Healthcare

in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 22, 2026

H 5040: An Act relative to PANDAS/PANS screening in medical/clinical settings

This bill requires healthcare providers and facilities in Massachusetts to screen children for PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) during routine care. It mandates that all physicians, child psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors screen patients using evidence-based protocols developed by the Department of Public Health. Healthcare facilities serving children must ensure these screenings occur at specified intervals. The bill also requires the Department to establish clinical criteria for diagnosis and develop implementing regulations within 180 days. The screening requirement applies to all medical and clinical settings treating children.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates screening for PANDAS/PANS in routine care, advancing early detection and treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions under healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Children's Health Mental Health Public Health

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Apr 15, 2026

H 5018: An Act increasing access to acute hospital at home services

H 5018 requires all health insurance policies in Massachusetts - covering group, individual, and hospital service plans - to reimburse hospital-at-home services equally with in-person care. It applies to any policy providing hospital or surgical coverage (excluding Medicare supplemental plans) and mandates coverage for services from hospitals participating in the federal CMS Acute Hospital Care at Home Program. The law ensures insurers pay for these services at the same rate as traditional hospital visits, without additional patient cost-sharing. This affects all Massachusetts health insurers and their policyholders, including Commonwealth employees covered under group insurance. The bill does not create new services but standardizes existing insurance coverage for this care option.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires equal insurance reimbursement for hospital-at-home services vs in-person care, expanding patient access to acute care without coverage barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance Telehealth

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 23, 2026

H 5039: An Act to assess the current status of the merged market

H 5039 establishes the Massachusetts Merged Market Advisory Council to study the state’s combined health insurance market for small businesses and individuals (regulated under Chapter 176J). The council, composed of 13 members including industry experts and government officials, will analyze market data, identify affordability challenges, and recommend policy changes to stabilize coverage. It must submit a final report with findings and suggestions by December 2026, considering factors like premium trends, cross-subsidization, and new coverage options. This bill directly affects small employers and individuals purchasing health insurance in Massachusetts’ merged market.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes council to study health insurance market, identify affordability challenges, and recommend policies to stabilize coverage, directly supporting healthcare system improvements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 28, 2026

H 5112: An Act prohibiting genetic discrimination

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of David M. Rogers relative to prohibiting genetic discrimination in insurance. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits genetic discrimination in insurance, protecting patient access to healthcare coverage and preventing unfair denial of services.95% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 23, 2026

H 5038: An Act to improve patient access to non-emergency medical transportation

This bill requires insurance plans and Medicaid to approve non-emergency medical transportation (like ambulances and wheelchair vans) for specific services - dialysis, behavioral health, and post-acute care - valid for at least 3 business days, reducing delays for patients. It also mandates that insurers pay providers at least 2.5 times standard rates for these services to ensure adequate compensation. The law applies to Medicaid managed care organizations, commercial insurers, and health plans covering these transportation needs. A study on reimbursement adequacy and workforce impacts is also required.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires insurance/Medicaid to cover non-emergency transport for dialysis, behavioral health, and post-acute care with 2.5x provider payments, directly improving patient access and funding for key healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 2938: An Act to promote increased access to patient care through equitable reimbursement

The committee on Health Care Financing to whom was referred the Senate Bill to promote increased access to patient care through equitable reimbursement (Senate, No. 783), - reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2938).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly promotes 'increased access to patient care through equitable reimbursement,' directly aligning with support indicators for improved access and fair provider payments.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

HD 5580: A report of the Executive Office of Aging and Independence (under Section 32 of Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024, as amended by Section 70 of Chapter 14 of the Acts of 2025) submitting the Massachusetts Assisted Living Residence (ALR) Commission report

HD 5580 requires the Massachusetts Assisted Living Residence (ALR) Commission to submit a report to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, following a 2025 fire at Gabriel House Assisted Living. The report includes key recommendations such as reinvesting certification fees into the ALR Certification Unit and proposing more frequent facility reviews (every 12-18 months instead of biennially) with additional funding. It also suggests updating regulatory language to clarify nursing responsibilities, ensuring alignment with scope-of-practice rules for LPNs and RNs. The bill itself is procedural, focusing on the report's submission rather than immediate policy changes.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates enhanced oversight (12-18 month reviews) and funds ALR certification via fee reinvestment, strengthening safety and regulatory standards for assisted living healthcare services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 23, 2026

H 5046: An Act to protect the lives of student athletes; Freddy’s law

H 5046 ("Freddy’s Law") requires all Massachusetts high school athletes participating in MIAA sports to undergo one electrocardiogram (EKG) screening before competing, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that all health insurance plans sold in Massachusetts - including state employee coverage, employer group plans, and individual policies - must cover this screening at no cost to families. It also directs the state to work with the MIAA to create policies covering athlete compliance, handling abnormal results, religious exemptions, and sharing screening results across schools. The law directly affects all high school athletes in MIAA sports and their insurance providers, ensuring EKG screenings are accessible without out-of-pocket costs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates all MA health insurance plans to cover EKG screenings at no cost, expanding access to preventive healthcare for student athletes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 5017: An Act relative to telehealth and digital equity for patients

This bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover and reimburse new telehealth services, including e-consults (provider-to-provider digital advice), e-visits (patient-initiated digital check-ins), and remote monitoring of health data. It directly affects patients seeking virtual care, healthcare providers delivering telehealth services, and insurance carriers. Key provisions mandate coverage for these services without extra prior authorization compared to in-person visits, include interpreter services for non-English speakers or Deaf patients, and require insurers to offer digital health literacy programs for patients with low tech skills. The bill also creates a shared portal for applying to affordable broadband programs to support digital access.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for telehealth services, expanding patient access to virtual care without prior authorization barriers95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates insurance coverage for telehealth services including remote monitoring, promoting digital equity in healthcare access95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Telehealth Broadband Access

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 26, 2026

H 5087: An Act regulating the operation of medical spas

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Alice Hanlon Peisch for legislation to regulate the operation of medical spas. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates medical spas under Public Health to ensure safety standards, aligning with healthcare service protection and patient safety goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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