By Mr. Keenan, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 872) of John F. Keenan, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael J. Barrett and Michael O. Moore for legislation to establish a community health center nurse practitioner residency program. Health Care Financing.
By Representative Keefe of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1377) of Mary S. Keefe, Francisco E. Paulino and Russell E. Holmes for legislation to establish a community health center nurse practitioner residency program for the purposes of recruiting and retaining nurse practitioners at community health centers. Health Care Financing.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 891) of Liz Miranda, Joanne M. Comerford and Michael J. Barrett for legislation relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers. Health Care Financing.
By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1410) of Thomas M. Stanley and others for legislation to establish a primary care physician workforce development and loan forgiveness grant program to be administered by the Department of Public Health. Health Care Financing.
HD 138 creates new definitions for "Health equity" and "Priority population" (communities facing health disparities) within Massachusetts health law. It requires state health agencies to appoint a chief health equity officer, integrate health equity into all agency duties, and establish specific expenditure targets for primary care and behavioral health services (a 30% increase above baseline through 2026). The bill mandates annual reports tracking health inequities, including data on costs of disparities and strategies to reduce them, and requires public hearings before setting new spending targets. These changes directly affect state health agencies, boards, and healthcare entities managing public health funds.
This bill requires Massachusetts health insurance plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings at no out-of-pocket cost for individuals aged 50 and older, when deemed medically necessary by a primary care physician. It applies to Commonwealth employee health plans, private accident/sickness insurance, hospital service plans, and health maintenance organizations. The law mandates coverage for specific screening methods including colonoscopy (every 5-10 years), flexible sigmoidoscopy, FIT tests, and CT colonography, without requiring copays, deductibles, or additional fees for related services like lab work or physician visits. This policy change removes financial barriers to preventive care for a common cancer, affecting all insured residents in Massachusetts under these coverage types.
This bill requires MassHealth (Massachusetts' Medicaid program) to fund graduate medical education payments for residency and training programs in community-based settings, specifically targeting primary care, behavioral health, and areas with physician shortages. It directly affects community health centers, family medicine nurse practitioners, dentists, and dental hygienists by making them eligible for these payments. Key provisions mandate MassHealth to seek maximum federal reimbursement, develop implementing rules within 180 days, prioritize placements in community settings serving high public payer populations, and consult with the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. The policy changes focus on expanding access to training in underserved healthcare areas through targeted funding.
This bill requires Massachusetts health insurers, health plans, and other entities reimbursing community health centers to pay for Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) services at rates equivalent to what those centers would receive from MassHealth (the state's Medicaid program). It directly affects FQHCs serving Medicaid patients and the health plans/insurers that cover their services. The key mechanism mandates that reimbursement rates must align with federal Medicaid payment methodologies (42 U.S.C. §1396a(bb) and §1396b(m)(2)(A)(ix)) as of January 1, 2025, and requires annual reporting to ensure compliance. The bill aims to ensure FQHCs receive fair reimbursement without changing existing Medicaid payment structures.
By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 900) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to promote primary care through Medicaid graduate medical education funding. Health Care Financing.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1385) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to expand loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.
