Reform Plans Move Forward; Drug Prices Rise

The Boston Globe reported this morning that Governor Romney has begun airing a series of radio ads seeking to work with Democrats. He cited areas of common interest, including healthcare, as needing bi-partisan support. He also praised Senate President Travaglini’s proposal. The ads restate what all those who seek affordable coverage for every resident believe – we need to work together to accomplish this critically important goal. (See the whole article here)

The Globe also reported today that Democrats appeared to win three seats in special elections last night. Michael Moran, from Brighton, Linda Dorcena Forry, from 12th Suffolk, and Christopher Speranzo from 3rd Berkshire all won by safe margins. The electoral victories do not increase the Democrat’s margin on Beacon Hill (full Globe article).

An AARP study (link) showed that wholesale drug prices increased 7.1% last year. Everyone is feeling the heat from rising medical costs, and this is just more evidence. That’s part of the reason the constitutional amendment mandates affordable coverage.

Tennessee is planning to drop 323,000 people from the roles of TennCare (link). TennCare is the Tennessee Medicaid program, equivalent to MassHealth here in the Bay State. This is just another frightening example of people who rely on government aid abruptly being denied the help they need. The amendment would be a potential safeguard against these kinds of cuts.