Healthcare

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1305: An Act relative to pharmacy benefit managers reimbursements to pharmacies in the Commonwealth

This bill (HD 1305) requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operating in Massachusetts to follow specific rules when setting reimbursement rates for pharmacies. It mandates that PBMs provide transparent access to their "maximum allowable cost" drug lists, update them within 7 days if pharmacy acquisition costs rise by 10% or more, and establish a clear 7-business-day appeal process for pharmacies challenging low reimbursements. Pharmacies can refuse services if paid below their actual drug purchase cost ("pharmacy acquisition cost"), and PBMs must reimburse pharmacies equally to what they pay their own affiliated pharmacies for the same services. The law applies to all PBMs, including those working with MassHealth, and violations are classified as deceptive trade practices under existing law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires PBMs to provide transparent reimbursement rates and timely updates, preventing pharmacy service disruptions and supporting medication access for patients.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1335: An Act relative to a medical marijuana pilot program

HD 1335 establishes the "Crosby Project," a three-phase pilot program allowing Massachusetts veterans to use medical marijuana to treat conditions currently managed with opioids and combat opioid use disorder. The program directly affects veterans with qualifying medical conditions who are seeking alternatives to opioid-based medicine. Key mechanisms include Phase 1 research (reviewing medical studies, consulting veterans' groups, and evaluating other states' programs), Phase 2 launching a Boston-based veterans health center with staff and complementary services like acupuncture, and Phase 3 evaluating results to develop a statewide program. The Department of Public Health must submit a report detailing the program structure and findings by December 31, 2024.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes medical marijuana pilot for veterans to treat opioid use disorder, expanding treatment access and alternatives to opioids, directly advancing healthcare options for a specific condition.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDirectly provides veterans with medical marijuana as opioid alternative for healthcare, improving access to treatment for qualifying conditions through dedicated pilot program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse Veteran Healthcare

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 20, 2025

SD 2683: Department of Mental Health Enhanced Outpatient Treatment Pilot FY2024

Report of the Department of Mental Health (pursuant to line item 5046-0000 of Chapter 165 of the Acts of 2014) submitting its Enhanced Outpatient Treatment Pilot Fiscal Year 2024

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a pilot program for enhanced outpatient mental health treatment, directly strengthening mental health services under healthcare topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Mar 13, 2025

HD 4476: A communication from the Department of Public Health (see Section 2RRRR of Chapter 29 of the General Laws) submitting the Municipal Naloxone Bulk Purchase Trust Fund Annual Report for fiscal year 2024.

This bill (HD 4476) is a procedural measure requiring the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to submit its annual report for the Municipal Naloxone Bulk Purchase Trust Fund covering fiscal year 2024. It does not create new policy but mandates the routine reporting of how the fund - used to purchase naloxone (an overdose reversal medication) for local communities - was administered. The bill directly affects the Department of Public Health, which must provide this report as required by law. The bill was placed on file on March 13, 2025, with no substantive changes to laws or funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates reporting on naloxone fund administration, ensuring transparency for a public health program that reverses opioid overdoses, directly supporting patient access to life-saving treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 29, 2025

H 170: An Act addressing public health risks related to cannabis products

By Representative Shand of Newburyport, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 170) of Dawne Shand for legislation to address public health risks related of certain cannabis products. Cannabis Policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAddresses public health risks from cannabis products, aligning with healthcare protection goals under public health initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1630: An Act relative to opting out of fluoridation

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1630) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to provide municipalities to opt out of fluoridation treatments. Public Health.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareAllows municipalities to opt out of water fluoridation, a public health measure, restricting community-wide dental health initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 18, 2026

H 3018: An Act providing an income tax credit for families caring for relatives at home who are elderly or victims of Alzheimer's disease

This bill creates a $600 income tax credit for Massachusetts taxpayers who provide more than half of the support for an elderly relative (age 70+) or a relative with Alzheimer's disease. To qualify, the relative must have lived with the taxpayer for over six months during the tax year, and their income must be below $20,000 (single filer) or $35,000 (joint filer). If the credit reduces taxes to zero, the taxpayer receives a refund for the excess amount. The credit directly benefits caregivers supporting qualifying family members at home, aiming to offset some costs associated with in-home care.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides income tax credit for caregivers of elderly/Alzheimer's patients, reducing tax burden for lower/middle-income families, aligning with tax relief indicators.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProvides tax credit for families caring for Alzheimer's/elderly, supporting home-based care and reducing reliance on institutional healthcare services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 12, 2025

SD 2966: Strengthening Public Access to Mental Health Services for Children and Youth FY24 Report

Report of the Department of Mental Health (pursuant to line item 5042-5000 of Section 2 of Chapter 28 of Acts of 2023) submitting its Strengthening Public Access to Mental Health Services for Children and Youth FY24 report

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill title explicitly states 'Strengthening Public Access to Mental Health Services for Children,' directly aligning with healthcare support indicators for improving patient access and mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 10, 2026

S 1491: An Act relative to chaperones for medical exams

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1491) of Brendan P. Crighton, Rory McCarthy, , James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to chaperones for medical exams. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates chaperones for medical exams to protect patient privacy and rights during sensitive procedures, aligning with patient safety standards in healthcare delivery.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2707: An Act relative to furthering the success of opiate intervention programs

HD 2284 amends Massachusetts law to allow state and municipal law enforcement, EMTs, paramedics, and fire personnel to provide opioid antagonists (like naloxone) and administration instructions to individuals at substantial risk of opioid overdose, or to their family/friends who know about the person's opioid use. It directly affects first responders and people at risk of opioid overdose by expanding access to life-saving medication. Key provisions permit these personnel to act in "good faith" based on their training, observations, and the individual's own information. The bill does not require prior consent or medical oversight for this intervention. This policy change aims to increase immediate access to overdose reversal tools during emergencies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill provides immunity for first responders distributing opioid antagonists to reverse overdoses, promoting harm reduction and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides immunity for first responders administering opioid antagonists (naloxone), directly advancing overdose intervention programs and improving emergency healthcare access for opioid users.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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