Healthcare (Medicare)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 640: An Act regarding Medicare savings programs eligibility

This bill changes Massachusetts' eligibility rules for three Medicare savings programs (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, and Qualified Individual programs). It directs the state division to disregard income up to 165% of the federal poverty level when determining eligibility for these programs, making it easier for low-income seniors to qualify. If applications for the Qualified Individual Program exceed available funding, the state must implement a waiting list. The state must submit a formal plan amendment within 30 days of the bill's effective date to put these changes into effect.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill expands Medicare savings program access by disregarding income up to 165% of poverty level, enabling more low-income seniors to qualify for coverage assistance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 2737: An Act relative to Medicare coverage of end-stage renal disease

By Mr. Gómez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2737) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam Gómez for legislation relative to Medicare coverage of end-stage renal disease. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicare coverage for end-stage renal disease patients, improving access to essential treatment and strengthening healthcare access for a critical condition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2824: An Act regarding Title XIX reimbursements for state colleges and universities

This bill directs Massachusetts' health and human services office to form a working group to study whether state colleges and universities can claim federal Medicaid (Title XIX) reimbursement for health services provided to students enrolled in MassHealth. It specifically examines feasibility for students of all ages, including those with disabilities, under- and over-22-year-olds, and those eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. The group must report by April 2025 with financial estimates, challenges, opportunities, and a potential workplan for pursuing this funding. The bill does not change current policy but requires a study to determine if additional revenue could be secured.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill studies Medicaid reimbursement for student health services, aiming to expand coverage/access through federal funding, directly supporting healthcare access for students in state colleges.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1569: An Act lowering health care prices for patients

By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 902) of Pavel M. Payano for legislation to lower health care prices for patients by limiting the rate that can be charged for services to not exceed 200 percent of the amount paid by Medicare for the service. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill caps provider rates at 200% of Medicare, directly lowering patient costs and improving affordability per its explicit purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3357: An Act relative to cannabis for Medicare eligible patients

This bill allows Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover medical cannabis for patients aged 65 and older, provided the cannabis is listed on state drug schedules II through VI. It requires health plans to reimburse doctors who certify these patients for medical cannabis use under Massachusetts law. The bill directly affects seniors (65+) using medical cannabis and the state-regulated health insurance plans that cover them. It updates insurance coverage rules to align with Massachusetts' medical cannabis program without changing federal cannabis laws.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands insurance coverage for medical cannabis under Medicare-eligible seniors, requiring health plans to reimburse doctors for certifications, directly advancing patient access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3388: An Act increasing access to acute hospital at home services

HD 3388 requires all health insurance policies in Massachusetts - including those covering Commonwealth employees, individual/group accident/sickness plans, health maintenance contracts, and preferred provider agreements - to reimburse hospital-at-home services equally to in-person hospital care. It specifically applies to acute care hospitals participating in the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Acute Hospital Care at Home Program. The bill mandates that insurers cover these services at the same rate as traditional hospital visits, removing financial barriers for patients seeking this alternative care. This directly affects insured residents and Commonwealth employees, ensuring parity in coverage for a specific type of home-based medical treatment.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates equal insurance reimbursement for hospital-at-home services, expanding patient access to acute care alternatives without in-person hospital visits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicare Telehealth

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1920: An Act to protect qualified medicare beneficiaries from improper billing

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 883) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to protect qualified Medicare beneficiaries from improper billing. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly protects Medicare beneficiaries from improper billing, directly safeguarding patient financial rights in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 880: An Act regarding Medicare savings programs eligibility

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 880) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to Medicare savings programs eligibility. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill addresses Medicare savings program eligibility, likely expanding access to cost-saving benefits for beneficiaries, aligning with healthcare access support indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 1300: An Act relative to cannabis for Medicare eligible patients

By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1300) of David M. Rogers relative to cannabis for eligible patients. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill seeks Medicare coverage for cannabis, expanding health insurance access for eligible patients. Directly supports healthcare by increasing medical service coverage under Medicare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 870: An Act to Preserve and Protect Public Health

This bill (HD 870) requires Massachusetts Medicaid providers to be reimbursed for administering vaccines at rates no lower than the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regional rates, starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects all providers (including pharmacies via pharmacy benefit managers) who give immunizations to Medicaid-eligible adults and children in Massachusetts. The key provision mandates that reimbursement rates for vaccine administration must match or exceed CMS rates, ensuring providers aren't paid less than federal standards. This change applies to all Medicaid-eligible immunizations covered under the state's program.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid vaccine reimbursement rates match CMS regional rates, ensuring providers maintain access to vaccines for Medicaid patients without financial disincentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare Prescription Drugs Public Health

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