A New Leader for Massachusetts Health Care: Amy Rosenthal Takes on a Key Role in 2026 Reforms
As Massachusetts gears up for a massive outreach effort to maintain insurance coverage despite new federal Medicaid restrictions, the state has appointed a seasoned leader to a pivotal role at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Amy Rosenthal, the executive director of Health Care for All, a Boston-based healthcare advocacy nonprofit, will become the HHS undersecretary for health next month. Her appointment comes after Governor Maura Healey's recent reshuffling of the HHS leadership, with Kiame Mahaniah taking the reins as secretary.
Rosenthal's expertise in identifying and engaging with vulnerable populations is a key asset in her new role. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by those in need, particularly regarding access and affordability, will be instrumental in driving creative solutions for Massachusetts residents.
Mahaniah praised Rosenthal's capabilities, stating, 'Amy is the health policy leader and convener we need to drive creative solutions. Her profound understanding of the people we serve, especially regarding access and affordability, and her strong relationships across the state's healthcare system will greatly benefit Massachusetts residents.'
Rosenthal's responsibilities will encompass overseeing the state's Medicaid, public health, and mental health departments, a critical task given the ongoing federal cuts and their potential impact on Massachusetts.
The new Medicaid restrictions, including semi-annual eligibility checks and a requirement for able-bodied adults to document their employment or education status, are expected to make it harder for thousands in Massachusetts to maintain their insurance coverage. State officials estimate that at least 300,000 more residents could become uninsured over the next decade, with a potential loss of $3.5 billion in funding.
To combat this, HHS is launching a community engagement and outreach initiative to ensure Medicaid-eligible individuals remain enrolled. People experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, or those with limited health insurance usage are particularly vulnerable to losing coverage due to the complexity of the new documentation requirements.
During her time with Health Care for All, Rosenthal has demonstrated her ability to lead successful community outreach programs. The organization contracted with her to improve COVID vaccine uptake and ensure Medicaid-eligible individuals retained their coverage during a recent effort to remove those no longer qualifying for the program.
The COVID vaccination program, led by Rosenthal, successfully boosted immunization rates in nine communities severely affected by the virus. Additionally, her advocacy for Medicaid reforms, including enhanced prescription drug access, adult dental coverage, and extended coverage during pregnancy, has been widely recognized.
Rosenthal's previous experience includes a leadership role at Community Catalyst, a Boston organization dedicated to expanding health equity, where she played a significant part in the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. She holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University, a master's in public health from Harvard, and a master's in public affairs from Indiana University.
As Rosenthal takes on her new role, Massachusetts residents can expect a dedicated advocate to champion their health care needs. Her expertise and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations will be crucial in navigating the upcoming federal cuts and ensuring the state's healthcare system remains robust and accessible.
