Mass General Brigham’s Expansion Plan Withdrawal
BOSTON – “Health Care For All is pleased that Massachusetts General Brigham (MGB) has withdrawn the application to build two new outpatient centers in Woburn and Westborough and expand existing facilities in Westwood as part of the Determination of Need (DON) process. We repeatedly raised concerns that this expansion had the potential to increase health care costs and negatively impact providers who disproportionately serve diverse and low-income communities. We commend MGB’s leadership for recognizing that this proposal, no matter how well-intentioned, was the wrong fit for these communities at this time.
“Health Care For All deeply appreciates the diligent work by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Health Policy Commission, and the Attorney General’s Office to assess the impact of the proposed expansions. Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in health care coverage, but we have more work to do to bring down costs for individuals, families and businesses in the Commonwealth. The HPC’s analysis was critical in this DON process. That is why we urge the legislature to take action and ensure that the HPC has a formal DON role in the future and that the state’s cost containment structures work to lower health care costs for all Massachusetts residents.”
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