S 2489 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to veteran health care

This bill (SD 596) expands access to veteran health care by requiring the Secretary of Veterans’ Services to create regulations that make veterans with incomes below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level eligible for medical care coverage if they meet other qualification criteria. It directly affects low-income veterans seeking health services, ensuring they can access medical care without additional non-medical benefits. The key mechanism is a new regulatory requirement mandating eligibility for "Medical Only" coverage based on income thresholds. The bill does not change existing benefits but clarifies and broadens access for a specific income group.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jan 5, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Jan 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors