Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 1420: An Act to prevent medical debt by restoring health safety net eligibility levels

HD 1587 expands eligibility for the health safety net program to cover uninsured or underinsured patients earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL), directly affecting low-to-moderate income residents who previously faced gaps in care. It establishes that patients earning between 200%-400% FPL may have a deductible, while those below 200% FPL have full coverage. The bill also mandates retroactive eligibility for 180 days prior to an application. Additionally, it creates a task force to study the Health Safety Net Trust Fund's financing, including hospital payments and reimbursements, with a report due to the legislature within one year.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestoring health safety net eligibility expands access to healthcare services and prevents medical debt, directly advancing patient access and coverage as per support indicators.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 1363: An Act to extend enhanced Medicaid benefits to eligible hospitals

This bill extends extra Medicaid payments to specific hospitals that received enhanced benefits under a 2020 law. Eligible hospitals - non-profit or municipal acute care facilities that got enhanced Medicaid payments in 2021-2022 - will receive monthly payments equal to 5% of their average monthly Medicaid payments for inpatient and outpatient services from the previous year. Payments are capped at $35 million total annually and cannot reduce existing Medicaid payments or be used to calculate future payments. The bill ensures these additional funds are provided directly to qualifying hospitals without offsetting their regular Medicaid reimbursements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExtends enhanced Medicaid benefits to hospitals, increasing healthcare funding and access to services under Health Care Financing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 901: An Act to advance health equity

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 901) of Pavel M. Payano, Liz Miranda, Manny Cruz, Patricia D. Jehlen and others for legislation to advance health equity. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to 'advance health equity' through legislation, directly aligning with indicators like improving patient access and reducing disparities in healthcare services.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 11, 2026

H 586: An Act relative to type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of students

H 586 requires Massachusetts public schools to provide informational materials about type 1 diabetes to parents and guardians of students diagnosed with the condition. The materials must cover recognizing symptoms and managing insulin needs during school hours. This bill directly affects families of students with type 1 diabetes and school staff responsible for health protocols.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires schools to provide diabetes management materials, ensuring students with type 1 diabetes can safely attend and participate in education, directly supporting educational access.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires schools to provide diabetes management materials, improving student health access and safety per healthcare topic indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 98: An Act relative to pharmacists as healthcare providers

This bill allows pharmacists in Massachusetts to test for, screen, and initiate treatment for specific health conditions - including Influenza, Streptococcal infections, COVID-19, and HIV (including PrEP/PEP) - under a statewide protocol established by the Board of Pharmacy. It directly affects pharmacists (expanding their clinical role) and patients seeking accessible testing and initial treatment for these conditions. Key provisions require pharmacists to follow the protocol, delegate administrative tasks to technicians under supervision, and refer high-risk patients for hospital care when needed. The bill also mandates insurance companies to reimburse pharmacists for these services at standard rates for other healthcare providers, ensuring fair compensation.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacists' clinical role to provide testing/treatment for key conditions, improving patient access to care without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Prescription Drugs

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 455: An Act relative to pharmacists as healthcare providers

This bill allows certified pharmacists in Massachusetts to test for, screen, and initiate treatment for specific health conditions - including influenza, strep infections, COVID-19, HIV (including PrEP/PEP), and others approved by the pharmacy board - under a statewide protocol. Pharmacists may delegate administrative tasks to pharmacy technicians and use CLIA-waived tests, with specific guidance for positive COVID-19 cases requiring patient advice and reporting. The law mandates that insurance companies reimburse pharmacists at standard rates for these services, prohibiting denial of coverage for certified pharmacists providing these treatments within their scope. It directly affects pharmacists, patients seeking these services, and healthcare insurers across the state.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands pharmacist scope to provide screenings/treatment for key conditions (influenza, HIV, etc.), mandates insurance coverage, improving access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2578: An Act establishing a public health option

This bill establishes a public health insurance option in Massachusetts, creating a state-run plan available through the Commonwealth Connector. It will directly affect eligible individuals (residents not offered employer-sponsored coverage with 50+ employees) and small groups (1-50 employees) starting January 1, 2027, with large groups (51+ employees) added by July 1, 2027. The plan must meet the same quality and affordability standards as private plans approved by the Connector, use Medicare-based payment rates for providers, and cover all costs through premiums. It will operate alongside existing private plans but will be administered by the Connector, with providers automatically participating unless they opt out.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates state-run public health insurance option expanding coverage to eligible residents/small groups, meeting quality/affordability standards per Connector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4253: An Act relative to ensuring health care options at institutions of higher education

This bill is a draft (currently being worked on by House Counsel) titled "An Act relative to ensuring health care options at institutions of higher education" filed by Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa on January 17, 2025. As a draft, it does not yet contain specific provisions or mechanisms detailing how health care options would be ensured. The bill would directly affect students and higher education institutions in Massachusetts if enacted. No concrete policy changes or key provisions are available in the provided context since the draft is incomplete.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill title 'ensuring health care options at institutions of higher education' directly supports student access to health services, aligning with healthcare access indicators.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 2, 2025

H 1386: An Act to ensure uniform and transparent reporting of medical debt data

By Representative Mahoney of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1386) of John J. Mahoney for legislation to establish an electronic system of public reporting for providers as a prerequisite condition for advancing overdue medical bills to debt collection agencies. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates transparent medical debt reporting to prevent unfair collection practices, protecting patient rights and improving healthcare financing transparency.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 2, 2025

H 1350: An Act to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform

This bill requires Massachusetts hospitals to establish clear financial assistance policies for low- and moderate-income patients. It sets income-based discounts: free care for households under 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), 75% discounts for 201-300% FPL, 50% for 301-350% FPL, and 25% for 351-400% FPL. Hospitals must provide written and verbal notices about these policies during registration and billing, post notices prominently in facilities, and include clear financial assistance information on all billing statements. The bill also prohibits hospitals from considering immigration status, total bill cost, or restrictive contracts when determining eligibility, and mandates annual reporting of application data by hospital.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses medical debt via hospital financial assistance reform, improving patient access and reducing financial barriers to healthcare services.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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