Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 9, 2026

H 1155: An Act empowering health care consumers

This bill requires health insurance plans sold in Massachusetts to provide clear, standardized information about prescription drug coverage to consumers. It directly affects all health insurance plan members (enrollees) and potential enrollees by mandating that plans: 1) explain what a formulary is and how drugs are included/excluded, 2) post searchable formularies online with real-time updates within 72 hours of changes, and 3) disclose specific cost-sharing details (like co-pays or cost ranges) for each drug. Plans must also list prior authorization rules and show how drugs are covered under deductibles. These requirements apply to all individual and group health plans issued in Massachusetts on or after January 1, 2018.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRegulates insurance policies to empower consumers, protecting patient rights and access per bill summary.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 849: An Act to ensure health care as a right

This bill (S 849) aims to establish health care as a fundamental right for all residents of the state, as proposed by Senator Julian Cyr. The official abstract states the legislation focuses on "Health Care Financing" but does not detail specific mechanisms, funding sources, or coverage requirements in the provided context. Without further information on implementation, the summary cannot describe concrete policy changes or who would be directly affected beyond the broad goal of universal coverage. Procedural details or specific provisions are not included in the abstract provided.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to establish healthcare as a fundamental right for all residents, directly advancing universal coverage and access as core healthcare policy goals.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 906: An Act relative to health care non-discrimination

SD 530 (An Act relative to health care non-discrimination) requires health insurance carriers to design payment models (like capitation or global budgets) that fairly account for patient needs, such as age, health conditions, and social factors, rather than using historical costs tied to specific providers. It prohibits carriers from basing payments on provider prices or past spending from subsets of their network. Carriers must report payment model details to the Center for Health Information and Analysis for compliance checks, and violations will be treated as unfair business practices under Chapter 93A. The bill directly affects health insurance companies and healthcare providers participating in these payment arrangements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits healthcare discrimination, directly protecting patient rights and ensuring equitable access - core support indicator for healthcare policies.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 859: An Act establishing a public health option

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 859) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish a public health option. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes public health insurance option, expanding coverage access. Directly advances healthcare access through new public plan.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate May 26, 2026

S 889: An Act relative to single payer healthcare benchmarking and reporting

By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 889) of Paul W. Mark for legislation relative to single payer healthcare benchmarking and reporting. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes benchmarking/reporting for single-payer healthcare, advancing universal coverage model.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 907: An Act to protect Norwood healthcare access

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 907) of Michael F. Rush for legislation to protect Norwood healthcare access. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to 'protect Norwood healthcare access' under Health Care Financing, aligning with protecting patient access and strengthening healthcare services.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 4, 2025

S 1577: An Act to improve access to health care for people with Long COVID

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1577) of Liz Miranda for legislation to improve access to health care for people with Long COVID. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly aims to improve healthcare access for Long COVID patients, directly advancing patient access and care under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 16, 2025

S 875: An Act to promote transparency in prescription drug prices

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 875) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to promote transparency in prescription drug prices by conducting an affordability review of prescription drugs. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates affordability reviews of prescription drugs under Health Care Financing, directly improving patient access to medication costs and promoting transparency in healthcare pricing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 16, 2025

S 851: An Act addressing unfair practices of private equity in health care

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 851) of Julian Cyr for legislation to address unfair practices of private equity in health care. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAddresses private equity's unfair practices in healthcare, aiming to protect system integrity and patient care from harmful financial practices, aligning with protective healthcare measures.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 2612: An Act relative to health insurance and incarcerated individuals

HD 1608 requires health insurance carriers to cover all medically necessary care for incarcerated individuals who have health insurance through themselves or their family. If the individual or family cannot pay co-pays or deductibles, the insurance company can seek reimbursement from the Department of Corrections instead. The bill also mandates that insurers waive extra fees for using non-preferred medical providers while the person is incarcerated. This directly affects incarcerated people with health insurance, their insurers, and the Department of Corrections.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates health insurance coverage for incarcerated individuals, expanding access to healthcare services per bill title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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