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S 842 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act to address medical debt through hospital financial assistance reform

Summary
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 842) of Joanne M. Comerford and Steven Owens for legislation to offer financial assistance for medical debt to those below the federal poverty level. Health Care Financing.
Issues: ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs state funds for medical debt assistance to low-income residents, increasing public service spending under government budget allocation.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides financial assistance for medical debt to those below federal poverty level, directly improving healthcare access and reducing financial barriers for low-income patients.95% confidence
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Jun 16, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Jo Comerford
Jo Comerford
DDemocratic
MA
Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester
Co
Photo of Jamie Eldridge
Jamie Eldridge
DDemocratic
MA
Middlesex and Worcester
Co
Photo of Steve Owens
Steve Owens
DDemocratic
MA
29th Middlesex