FY2013 - FY2017 Capital Investment Plan
Report - Investment Category - Health and Human Services

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) provides the safety net for many of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens.  The sixteen agencies of HHS provide critical services for the Commonwealth, including but not limited to services to veterans, elders, immigrants and the mentally ill; to citizens suffering from developmental and other disabilities; and to children and youth. HHS agencies administer the Commonwealth’s Medicaid program, its Department of Public Health, and the Department of Transitional Assistance.

HHS facilities are numerous: more than 750 buildings, encompassing over 10 million square feet of space, are spread over 38 state-owned properties.  These structures include hospitals, clinics, long and short-term care facilities, offices, and support facilities such as power plants and garages.  Many of these facilities operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, year-round. 

The following graph reflects the Administration’s estimated capital investment in health and human services capital projects and programs over the next five years, as compared to fiscal years 2007 and 2012 health and human services related spending. After the completion of the new Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital in FY12, the Administration is planning for the next round of projects in future years.

This bar graph shows the Health and Human Services spending: all sources of funds for FY07 and FY12-FY17.

Policy Goals

  1. Health Care Access, Quality, and Affordability. HHS agencies provide acute and chronic medical care, mental health services and veterans’ health services. Through MassHealth, HHS provides comprehensive health insurance to 1.3 million people.  As the U.S. leader in near-universal access to health care, Massachusetts agencies are pursuing innovative strategies to reduce health care costs. 
  2. Encourage community first. HHS agencies are committed to helping elders and individuals with disabilities to live with dignity and independence in their communities.  In accordance with the 1999 U.S. Supreme Court Olmstead decision, which held that unnecessary institutionalization is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, HHS is taking steps to close outdated residential campuses for disabled individuals and provide services in a community setting. 
  3. Ensure safe communities. HHS agencies play a leading role in efforts to reduce violence, abuse and neglect of vulnerable citizens, including children, youth and elders, through both prevention and intervention programs. HHS agencies also make a significant contribution to Massachusetts’ emergency preparedness efforts.
  4. Promote self-sufficiency. Agencies of HHS provide employment-related services to more than 25,000 persons each year. Working with people with disabilities, with veterans, with refugees and immigrants and with low-income individuals, HHS agencies help Massachusetts residents obtain meaningful employment.
  5. Ensure Children are Ready to Learn. HHS agencies are taking steps which will allow all children to overcome or avoid mental or physical health issues, housing instability and family violence so they may have the best possible background to their education.

Administration Accomplishments to Date

FY13 Highlights