HLA’s Health Care Reform Defense Initiative fights to protect the rights of Massachusetts residents with low incomes and promotes the goal of universal access to health care and coverage for all. Landmark legislation at the federal and state levels, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and state laws passed in 2006 and 2012 promoting access to high quality and cost-effective coverage, have reshaped the Massachusetts health care system and our Medicaid program known as MassHealth.

Much of HLA’s Health Care Reform Defense work involves representing consumers in appeals of coverage denials under commercial and public health insurance plans, as well as legislative and policy advocacy to expand on the gains made under the ACA and recent landmark state health care reform laws. We are very active in raising the interests of health care consumers with state and federal officials who regulate the health care system under the Affordable Care Act, the laws governing MassHealth, and other areas of state and federal law containing consumer protections. Our lawyers work closely with a multitude of partners in advancing our goals and, together, we have helped millions of Massachusetts residents access health care and coverage when they need it. HLA lawyers represent state residents in every area of Massachusetts from the Berkshires to the Cape and Islands.

This program area is supported by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation and the Nord Family Foundation.