HD 3298 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to increase reimbursement for low historic relative price hospitals

This bill (HD 3298) increases reimbursement rates for specific hospitals deemed "low historic relative price hospitals" - defined as facilities with historically low payment rates (average relative price below 0.90 over 5 years) that operate independently or negotiate contracts separately. It requires insurers to gradually improve payments: for 2026-2029, payments must not fall more than 15% below the average hospital rate; for 2029-2032, annual increases must exceed healthcare cost growth by at least 2%; and subsequent cycles gradually align payments with healthcare cost growth. The law mandates annual publication of qualifying hospitals by the commission and sets phased targets through 2038. It directly affects these hospitals and the insurers paying them within the state's healthcare system.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor