Healthcare (Medicare) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2829: An Act to increase access to healthcare for ostomy patients

HD 2829 requires all health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover all medical supplies for ostomy care at a minimum Medicare reimbursement rate, eliminating barriers like non-medical supply requirements. It mandates hospitals performing ostomy surgery to employ certified ostomy care specialists and provide follow-up outpatient care, while ensuring prescriptions for these supplies remain valid for at least one year without interruption. The bill also requires insurers to transfer patient ostomy care information to new insurers within 72 hours and provide one month's notice with samples before changing product substitutions. This directly benefits ostomy patients by improving access to consistent, uninterrupted care, while setting new standards for insurers, hospitals, and suppliers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicare

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3584: An Act relative to hospital profit and fairness

HD 3584, titled "An Act relative to hospital profit and fairness," targets hospitals receiving Commonwealth funding that serve fewer than 60% government patients (e.g., Medicaid/Medicare). It imposes civil penalties on facilities with operating margins exceeding 8% or CEO compensation over 50 times the minimum wage employee pay, requiring public reporting of all financial assets (including foreign holdings) within 7 days. Penalties collected fund a new Medicaid Reimbursement Enhancement Fund to improve Medicaid payments to eligible hospitals. The law applies to acute care hospitals, teaching hospitals, and state-operated facilities but excludes rehabilitation and long-term care centers. It takes effect January 1, 2025, without affecting pre-existing contracts.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Hospitals Long-Term Care Medicare Minimum Wage

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 902: 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 ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicare

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 883: 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 ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicare

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 193: An Act empowering patients and entrepreneurs with real transparency on cost

This bill (SD 193) requires Medicare to annually release specific healthcare cost and utilization data to the public. It mandates the release of hospital data for the 100 most common inpatient stays and the 10 most expensive inpatient stays by payer, plus outpatient procedure data, physician payment details showing allowed amounts versus submitted charges, and drug prescription data for the 100 most common and 10 most expensive drugs. The data must be made available in raw, usable form on Medicare’s website annually, without requiring a consumer-facing tool. This directly affects Medicare (the "center" in the bill) and healthcare providers whose data is included, as they must provide the specified information. The bill focuses on making cost and service data transparent for public access, without specifying how it will be used.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicare

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2578: An Act establishing a public health option

This bill establishes a public health insurance option in Massachusetts, creating a state-run plan available through the Commonwealth Connector. It will directly affect eligible individuals (residents not offered employer-sponsored coverage with 50+ employees) and small groups (1-50 employees) starting January 1, 2027, with large groups (51+ employees) added by July 1, 2027. The plan must meet the same quality and affordability standards as private plans approved by the Connector, use Medicare-based payment rates for providers, and cover all costs through premiums. It will operate alongside existing private plans but will be administered by the Connector, with providers automatically participating unless they opt out.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare Public Health

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 923: An Act to preserve and protect public health

HD 923 requires Massachusetts Medicaid providers administering vaccines to eligible adults and children to receive reimbursement rates no lower than the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regional rates. This applies to all vaccination billing through Medicaid payment systems or pharmacy benefit managers. The law directly affects healthcare providers who serve Medicaid patients by guaranteeing they are paid at least the federal standard for vaccine administration. The policy takes effect on January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicare Prescription Drugs Public Health

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1228: An Act establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts

This bill would create a single government-run health care system called the Massachusetts Health Care Trust, providing universal coverage to all Massachusetts residents. It eliminates patient cost-sharing (like deductibles and co-pays) and requires the Trust to cover all medically appropriate services, including dental, behavioral health, and long-term care. The Trust would replace current private and public insurance plans, funding care through state revenue to ensure coverage regardless of income, health status, or employment. It directly affects every Massachusetts resident (as defined, including homeless individuals and undocumented people) and all health care providers in the state. The system aims to reduce administrative costs, control spending, and expand preventive care while guaranteeing continuous coverage without job or enrollment changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Revenue Long-Term Care Medicare Primary Care

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2341: An Act establishing medicare for all in Massachusetts

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 860) of James B. Eldridge, Lindsay N. Sabadosa, Margaret R. Scarsdale, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to establish medicare for all in Massachusetts. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Medicare

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1867: An Act strengthening mental health centers

HD 1867 increases payment rates for mental health services provided by clinics and independent practitioners. Starting January 2027, it requires a 5% minimum rate increase per service code and mandates that clinics receive at least 20% more payment than independent practitioners for comparable services. The bill also requires biennial reviews of these rates, considering inflation (using Medicare Economic Index data), wage comparisons to state labor statistics, and costs from new government mandates. This directly affects mental health clinics, independent practitioners, and managed care entities that pay for these services.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Medicare Mental Health

All healthcare bills