Author Archives: Rachel Gershon

About Rachel Gershon

Rachel Gershon JD MPH is a health policy attorney at the Center for Health Law and Economics at UMass Medical School. Her work focuses on the Affordable Care Act, health care affordability, and language access. Previously, Ms. Gershon advised and represented individuals who receive public benefits, including through Medicaid and Social Security. Ms. Gershon holds a law degree and a master's degree in public health from Harvard University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Whitworth University. Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of UMass Medical School.

Hospital interpretation and payment incentives

By | November 5, 2017

Access to interpreters improves health care and is generally required by law. Why then, is interpretation access hard to come by in hospitals? From a hospital staff perspective, appropriate policies may be in place, and hospital staff motivated to offer excellent patient care, but all the demands of providing medical care can lead to system breakdown.… Read More »

Health insurance access and State Innovation Waivers

By | October 18, 2016

A small section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) packs a potentially big punch: State Innovation Waivers allow states to ask the federal government for authority to change parts of the ACA, namely the individual and employer mandates, establishment of state exchanges, and financial help to purchase insurance.  These waivers can be used by states… Read More »