Healthcare

in committee · Massachusetts · House Aug 4, 2026

H 4338: An Act to reduce inequities in access to medical procedures

This bill prohibits health insurance carriers from lowering reimbursement rates for doctors' evaluation/management or procedural services solely because the provider also billed other covered services (like minor surgery) on the same day. It directly affects medical providers and insurers by voiding any contract terms allowing such payment reductions. The key provision ensures providers aren't penalized financially for delivering multiple covered services during a single patient visit, promoting fair payment for comprehensive care.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prohibits insurers from penalizing providers for multiple services during one visit, reducing inequities and improving access to medical procedures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 4332: An Act relative to pharmacists as healthcare providers

This bill expands pharmacists' role in healthcare by allowing them to diagnose, test for, and treat specific illnesses like influenza, strep infections, and public health threats (including COVID-19) under state guidelines. Pharmacists must follow department-established procedures and can use federally waived tests or standardized screening protocols. Crucially, the bill requires insurance companies to reimburse pharmacists the same as physicians or nurses for these services, mandating new billing codes to ensure fair payment. It directly affects pharmacists, patients seeking care for these conditions, and health insurers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands pharmacists' healthcare roles (diagnosis/treatment) and mandates equal insurance reimbursement, improving patient access for common illnesses/public health threats.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 9, 2026

H 1380: An Act relative to healthcare industry recruitment and education for the 21st Century

By Representatives Lawn of Watertown and Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1380) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and Mindy Domb for legislation to establish a healthcare industry recruitment and education advisory council. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates healthcare recruitment/education advisory council to strengthen workforce development and industry readiness, aligning with workforce support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 28, 2025

H 1311: An Act ensuring access to full spectrum pregnancy care

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1311) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and others relative to access to full spectrum pregnancy care. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures access to full spectrum pregnancy care, directly improving patient access to reproductive health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 8, 2026

H 1135: An Act for supportive care for serious mental illness

By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1135) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to healthcare insurance coverage for supportive care for serious mental illness. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates healthcare insurance coverage for supportive care in serious mental illness, expanding access to mental health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 1399: An Act relative to an individual Medicare marketplace option

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1399) of Alice Hanlon Peisch relative to providing for an individual Medicare marketplace option. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates individual Medicare marketplace option, expanding coverage choices for beneficiaries under Health Care Financing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 310: An Act relative to mental health education

This bill (S 310) proposes requiring public schools to incorporate mental health education into their curricula. It directly affects school systems and students by mandating the inclusion of age-appropriate mental health topics. The key provision is a requirement for schools to develop and implement mental health education programs, though specific content details are not outlined in the abstract. The bill aims to address mental health awareness and education at the foundational level in schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mental health education in K-12 curricula, enhancing student well-being programs per bill's requirement95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health education in schools, directly supporting mental health awareness and prevention as part of healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 18, 2025

H 1296: An Act to protect 340B providers

H 1296, titled "An Act to protect 340B providers," is a bill introduced by Representative Sean Reid to support healthcare providers participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program, which allows safety-net providers to purchase medications at discounted rates. The abstract does not specify the bill's exact mechanisms or provisions, only stating it aims to protect these providers. It falls under the Financial Services committee, suggesting a focus on financial or operational safeguards. Without additional details from the full bill text, the specific policy changes or direct effects on providers cannot be described.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects 340B providers, ensuring safety-net healthcare facilities maintain discounted drug access for patients, directly strengthening healthcare affordability and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 18, 2025

H 1364: An Act relative to promoting healthcare access and affordability for patients

By Representative Fiola of Fall River, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1364) of Carole A. Fiola relative to healthcare access and affordability for patients. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly promotes healthcare access and affordability, directly aligning with support indicators like improving patient access and funding initiatives.95% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 4, 2025

H 4491: An Act relative to non-medical switching

This bill prevents health insurers from forcing patients to switch prescription drugs without medical necessity ("nonmedical switching"). It requires insurers to maintain coverage for drugs a patient is medically stable on (as determined by their doctor), unless the drug is removed due to FDA safety concerns or manufacturing issues. Insurers must provide a clear, fast-track process for patients to request coverage exemptions, responding within 72 hours (24 hours for emergencies), with automatic approval if they miss deadlines. The bill directly affects patients on stable prescription regimens and health insurers managing drug coverage under health benefit plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents insurers from forcing unnecessary drug switches, requires coverage maintenance for stable patients, and mandates fast-track exemptions, protecting patient access and rights in prescription coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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