CHIA Reports on the Performance of the Massachusetts Health Care System

DATE: October 8, 2019

The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) today announced the release of its 2019 Annual Report on the Performance of the Massachusetts Health Care System. The report presents a final calculation of the Commonwealth's Total Health Care Expenditures for 2017 and an initial calculation for 2018, as well as additional key indicators used to assess the performance of the state's health care system in 2018.

Massachusetts experienced a 3.1% growth in Total Health Care Expenditures per capita between 2017 and 2018, equal to the Commonwealth's revised health care cost growth benchmark of 3.1% established in accordance with the state's 2012 health care cost containment law. Total Health Care Expenditures totaled $60.9 billion ($8,827 per capita) for insured health care services received by Massachusetts residents.

This report also examines adoption of alternative payment methods (APMs); commercial insurance enrollment, premium, and cost-sharing trends; and quality of care in the Commonwealth compared to national performance.

Supporting materials include databooks, a dataset, and technical appendices. See the full report and download the supporting materials at http://www.chiamass.gov/annual-report/.

The findings of this report will inform the Health Policy Commission's 2019 Health Care Cost Trends Hearing, scheduled for October 22 and 23. The hearing will review strategies to create a more accountable and affordable health care system in the Commonwealth. The hearing convenes health care leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss challenges and opportunities in improving care and reducing costs in the Commonwealth.