Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2605: An Act regarding consistent care for addiction rooted in evidence

This bill requires Massachusetts correctional facilities to provide medication for addiction treatment (MAT) to incarcerated individuals within 24 hours of admission if clinically indicated, and to maintain the same treatment a person was receiving before incarceration. It prohibits denying or discontinuing MAT due to positive drug screens, disciplinary actions, or other barriers, and mandates access to addiction specialists for ongoing care. The bill also requires re-entry planning at least 120 days before release, including referrals for continued treatment, opioid antagonist doses, and assistance with MassHealth benefits. These changes apply to all state and county correctional facilities and aim to ensure consistent care for people with substance use disorders during and after incarceration.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill promotes evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, directly advancing healthcare services for addiction and mental health.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Substance Abuse

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 902: An Act lowering health care prices for patients

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 902) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to lower health care prices for patients by limiting the rate that can be charged for services to not exceed 200 percent of the amount paid by Medicare for the service. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCaps service rates at 200% of Medicare to lower patient costs, increasing affordability and access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 883: An Act to protect qualified medicare beneficiaries from improper billing

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 883) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to protect qualified Medicare beneficiaries from improper billing. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects Medicare beneficiaries from improper billing, safeguarding access to healthcare services and financial security under Health Care Financing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 26, 2025

S 2538: An Act strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth

This bill strengthens protections for providers of reproductive and gender-affirming health care services in Massachusetts. It prohibits state agencies from sharing personal information (like addresses or contact details) of these providers or cooperating with out-of-state investigations into their services. The law also blocks evidence related to legally protected health care from being used against providers in civil or criminal cases, and restricts health data centers from disclosing patient or provider information to outside entities investigating such services. These provisions directly affect health care providers, clinics, and state agencies handling health data.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens protections for reproductive/gender-affirming care providers by blocking data sharing, restricting legal evidence use, and preventing state cooperation with out-of-state investigations, directly advancing patient rights and servic...95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill prohibits sharing health provider data and restricts data centers from disclosing patient information, strengthening data privacy protections within health care technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Data Privacy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1520: An Act to protect a patient’s right to a support person at health care facilities

By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1520) of Peter J. Durant, Susan E. Chester , and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to protect a patient’s right to a support person at health care facilities. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient right to support person at healthcare facilities, aligning with patient rights and access indicators in healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 852: An Act preventing medical debt by restoring health safety net eligibility levels

By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 852) of Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to prevent medical debt by restoring health safety net eligibility levels. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestores health safety net eligibility to prevent medical debt, expanding access to healthcare coverage and reducing financial barriers for patients.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 845: An Act to protect 340B providers in the Medicaid program

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 845) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to not restrict or limit an eligible hospital’s access to the discounted purchase of prescription drugs in the Medicaid program. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly prevents restrictions on 340B providers' access to discounted drugs in Medicaid, protecting patient affordability and access to medications.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 1628: An Act to protect the independence of clinical decision making

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1628) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to allow an independent health care practice to have ultimate control over clinical decision making. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects clinical decision-making independence for healthcare practices, aligning with patient rights and healthcare quality standards under Public Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2486: An Act to protect the independence of clinical decision making

This bill protects clinicians' ability to make independent medical decisions by restricting ownership of healthcare practices. It requires that practices be owned solely by clinicians with independent practice authority (like doctors, nurse practitioners, or psychologists) and prohibits management organizations or healthcare facilities from interfering with clinical judgments - such as discharge timing, diagnosis codes, or patient care plans. Healthcare practices must certify compliance with these rules to licensing boards biennially. The law directly affects clinicians, healthcare practices, and management services organizations operating in Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly protects clinical decision making independence, aligning with 'protects patient rights' indicator in healthcare delivery and public health context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 30, 2026

S 1534: An Act to protect the independence of clinical decision making

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1534) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to protect the independence of clinical decision making. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects clinical autonomy in treatment decisions, strengthening patient-centered care within public health framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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