Robin Callahan
Robin Callahan is the Director of Member Policy and Program Development for the Massachusetts Office of Medicaid. In that role, she manages the development of MassHealth policies and programs related to member eligibility, benefits, and advocate relations. Robin was MassHealth’s Project Director for implementation of Massachusetts’ health care reform bill, Chapter 58: An Act Providing Access to Affordable, Quality, Accountable Health Care. She continues to play an integral role in developing member policy in relation to Massachusetts’ health care reform and, additionally, to federal health care reform. Her leadership in program development for MassHealth has helped to create a strong working relationship between the Office of Medicaid and the Connector Authority (Massachusetts’ exchange) as they create and maintain insurance options for various populations across the Commonwealth. Robin has also served in a variety of management roles at MassHealth, including Director of Waiver and State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Administration. Robin is a Princeton University graduate, with independent work focusing on health economics, and has been in public service for over 20 years.
National Briefing: Eligibility and Enrollment System Redesign: Lessons Learned for Implementing the Affordable Care Act
December 10, 2010

For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 























































































































































