Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 8, 2026

H 1131: An Act expanding access to mental health services

This bill (HD 2218) removes preauthorization requirements for certain mental health services under group insurance for Commonwealth employees and Medicaid coverage. It directly affects state employees insured through group plans and Medicaid beneficiaries by allowing immediate access to services like inpatient psychiatric care, crisis stabilization, and outpatient substance use treatment without prior insurance approval. Key provisions include requiring facilities to notify insurers within three business days of admission (with limited data), while covering services provided before notification. The bill also broadens the definition of "licensed mental health professional" to include more provider types, such as licensed counselors and psychiatric nurse practitioners. These changes aim to streamline access to critical mental health care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to expand mental health service coverage, directly advancing healthcare access as defined in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 8, 2026

H 1319: An Act related to comprehensive clinical and extended support services

This bill (HD 375) requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover specific addiction treatment services without preauthorization. It defines "transitional support services" (short-term residential care after stabilization) and mandates coverage for up to 30 days of acute treatment, clinical stabilization, and transitional support services for: 1) Active or retired Commonwealth employees with group insurance, and 2) All insured individuals under Medicaid and general health plans. Facilities must notify insurers within 48 hours of admission and provide discharge plans, with utilization reviews allowed only after 14 days (and not restricting future care unless 30+ consecutive days are provided). Medical necessity is determined by the treating clinician, not insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for comprehensive clinical and extended support services, expanding patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 28, 2026

H 1337: An Act relative to opioid use disorder treatment and rehabilitation coverage

HD 2059 requires Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover medications for opioid use disorder (like naloxone and buprenorphine) without prior authorization, prescriptions, or cost-sharing (deductibles, copays). It directly affects Commonwealth employees (via group insurance), Medicaid patients, and private insurance holders in Massachusetts. The bill mandates coverage as both a medical benefit (when administered at treatment facilities) and pharmacy benefit, with facilities reimbursed at standard rates to prevent balance billing. It also specifies that cost-sharing may still apply if a plan would lose tax-exempt status under IRS rules.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill funds opioid treatment/rehabilitation, directly supporting criminal justice reform by addressing addiction (a root cause of recidivism) and improving rehabilitation programs.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates coverage for opioid use disorder treatment/rehabilitation, expanding access to healthcare services for substance use disorders.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 1404: An Act to improve patient care through integrated electronic health records

By Representative Ryan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1404) of Daniel J. Ryan for legislation to establish integrated electronic health records. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes integrated electronic health records to improve patient care coordination, directly advancing healthcare service quality per support indicators.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 1406: An Act to improve continuity of care for MassHealth members with chronic conditions

This bill (HD 2860) extends prior authorization periods for community-based long-term care services to up to five years for MassHealth members with chronic conditions. It directly affects MassHealth members with persistent health conditions (including intellectual/developmental disabilities) requiring services like Adult Day Health, Home Health Aide, or Adult Foster Care. The key provision replaces shorter, recurring authorizations with multi-year approvals, while allowing modifications if a member's condition changes. This reduces administrative burdens for members and providers, ensuring uninterrupted access to necessary care under defined service plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve continuity of care for MassHealth chronic condition members, enhancing patient access and coordination within public health insurance program.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 16, 2026

H 1402: An Act to protect MassHealth applicants facing undue hardship

By Representative Plouffe of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1402) of Bridget Plouffe for legislation to establish criteria for MassHealth hardship waivers. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes hardship waiver criteria to protect MassHealth access for vulnerable applicants, expanding coverage eligibility without restrictions.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 8, 2025

H 4073: An Act relative to fair medical debt reporting and collection

This bill prevents hospitals and healthcare providers from denying medically necessary care due to unpaid medical debt. It requires these facilities to publicly post their medical debt collection policies online and bans collection tactics like robocalls, threatening to withhold care, or failing to inform debtors about legal options. Consumers who successfully defend against medical debt lawsuits can recover reasonable attorney fees. The law specifically defines medical debt as a distinct category for collection purposes and updates debt collection regulations to prioritize patient access to care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses fair medical debt reporting/collection, protecting patients from abusive practices and improving healthcare access by preventing debt-related barriers to care.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 8, 2025

H 419: An Act alleviating the burden of medical debt for patients and families

By Representative Lawn of Watertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 419) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and James C. Arena-DeRosa relative to alleviating the burden of medical debt for patients and families. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill directly addresses medical debt relief, improving patient access to healthcare services and reducing financial barriers for patients and families.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 23, 2026

S 2053: An Act establishing a tax credit for individuals paying for home health care and hospice

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2053) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to establish a tax credit for individuals paying for home health care and hospice. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesTax credit reduces individual tax burden for essential health services, providing targeted tax relief for middle/lower income households.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes tax credit for home health/hospice costs, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 4495: An Act to protect 340B providers

This bill protects 340B providers - like community health centers and safety-net hospitals that participate in the federal 340B drug discount program - from unfair practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). It prohibits PBMs from reimbursing these providers at lower rates than non-340B entities, charging extra fees for 340B participation, restricting network access based on 340B status, or requiring special drug identifiers. The bill also bans PBMs from imposing higher patient copays or steering patients away from 340B providers. These changes ensure 340B providers can operate fairly and patients can access discounted medications without additional barriers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects 340B providers from unfair PBM practices, ensuring lower drug costs for safety-net hospitals/clinics serving vulnerable populations, directly improving patient access and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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