Physician urges clearer MassHealth rules to speed post-acute care placements

Dr. Chloe Slocum, a physician who treats patients with spinal cord injuries and other paralysis at Spaulding Rehabilitation sites, told the Joint Committee on Healthcare Financing that current MassHealth notice and determination processes for post-acute placements are opaque and focused on provider payment language rather than patient-understandable clinical information.

Why it matters: Dr. Slocum said post-acute care facilities — including long-term acute care hospitals, inpatient rehabilitation facilities and skilled nursing facilities — serve as essential bridges that help people recover and return home after acute hospitalization. She cited a backlog in which an estimated "1 in 7 individuals in Massachusetts acute care hospitals is awaiting post acute care placement," and recommended House Bill 14 12 and Senate Bill 903 to improve MassHealth communication with enrollees and coordination during determinations.

Her testimony included patient examples of successful post-acute care enabling independent living after stroke and catastrophic injury. She asked the committee to vote HB 14 12 and SB 903 favorably out of committee to improve transparency, reduce bottlenecks and ensure equitable access to post-acute services.

Committee process: Dr. Slocum answered brief questions, and chairs thanked her for testifying. No action was taken during the hearing; the committee will accept written testimony on the bill.

Ending: Supporters said clarifying MassHealth notice language and timelines would reduce confusion and delays for patients and families navigating post-acute placement decisions.