Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 17, 2026

H 1222: An Act relative to prescription medication re-authorization

HD 1369 prohibits licensed health insurers (subject to specific Massachusetts insurance laws) from requiring annual re-authorizations for prescription drugs treating chronic conditions. It directly affects patients with conditions like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, stroke, or respiratory disease, as well as their insurers. The bill's key provision bans insurers from demanding yearly approval for these specific medications once a physician, physician's assistant, or nurse practitioner has prescribed them. This changes the current process by eliminating an administrative hurdle for ongoing treatment of chronic illnesses.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits insurers from requiring annual re-authorizations for certain drugs, improving patient access to prescribed medications without unnecessary barriers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 714: An Act to strengthen the control of contagious and infectious diseases in the Commonwealth

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 714) of Julian Cyr for legislation to strengthen the control of contagious and infectious diseases in the Commonwealth. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill strengthens public health disease control infrastructure, directly advancing healthcare policy through enhanced infectious disease management as stated in title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 20, 2026

S 1620: An Act protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements

By Mr. Rush, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1620) of Michael F. Rush and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to protect children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly targets public health protection by banning harmful supplements for children, directly advancing healthcare safety under public health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 23, 2026

H 1187: An Act relative to increasing consumer access to licensed rehabilitation counselors

This bill (HD 2549) adds "licensed rehabilitation counselor" to the list of professionals defined as "licensed mental health professionals" in five Massachusetts law sections (chapters 32A, 175, 176A, 176B, and 176G). It directly affects licensed rehabilitation counselors by expanding their scope to provide mental health services under these laws, and affects consumers seeking mental health care by increasing potential provider options. The key mechanism is amending existing definitions in the statutes to include rehabilitation counselors within the scope of practice for mental health services. The bill does not create new programs or funding but clarifies which professionals qualify under current law.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill clarifies insurance coverage for licensed rehabilitation counselors, directly increasing access to mental health services per healthcare topic definition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Apr 15, 2026

H 4553: An Act requiring coverage of medically necessary oral and dental care for head and neck cancer survivor

This bill (H 4553) requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover specific dental and oral care for head and neck cancer survivors. It directly affects state employees (active and retired) and private insurance policyholders by mandating coverage for: dental care before cancer treatment (like chemotherapy/radiation), post-treatment care to address side effects (tooth decay, infections), and rehabilitation services (including dental implants, speech/swallowing aids, and devices to restore appearance). The law applies to state group insurance plans, health insurance divisions, and private insurance policies covering hospital/surgical benefits. It specifies coverage for preventative care, medically necessary procedures, and rehabilitation tied directly to head and neck cancer treatment or its side effects.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for essential dental/oral care for cancer survivors, expanding access to necessary healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 29, 2025

S 862: An Act relative to MassHealth reimbursement for schools

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 862) of Dylan A. Fernandes and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to MassHealth reimbursement for schools. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides MassHealth reimbursement for schools, directly funding school-based health services and improving access to healthcare for students.92% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2494: An Act relative to emergency room procedure for prescribing or dispensing pain medication to certain persons on probation

HD 283 requires emergency room clinicians in Massachusetts to ask two specific questions of patients before prescribing or dispensing pain medication: "Are you currently on probation?" and "Are you currently required to take court-mandated drug tests as a condition of your probation?" If a patient answers "yes" to both questions, the clinician must administer a urinalysis drug test prior to providing pain medication (defined broadly to include opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and other prescription pain treatments). The results and prescription details must then be shared with the Department of Probation. This provision applies only in acute-care hospitals or satellite emergency facilities and does not override a clinician's medical judgment for urgent treatment needs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSets ER procedures for pain meds to probationers, ensuring healthcare access under Public Health, aligning with patient care protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Apr 21, 2026

H 4555: An Act to improve sickle cell care

This bill (H 4555) requires Massachusetts Medicaid and health insurers to cover standard fertility preservation services - such as egg, sperm, or embryo freezing - when a patient has a diagnosed condition like sickle cell disease that may cause infertility. It directly affects sickle cell patients needing cancer treatment or other therapies that risk fertility, ensuring coverage matches what's provided for pregnancy-related procedures. The bill also creates a Statewide Steering Committee with patient advocates, medical experts, educators, and racial equity representatives to coordinate care, develop educational materials, and improve access to services. The committee will focus on building inclusive networks and addressing racial health disparities in sickle cell disease care across schools and healthcare systems.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates Medicaid/insurers to cover fertility preservation for sickle cell patients, expanding access to critical care and aligning with pregnancy-related coverage standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 29, 2025

S 870: An Act clarifying rate setting processes for home health and home care services

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 870) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr., Hannah Kane, Michael O. Moore and other members of the General Court for legislation to clarify rate setting processes for home health and home care services. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies rate setting for home health services, ensuring stable reimbursement and supporting provider access to care within healthcare system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 20, 2026

S 1544: An Act relative to patient access to certain health care services

By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1544) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation relative to interpreters for non-English speaking patient in health care facilities. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates interpreters for non-English speaking patients, directly improving access to healthcare services as defined in the topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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