Healthcare

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 1352: An Act establishing a prescription drug rebate program for seniors

This bill establishes a state-funded program to reimburse Massachusetts seniors aged 65+ with household incomes of $50,000 or less annually for all out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, including insurance co-pays. The state would disburse reimbursements up to $2,500 per person yearly from the General Fund. Eligible individuals must apply through a process defined by the health commissioner, and the program requires annual impact reports to legislative committees, expiring after four years unless renewed by the legislature.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes prescription drug rebates for seniors, directly improving medication affordability and access to healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 848: An Act relating to covered entity reporting to increase accountability to safeguard benefit for vulnerable patients

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 848) of John J. Cronin for legislation to require all covered entities to file an annual report to the Center for Health Information and Analysis to increase accountability to safeguard benefit for vulnerable patients. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates annual reporting by covered entities to increase accountability and safeguard benefits for vulnerable patients, directly protecting healthcare access and rights.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 877: An Act to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage

By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 877) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Paul W. Mark, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage. Health Care Financing.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRaises minimum wage for healthcare workers, improving workforce stability and care quality under Health Care Financing subject.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly aims to increase minimum wage for care workers, directly advancing wage standards in Labor & Employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Minimum Wage

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 10, 2025

H 708: An Act requiring a mental health wellness examination for all school children

This bill requires all public school children in Massachusetts to receive a mental health wellness examination by a licensed professional within 12 months prior to kindergarten entry or within 30 days of the school year start. Parents must provide certification of this exam to school health staff, with religious exemptions available via written request. Private school students (meeting specific non-discrimination criteria) may opt-in through parental request, and private schools not conducting exams must inform parents and recommend they arrange them. The bill mandates detailed written reports from examiners to schools and parents, including diagnoses, treatment plans, and educational adjustments. It also adds funding provisions to support mental health wellness exams in underserved school districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mental health wellness exams for school children, enhancing student support services within education policy.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires mental health wellness exams for school children, advancing access to mental health services within healthcare policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Mental Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 16, 2025

H 4271: Amendment H.4271

Text of an amendment, recommended by the committee on Ways and Means, to the Senate Bill strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth (Senate, No. 2543). July 15, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAmendment explicitly strengthens healthcare protections per Senate Bill 2543, directly aligning with 'strengthen' and 'protect' SUPPORT indicators.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2025

H 4294: Amendment H.4294

Text of House document No. 4271, being House amendments of the Senate Bill strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth (Senate bill No. 2543), as amended by the House. July 16, 2025.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly describes amendments to 'strengthen health care protections' in the Commonwealth, directly advancing healthcare protections.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 28, 2025

H 1091: An Act relative to pharmacists as healthcare providers

This bill allows pharmacists to diagnose, test for, and treat specific health conditions like influenza, strep infections, and COVID-19 (or other public health threats identified by the department) without a physician's direct order. Pharmacists must follow department-established procedures and use approved tests, including those waived under federal lab rules. The law also requires health insurers to cover pharmacist-provided services that would be covered if performed by a doctor, nurse, or physician assistant, and to create proper billing codes for these services. It directly affects pharmacists, patients seeking care for these conditions, and health insurance providers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRecognizes pharmacists as healthcare providers, expanding patient access to care through pharmacist-led services and direct provider roles.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 726: An Act relative to insurance coverage of mobile integrated health

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 726) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation relative to insurance coverage of mobile integrated health. Financial Services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates insurance coverage for mobile integrated health services, expanding patient access to non-traditional healthcare options per its title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 4, 2025

S 1584: An Act to prevent undue influence on prescriber behavior

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1584) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation to prevent undue influence on prescriber behavior. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents undue influence on prescribers (e.g., pharmaceutical incentives), promoting ethical medication decisions and patient safety under Public Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1538: An Act connecting veterans with access to breakthrough treatments

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1538) of Dylan A. Fernandes that the Executive Office of Health and Human Services be authorized to establish a program to promote, incentivize and support the development and deployment of eligible therapies among veterans and first responders. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill creates program to promote access to breakthrough therapies for veterans via Public Health program, directly expanding healthcare access for a vulnerable group.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes program to promote breakthrough treatments for veterans, directly improving healthcare access and support per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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