Massachusetts Disability Subcommittee Presses DPH on Reach and Federal Funding Risk

BOSTON — April 27, 2026 — A Massachusetts Legislature disability subcommittee heard concerns about federal funding risk and limited geographic reach of a state pediatric care coordination training program. The Joint Status of Persons with Disabilities subcommittee, co-chaired by Carl Richardson and Charlie Carr, received a presentation from Toria Haffey and Patty Loza of the DPH's CATER Center, which trains providers in enhanced care coordination for children with medical complexity through a MassHealth contract. The center is in its third year and currently works with five Boston-area hospital systems, including Boston Children's Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Tufts, Neighbor Health, and Bay State. Member Leo Sarkisian urged the team to collect provider outcome data and close coordination gaps with existing regional programs, while Carr asked, "What about us out here in the interlands?" Chair Denise Garlick pressed presenters on whether DPH funding is tied to federal Medicaid dollars — a pointed question given anticipated federal cuts — and Haffey acknowledged that funding is "a concern for all programs at this point." The CATER Center reported a shortage of family engagement specialists, positions designed for parents or community members who bring cultural and linguistic competency to care teams.