04.01.03

RALLY to Protect & Restore Health & Human Services

On Tuesday, April 1, 2003 the MassHealth Defense Group gathered on the State House Steps to urge the legislature to remember our most vulnerable citizens including children, seniors and disabled persons as they deliberated the FY04 Budget, and to acknowledge the 50,000 Massachusetts residents who were slated to lose their health coverage on that day.

MassHealth is on the chopping block. According to Governor's office, revenue projections continued to fall short this fall. Over the past year, the legislature and the governor have cut the program by limiting eligibility, reducing benefits, and increasing cost-sharing.

The MassHealth Defense Group is organizing to protect MassHealth and maintain the program that provides health benefits to nearly one million people in the commonwealth.

The MassHealth Defense Group, which includes the MNA, brings together health care consumers and advocates, children's and seniors' advocates, health care providers, insurers, labor unions, and grassroots supporters to defend MassHealth.

Our mission statement is:
The MassHealth Defense Group believes that MassHealth is the cornerstone of health coverage for vulnerable populations. All beneficiaries, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, language, disability, or income, have a right to comprehensive health care. We support building on current revenue sources and seeking additional state revenues in order to adequately fund MassHealth services and related programs.