Massachusetts Bills

By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 276) of James J. O'Day relative to persons with developmental disabilities. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 277) of James J. O'Day relative to the administration of the personal care attendant program by the Division of Medical Assistance. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

This bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (insurance companies that manage drug benefits) to pay community pharmacies fairly for services, matching or exceeding Massachusetts Medicaid rates for both drug costs and dispensing fees. It prohibits "pharmacy steering" (directing prescriptions to pharmacies owned by the benefit manager) and mandates that all pharmacies, including community ones, can provide specialty medications if they meet standard service requirements. The bill also requires transparency in how drug costs are calculated and gives pharmacies a 7-day process to appeal underpayment claims. It directly affects community pharmacies, benefit managers, and patients seeking medication access, aiming to ensure equitable treatment for independent pharmacies.

By Representatives Arena-DeRosa of Holliston and Vaughn of Wrentham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3911) of James C. Arena-DeRosa and Marcus S. Vaughn (by vote of the town) relative to the charter of the town of Millis. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4525) of Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark (by vote of the town) that the town of Conway be authorized to continue the employment of police department member Michael W. Habel. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Blais of Deerfield and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4506) of Natalie M. Blais and Paul W. Mark (by vote of the town) that the town of Conway be authorized to continue the employment of fire department member Howard Boyden. Public Service. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Cusack of Braintree, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2083) of Mark J. Cusack relative to family and medical leave. Labor and Workforce Development.

By Representative Day of Stoneham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1126) of Michael S. Day relative to health care providers providing patients' health insurance carrier with estimates of the expected billing. Financial Services.

H 4618 requires health insurers and government health plans to reimburse certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at the same rate as physicians for comparable services, eliminating reimbursement disparities. It applies to Commonwealth employee health plans, Medicaid managed care, and private insurance policies covering hospital/surgical care. The bill mandates that claims must include the provider's National Provider Identifier and explicitly prohibits reducing physician payments to fund CRNA reimbursements. Key provisions ensure CRNAs and physicians receive identical payment rates when acting within their licensed scope, while allowing equal quality-based reimbursement adjustments for both groups.

By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon relative to the use of virtual credit cards by dental insurance providers. Financial Services.

By Representative Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4716) of Tricia Farley-Bouvier (with the approval of the mayor and city council) relative to amending the charter of the city of Pittsfield. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Cataldo of Concord, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Simon Cataldo for legislation to establish a Great Brook State Park trust fund. Environment and Natural Resources.