Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 20, 2025

H 1142: An Act to promote increased access to patient care through equitable reimbursement

This bill requires healthcare insurers and government programs to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for identical services, eliminating payment discrimination. It applies to Commonwealth health plans (like Medicaid), private insurance policies covering hospital/surgical care, and group health plans. Key provisions mandate equal reimbursement for CRNAs acting within their scope of practice (as defined by Chapter 112), require provider identification via National Provider Identifier on claims, and prohibit insurers from lowering physician payments to meet this standard. The bill directly affects CRNAs, physicians, and healthcare insurers by standardizing payment rates for comparable services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes increased patient care access through equitable reimbursement, directly improving healthcare access and provider reimbursement.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 2202: An Act creating parity for mental and behavioral health services

This bill requires all health insurance policies in Massachusetts - covering MassHealth, group plans, and individual policies - to provide equal coverage for mental health and behavioral health treatment as for physical health conditions. It mandates that insurers cover "medically necessary treatment for any mental disorder, including autism spectrum disorder," as defined by standard medical manuals (DSM/ICD), without discrimination. The law also prohibits disability insurance from excluding or limiting benefits for conditions related to mental health or substance use. These requirements apply to all policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after July 1, 2026. The bill directly affects Massachusetts residents with health insurance, ensuring parity in access to mental health care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates parity for mental health services requiring equal insurance coverage as physical health, strengthening access and protections per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1480: An Act relative to physician workforce data collection

By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1480) of Nick Collins for legislation to allow the Board of Registration in Medicine to collect data and information concerning the cultural, ethical, linguistic, and education composition of the physician workplace. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCollects physician workforce data on cultural/linguistic composition to improve patient access and care quality, aligning with public health goals.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 1370: An Act relative to Massachusetts primary care for you

This bill establishes statewide targets requiring Massachusetts health care entities to increase primary care spending as a percentage of total health care expenditures. It sets specific annual targets: 10% for 2027, 12.5% for 2028, and 15% for 2029, with future adjustments capped between 15-20%. The commission must hold public hearings annually to review progress, publish targets online, and establish a 25-member Primary Care Council to monitor implementation. The bill directly affects all health care providers, insurers, and the state health care system by mandating measurable increases in primary care funding.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates primary care council and addresses health care financing, aiming to strengthen primary care access and coordination per bill summary.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Primary Care

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1924: An Act relative to the well-being of new mothers and infants

HD 2093 modifies Massachusetts criminal justice procedures for female defendants who gave birth within 12 months before their alleged crime and are experiencing perinatal mental health conditions like postpartum depression or psychosis. It requires mandatory screening by a treating physician, expert evaluation by a reproductive psychiatrist within 48 hours, and specialized treatment plans including parenting support services for those committed to facilities. The bill also establishes new outpatient treatment pathways with specific safety reviews, including requiring consultation with a reproductive psychiatry expert and victim notification for female defendants with perinatal mental health conditions. This applies solely to criminal defendants in the justice system, not to general maternal healthcare access.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAddresses mental well-being of new mothers, directly supporting mental health services within healthcare policy.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 136: An Act relative to Massachusetts joining the nursing licensure compact

Massachusetts bill HD 136 would allow the state to join the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), enabling registered and licensed practical nurses with a Massachusetts license (their "home state") to practice in other participating states without obtaining separate licenses. The bill creates legal definitions and procedures for the NLC, including recognizing a "multistate license" that authorizes practice across all compact states. Nurses must meet Massachusetts licensing standards, pass required exams, and pass background checks, but their home-state license would automatically grant practice rights in other compact states. This directly affects Massachusetts nurses seeking to work in other NLC states and streamlines interstate practice for nursing professionals.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables Massachusetts nurses to practice across state lines via NLC, improving healthcare access and supporting medical professionals without barriers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Medical Licensing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 446: An Act establishing eligibility requirements for the health safety net

HD 446 establishes income-based eligibility for the health safety net program, making uninsured and underinsured residents with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level eligible for coverage, with those between 200% and 400% potentially facing a deductible. It also mandates retroactive coverage for up to 180 days prior to an application. Additionally, the bill creates a task force to study the Health Safety Net Trust Fund's financing, including hospital payments and reimbursements, with a report due by August 1, 2027. The task force must recommend policy changes to address funding shortfalls.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands eligibility to 400% FPL, mandates retroactive coverage, and creates task force for sustainable financing - directly advances healthcare access and coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 559: An Act to improve outcomes for persons with limb loss and limb difference

HD 559 requires Massachusetts health insurance plans, including MassHealth, to cover prosthetic and orthotic devices for athletic and physical activities - such as running, swimming, or biking - alongside standard medical use. It expands existing coverage to include custom-made devices designed specifically for these activities and mandates repair or replacement for such devices. This applies directly to individuals with limb loss or limb difference who need these devices to participate in physical activities. The bill amends multiple sections of state law to clarify coverage requirements and definitions for these devices.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands health insurance coverage for prosthetic devices used in athletic activities, requiring plans to cover custom devices and repairs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 936: An Act relative to physician assistant interstate compact

HD 936 establishes a Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing licensed physician assistants (PAs) in participating states to practice across state lines without obtaining separate licenses. It creates a "compact privilege" enabling PAs to provide medical services in another participating state where the patient is located, requiring them to comply with that state's laws. Key provisions include requiring PAs to hold an unrestricted license in good standing, pass a national exam (like the PANCE), have no criminal convictions, and undergo background checks. The compact also streamlines licensing for military families by allowing active-duty personnel and spouses to use their home-state license. This bill directly affects PAs seeking to practice across state lines and participating states' licensing boards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables physician assistants to practice across state lines, improving patient access to healthcare services by removing licensing barriers for medical professionals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 898: An Act relative to patient centered access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations

This bill requires Massachusetts Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) certified by the Health Policy Commission to provide patient navigation services for individuals with diagnosed mental illness, substance use disorder, or symptoms suggesting these conditions. ACOs must assign certified Patient Engagement Advocates to help patients overcome barriers like finding providers, navigating insurance, scheduling appointments, and coordinating care across specialists. These advocates must provide specific support services, including initial intake assessments, provider matching, and post-treatment follow-up, with patient consent. The requirement applies to all new ACOs immediately and existing ACOs within six months of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill improves patient access to behavioral health services in accountable care organizations, directly supporting mental health care expansion and patient-centered care access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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