6-26-12 Feature Story:

BOSTON - The Patrick-Murray Administration on June 26 announced $3 million in infrastructure and capacity-building funding to 27 hospitals and community health centers throughout the Commonwealth to enhance their ability to transition to global payment systems, expand access, and form Patient Centered Medical Homes for populations in need.

"We rely on our hospitals and community health centers to provide residents with accessible, cost-effective health care," said Governor Deval Patrick. "This funding will help providers improve services for patients, while supporting our efforts to transform our health care system to support global, whole person care."

"These resources will allow communities across Massachusetts to provide innovative care options for our residents in need," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "Through integrated care and access to community treatment options, we will continue to lead the way forward on the next phase of health care reform."

The $3 million in funding was included in the state's fiscal year 2012 budget. The investments make the Commonwealth eligible for $1.5 million in federal matching funds.

These grants build on Governor Patrick's nation-leading health care reform efforts, which have led to the highest coverage rates in the country. Massachusetts is also leading the nation in cracking the code on costs, through Governor Patrick's health care cost containment priorities, currently moving through the Legislature.

"This is an important opportunity to help hospitals and community health centers identify areas for innovation and improvement, which are key to transforming systems of care," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby. "These grants will advance our efforts to control health care costs while sustaining the delivery of world-class care that is the hallmark of Massachusetts."

The funding is designed to support one of five priority areas at hospitals and community health centers:

• Initiatives to support a transition to a global payment systems;
• Support for community health centers to achieve recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as Patient Centered Medical Homes;
• Support for community health centers that are already recognized by NCQA as Patient Centered Medical Homes to enhance clinical care management;
• Supporting performance management improvement activities;
• Enrollment, outreach, and health care access improvement projects for consumers who may be eligible for insurance programs and for consumers who may require individualized support for various reasons.

"I commend the Patrick-Murray Administration for their efforts in securing this funding," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. "As Massachusetts looks to cut health costs, while maintaining quality care and innovation, these funds will be critical in helping hospitals continue to improve."

A complete list of grant recipients and award amounts follows:

Metro Boston

Central

Northeast

Southeast

West

# # #