Healthcare

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 4549: An Act to improve outcomes for persons with limb loss and limb difference

This bill (H 4549) requires Massachusetts health insurers and MassHealth to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices without discrimination based on disability. It mandates coverage for devices designed for daily use and specific physical activities (like showering or sports), ensures replacement without lifetime restrictions, and prohibits separate financial barriers for these devices. The law also guarantees access to at least two in-network providers and prevents denial of coverage for limb loss-related needs that would be covered for non-disabled individuals seeking similar medical care. It directly affects people with limb loss or difference who rely on these devices for mobility and daily living.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for prosthetics/orthotics without discrimination, removes financial barriers, ensures access to providers, and expands coverage for limb loss care - directly advancing healthcare access.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 20, 2026

S 1574: An Act preserving access to hospital services

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1574) of Paul W. Mark and Michael D. Brady for legislation to preserve access to hospital services. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly preserves hospital access, aligning with 'protects patient rights' and 'improves patient access' indicators under healthcare support.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 1298: An Act to increase enrollment in affordable health plan networks

This bill modifies Massachusetts health insurance regulations to expand access to affordable plans. It creates new exemptions for insurers whose members are primarily in single-rate regions, enrolled in subsidized coverage (Chapter 176Q), or whose income comes mostly from government programs. Additionally, it requires insurers to include entire provider groups - like all doctors in a practice or all facilities - at once in select or tiered networks, rather than allowing partial inclusion. These changes directly affect health insurance carriers and healthcare providers by altering network design rules and reducing regulatory burden for certain insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to increase enrollment in affordable health plan networks, directly expanding access to healthcare coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 1203: An Act relative to pharmaceutical gag clauses

HD 2247 prohibits health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers from including "gag clauses" in contracts with pharmacies. These clauses previously blocked pharmacists from telling patients about the actual cost of medications or cheaper alternatives, like paying cash. The bill requires pharmacists to share cost information and alternative purchasing options without penalty. Additionally, it ensures patients pay no more at the pharmacy than they would if paying cash for the medication without insurance.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits pharmaceutical gag clauses, allowing pharmacists to inform patients about cost-effective alternatives, protecting patient rights and access to affordable care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 775: An Act to increase enrollment in affordable health plan networks

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 775) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to increase enrollment in affordable health plan networks. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to increase enrollment in affordable health plan networks, expanding access to healthcare coverage per support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 1318: An Act allowing for increased investment in health care providers

This bill amends a section of state law governing hospital service corporations. It allows these corporations to make loans, guarantee loans, or invest in hospitals and other health service providers. The purpose is to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase benefits in healthcare delivery for subscribers and patients. This directly affects hospital service corporations and the healthcare providers they work with, by expanding their financial partnership options. The change modifies existing rules to enable these new types of financial support.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly authorizes increased investment in healthcare providers through contracts/loans for non-profit hospitals, directly aligning with funding and strengthening healthcare indicators.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 1138: An Act to increase health insurer reporting transparency

This bill requires health insurers to submit detailed financial and operational data to the state center, including metrics like operating margins, enrollment, premiums, medical expenses, and administrative costs. The center must analyze this data and publish public reports periodically, including annually, showing industry-wide and payer-specific information. It directly affects all private and public health insurers operating in the state by mandating transparency in their financial reporting. The reports will provide accessible data on insurer performance for public review, without specifying outcomes or policy impacts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly increases health insurer reporting transparency, promoting accountability in healthcare coverage and aligning with patient rights protections.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 782: An Act to increase health insurer reporting transparency

SD 1556 requires health insurers to submit specific data to state agencies and mandates public reporting of that information. The bill directs the state health center to annually evaluate and publish insurer data metrics (including coverage, costs, and quality measures) in a public report, and directs the Insurance Commissioner to make all submitted insurer data easily accessible online each year. This directly affects health insurance companies by requiring them to provide standardized data, and it directly benefits consumers and researchers by making insurer performance data publicly available. The key change is creating a consistent, transparent process for releasing insurer data that was previously not systematically shared.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill increases health insurer reporting transparency, enhancing accountability and oversight in healthcare coverage systems.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 711: An Act relative to rate equity for community health centers

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 711) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, Paul R. Feeney and David T. Vieira for legislation to require prospective payment system methodology for reimbursement to community health centers. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires prospective payment methodology for community health center reimbursement, ensuring stable funding and equitable access to care services.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

H 1267: An Act relative to unilateral contract changes

This bill prohibits health insurance companies from including clauses in contracts with healthcare providers that allow termination without cause or unilateral changes to key terms like payment rates, covered services, or quality policies. It requires insurers to provide written notice of any proposed changes at least 90 days before the contract renewal date, with changes only taking effect after the current contract term ends. The state health insurance commission must also avoid purchasing policies from insurers that violate these rules. The law directly affects healthcare providers (doctors, clinics, hospitals) and insurers by increasing contract stability and transparency.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates health insurance contracts to prevent unilateral changes, protecting patient access and rights in coverage.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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