An Act advancing health care research and decision-making centered on patients and people with disabilities

This bill (HD 2117) requires Massachusetts healthcare agencies (Division of Medical Assistance and Health Policy Commission) to use patient-centered research standards when making coverage and treatment decisions. It mandates that research must prioritize outcomes valued by patients and people with disabilities, include analysis of diverse patient subgroups, and follow rigorous scientific practices. Crucially, it prohibits agencies from using "dollars-per-quality adjusted life year" or similar cost-effectiveness metrics to deny coverage or set payment rates. The bill also requires clear appeals processes for physicians to override coverage denials. These changes directly affect how state healthcare decisions are made, aiming to ensure patient perspectives shape coverage policies.