Cost and Access Barriers Are Affecting Patient Care
Massachusetts physicians see the impact of affordability challenges every day. Patients delay care, skip medications, and struggle to access needed services because of rising health care costs.
Key trends include:
- 22% of residents report skipping or altering medications due to cost
- High-deductible health plans now account for 42.7% of enrollment
- Patient cost-sharing increased 16.9% in a single year
When patients cannot afford care, health disparities widen and outcomes suffer.
MMS Position
The Massachusetts Medical Society believes every patient should have access to affordable, high-quality care. MMS supports policies that:
- Reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve prescription drug affordability
- Address social factors that affect health outcomes
- Advance health equity and reduce disparities in care
- Expand access to care for underserved communities
MMS Advocacy Priorities
Improving Health Care Affordability
MMS supports legislation that helps patients access and afford care, including:
- Expanding ConnectorCare eligibility
- Providing assistance with out-of-pocket costs
- Strengthening affordability oversight within insurance markets
Lowering Prescription Drug Costs
As a member of the Prescription Drug Affordability Coalition, MMS advocates for:
- Greater transparency in drug pricing
- Lower patient cost-sharing for essential medications
- Policies that reduce excessive prescription drug costs
Advancing Health Equity
MMS supports initiatives that:
- Improve health equity data collection and accountability
- Strengthen workforce diversity
- Invest in communities disproportionately affected by health disparities
Addressing Social Drivers of Health
MMS advocates for policies that:
- Support health-related social needs
- Integrate social determinants into care delivery and payment models
- Promote innovative approaches that improve outcomes and reduce disparities
Why This Matters to Physicians
Affordability and health equity challenges directly affect your ability to deliver effective care.
Physicians are caring for patients who:
- Delay treatment because of cost
- Cannot afford recommended medications
- Face barriers to accessing preventive and specialty care
- Experience poorer outcomes due to social and economic challenges
MMS advocacy works to reduce these barriers so physicians can focus on delivering the care patients need.
Support Physician Advocacy
MMS advocacy helps advance policies that expand access to care, reduce financial barriers, and improve health outcomes across Massachusetts.
Join MMS and strengthen the physician voice advocating for affordable, equitable health care for every patient.
