Press Release: 1/15/2026

Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz: Statement on Healey-Driscoll Health Care Affordability Workgroup

MEDIA CONTACT

Mickey O’Neill, Communications Director

Call Mickey O'Neill at (857) 208-9176

Email Mickey O'Neill at mariclaire.oneill2@mass.gov

BOSTON — “The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) applauds the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and their commitment to improving the access and affordability of health care in the Commonwealth, especially through the development of the Health Care Affordability Workgroup.

“As reported by the HPC, health care affordability remains a persistent issue for Massachusetts families, with one in eight residents burdened by medical debt, and over 41% of residents reporting affordability issues. This burden is even greater for Hispanic and Black residents. Recent federal action has further exacerbated these challenges, impacting our families, businesses, and the stability of our health care system.

“It has never been so imperative to safeguard health care affordability and accessibility – work that Governor Healey is committed to tackling across the Commonwealth with this Workgroup. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s affordability priorities, including establishing the Health Care Affordability Workgroup, limiting health care premium increases, and capping deductibles and drug costs, directly align with the policy recommendations and mission of the HPC. 

“Now is the time for the Commonwealth to build on this momentum with renewed resolve to urgently pursue the shared goal of a health care system that puts patients first and cement our status as a national leader in health care affordability efforts. 

“I am proud to serve on the Health Care Affordability Workgroup and look forward to working with our partners across Massachusetts to advance a health care system that is affordable, equitable, and accessible to all residents.”

—HPC Executive Director David Seltz