Spring 2016

Galvin’s low energy dampens voting innovation

Secretary's elections division runs smoothly, but change comes slowly, if at all

By Eitan Hersh Massachusetts, Secretary of State William Galvin, voting 0 Comments Apr 11, 2016

SINCE THE FLORIDA election debacle in 2000, the United States has seen dramatic developments in the administration of elections. States are modernizing and innovating so much that the act of voting in 2016 would be almost unrecognizable to a voter from the 1990s. But not in Massachusetts. Here in the Commonwealth, where innovation is typically(...)

Health Care

Out-of-network billing surprises

Patients get charged for unexpected services not covered by their insurance

By Jack Sullivan Cost of Living and Consumer Affairs, Health costs, State Government 1 Comment Apr 11, 2016

MARYLOU SUDDERS, the state’s secretary of health and human services, was going through some paperwork for her late sister when she came across a bill from a doctor for thousands of dollars that wasn’t covered by insurance. Sudders says the bill included charges for services that would have normally been paid by her sister’s insurer(...)

Economy

Unpaid internships – hard work, questionable legality

For-profit companies still skirt Mass. requirements for intern pay

By Colman M. Herman Attorney General Maura Healey, Employment 1 Comment Apr 11, 2016

BOSTON-BASED ARGOPOINT placed an ad on Craigslist in February seeking a marketing intern of whom a lot seems to be expected. The ad specified nine required qualifications, including a strong academic background, excellent verbal and written communication skills, high attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and demonstrated leadership experience. The ad also listed(...)

Arts and Culture

Tea Party Ship loses $3.6m

In 3d year, museum boosts revenue but losses continue

By Bruce Mohl State Government, Taxes and Budget Issues 0 Comments Apr 11, 2016

THE BOSTON TEA PARTY Ships and Museum boosted revenue in its third year of operation, but continued to lose money, nearly $3.6 million. Damaged by fire in 2001, the museum commemorating the 1773 tax rebellion against the British by the Sons of Liberty reopened in 2012 with the help of an $18 million loan from(...)

Health Care/ Opinion

About that hot dog

A rundown of the magazine's highlights

By Bruce Mohl health care providers 0 Comments Apr 11, 2016

Thomas Farragher at the Boston Globe wrote a column recently about the struggle between hospital haves and have-nots. He likened struggling community hospitals such as Holyoke Medical Center to a push-cart vendor who sets the price of his hot dogs at 60 cents apiece even though they cost $1 to produce. Meanwhile, Massachusetts General and(...)

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