How Massachusetts Hospital Association Lives United

Recognizing that good health is basic to strong families and communities, Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA) provides leadership efforts to assure that high-quality, cost-effective care is accessible to all. In recent years, MHA has engaged in three campaigns to increase the number of low-income people enrolled in health insurance programs, increasing enrollment by thousands. MHA directly connects the state's insurance system to hospital finance counselors to explore the range of insurance options to keep families enrolled.

This commitment to providing coverage for as many Commonwealth residents as possible is consistent with United Way's mission of improving the lives and well-being of children and families.  MHA was the primary representative for all Massachusetts hospitals during the recent legislative consideration and passage of health care reform, and has continued this advocacy as the new law is implemented and the numbers of insurance enrollees increases, straining the fiscal health of many providers.

MHA is also a leader in workforce development, connecting higher education institutions, local workforce development organizations, and its members to resources for careers ladder programs.  These programs follow many of the principles of United Way's employment initiatives, emphasizing investments in skills training, educational attainment, career advancement, and asset building opportunities that help low-income, low-skilled workers achieve financial stability so they can better support their families.

Finally, MHA has also embodied the spirit of giving through their in voluntary and financial contributions. MHA is represented on the Advisory Board for United Way's Math, Science and Technology initiative, which brings the sciences to after-school settings and the future workforce pipeline of Massachusetts.  Since 2005, MHA and its employees have contributed more than $24,000 to United Way.