Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 814: An Act relative to health insurance coverage notification

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 814) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to give patients a 60 day notice of any increase to out of pocket health insurance costs. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates 60-day notice for out-of-pocket cost increases, protecting patient rights and transparency in health insurance coverage as per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 713: An Act relative to adequate notice for health insurance modifications

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 713) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to adequate notice for health insurance modifications. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurers to provide adequate notice before modifying coverage, protecting consumer rights and ensuring transparency in health insurance changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 874: An Act strengthening mental health centers

This bill (SD 981) requires Massachusetts health insurers to increase minimum payments for mental health and substance use services provided by behavioral health clinics by 5% starting in 2027. It mandates that clinics receive at least 20% higher payment rates for these services compared to independent practitioners (like solo therapists). The state must review these rates every two years, adjusting for inflation, comparing staff wages to state averages, and considering new government costs. The bill directly affects behavioral health clinics and independent practitioners who provide mental health services in Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthening mental health centers supports criminal justice reform by improving rehabilitation programs and reducing recidivism through better mental health services.75% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to strengthen mental health centers, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy as defined in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 2219: An Act expanding access to mental health services and strengthening risk assessment protocols

HD 1470 adds licensed mental health counselors to the list of professionals authorized to request a 3-day emergency hospitalization for individuals at risk of harming themselves or others due to mental health issues. Previously, only physicians, psychologists, and certain other licensed providers could initiate this process, but the bill now includes counselors licensed under Chapter 112. The law requires that when applying for a hold, the professional must explain the risk and communicate with the hospital beforehand when possible. This change directly affects licensed mental health counselors by expanding their emergency authority and improves access to crisis care for individuals in need.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly expands mental health access and strengthens protocols, directly advancing healthcare services per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

H 1130: An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

This bill expands telehealth coverage and digital access for Massachusetts residents. It requires health insurers to cover virtual visits, digital consultations, remote patient monitoring, and related devices at the same rate as in-person care. The bill also creates a shared application portal for affordable broadband programs and mandates insurers to provide interpreter services and digital literacy support for patients with limited English proficiency or low tech skills. These provisions directly affect patients, healthcare providers, and insurers across Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes telehealth access via digital equity, enhancing patient access to healthcare services and addressing digital barriers in healthcare delivery.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly promotes digital equity for telehealth access, directly advancing equitable technology and internet access for patients per topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Telehealth

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 1396: An Act strengthening mental health centers

HD 1867 increases payment rates for mental health services provided by clinics and independent practitioners. Starting January 2027, it requires a 5% minimum rate increase per service code and mandates that clinics receive at least 20% more payment than independent practitioners for comparable services. The bill also requires biennial reviews of these rates, considering inflation (using Medicare Economic Index data), wage comparisons to state labor statistics, and costs from new government mandates. This directly affects mental health clinics, independent practitioners, and managed care entities that pay for these services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases minimum payment rates for behavioral health services, directly funding and strengthening mental health centers per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2445: An Act preserving essential services in our hospitals

This bill requires hospitals to notify the state health department 90 days before closing or discontinuing any essential health service. The department must define "essential health service" through regulations and hold public hearings if a hospital proposes to stop such a service. If the department determines the service is necessary for community health access, the hospital cannot discontinue it for three years. The law directly affects hospitals and the state health department, aiming to protect critical medical services from abrupt cuts. It creates a formal review process to prevent unnecessary closures of vital hospital services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly preserves essential hospital services under Public Health, directly protecting healthcare access and infrastructure per support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 2011: An Act relative to bodily autonomy and family integrity

This bill establishes a fundamental right to bodily autonomy for individuals and parents regarding health decisions for themselves and minor children. It prohibits requiring any health-related intervention (such as vaccinations, mask mandates, or genetic procedures) unless specifically exempted, including cases involving employment, education, or public services. Individuals harmed by violations can seek court orders, damages, or reinstated employment with back pay. Exceptions include drug/alcohol testing, certain job health requirements (excluding vaccinations), and legally mandated medical tests for driver's licenses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill title 'bodily autonomy' and summary 'regulate health decisions' align with patient rights protection (support indicator), though vague on specifics.80% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 783: An Act to promote increased access to patient care through equitable reimbursement

By Ms. Lovely, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 783) of Joan B. Lovely for legislation to promote increased access to patient care through equitable reimbursement. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly promotes increased patient care access through equitable reimbursement, aligning with expanding healthcare access and funding indicators.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

H 1320: An Act relative to reducing the administrative burden for preauthorization

By Representative Scarsdale of Pepperell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1320) of Margaret R. Scarsdale relative to the preauthorization process for certain health care services. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareReduces administrative burden for preauthorization, improving efficiency and patient access in healthcare services.85% confidence

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