By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 163) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to protect safety net access for Massachusetts residents. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
HD 2326, titled "An Act to protect health care consumers from surprise billing," restricts when health care providers can charge facility fees - fees for hospital-related services separate from professional medical fees. It prohibits these fees except for services on a hospital campus, at facilities with licensed emergency departments, or for emergency services at satellite emergency locations. The bill requires providers to give patients written notice about facility fees before or during care, clearly identify hospital-affiliated locations, and post warnings about potential higher costs compared to non-hospital settings. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000 per occurrence and are classified as unfair trade practices under state law. This directly affects hospitals, health systems, and patients receiving services where facility fees might otherwise be charged unexpectedly.
Senate, October 9, 2025 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill to increase access to disposable menstrual products (Senate, No. 2546),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2640).
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1390) of Julian Cyr for legislation relative to access to psychiatric collaborative care. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
This bill requires the state to pay network hospitals their full negotiated rate for behavioral health services provided to MassHealth patients who also receive care from state health agencies, when no suitable alternative placement exists. It directly affects hospitals serving MassHealth patients in behavioral health and the state's health and human services departments. The key provision mandates that hospitals must document good-faith efforts to find alternative placements before receiving full payment. The state will only cover the full rate if hospitals prove they attempted to place patients elsewhere.
HD 101 requires MassHealth's managed care organizations to ensure equal access to mental health and substance use services for all MassHealth members. It mandates that the state health division approve all behavioral health policies, protocols, and payment rules used by these insurers. The bill also requires insurers to submit detailed reimbursement methods for inpatient mental health providers - including payment ranges and update schedules - to state officials and relevant legislative committees within 90 days of the law taking effect.
This bill requires that eligible municipal employees who enroll in the commission's health insurance within their first 10 days of employment receive coverage effective from either their first day of work or their enrollment date, whichever is later. It directly affects municipal employees who join the health insurance plan early in their employment. The key provision changes the effective date of coverage to ensure prompt benefits without delay. The Group Insurance Commission must create implementing regulations within three months of the bill's enactment.
HD 4028 requires physician practices with more than 10 doctors to give patients 90 days' written notice before closing, relocating, or selling, with continued care for 90 days. It also mandates 180 days' advance notice to the state health department, which may hold hearings to assess impacts on patient access and alternatives. Practices must provide patients with resources to find new care and ensure medical records transfer to a designated entity. The bill creates a registry for large practices, requiring registration by October 2026.
This bill creates two specialized mental health units within the Department of Mental Health: one for men and one for women. It targets patients with persistent aggression, self-destructive behavior, or severe violence requiring specialized care. The units must provide comprehensive services including behavioral assessments, crisis management, and psychiatric treatment, staffed by trained professionals like psychiatrists and social workers. Patients must be transferred to appropriate care once stabilized, with clear discharge planning.
This bill (H 4673) shields licensed law enforcement officers, EMTs, ambulance services, and other emergency medical personnel from legal claims or penalties when they transport individuals to community behavioral health centers in good faith. It directly affects first responders and behavioral health centers by removing liability concerns during these transports. The key provision creates legal immunity for "good faith" actions or inactions related to such transports, as defined in existing law. This change aims to encourage timely access to mental health care without fear of lawsuits for responders acting appropriately.
