Healthcare (Hospitals)

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 4226: An Act ensuring access and continuity of care to specialist and hospital services for dually eligible individuals

By Representative O'Day of West Boylston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James J. O'Day relative to access and continuity of care to specialist and hospital services for dually eligible individuals. Public Health.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill ensures access/continuity of specialist/hospital care for dually eligible individuals, directly improving patient access under Public Health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 1386: An Act to transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health

By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1386) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge and Sally P. Kerans for legislation to transfer Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health. Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeTransferring Bridgewater State Hospital from Corrections to Mental Health prioritizes treatment over incarceration for mental health cases, aligning with criminal justice reform principles.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareTransferring Bridgewater State Hospital to the Department of Mental Health directly strengthens mental health service coordination and oversight, aligning with healthcare support indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health Substance Abuse

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 637: An Act relative to the operating budgets of health care oversight agencies

HD 637 limits annual increases in assessments paid by health care providers and manufacturers. It caps the total assessed amount for acute hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, non-hospital providers, pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy benefit managers, and surcharge payors at no more than the annual health care cost growth benchmark approved by the health policy commission. This applies to both the Health Care Cost Containment Commission (Section 6) and the Health Policy Commission (Section 7). The bill directly affects these entities by restricting how much their mandatory assessments can rise each year.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesCaps healthcare provider assessments at health cost growth benchmark, limiting state revenue from these fees and restricting budget growth for oversight agencies.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill caps assessments on healthcare providers/manufacturers, restricting funding for oversight agencies by limiting annual increases to health cost growth benchmark.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Hospitals Prescription Drugs

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2519: An Act to further define medical necessity determinations

This bill defines specific mental health treatment services and mandates coverage without preauthorization for two groups. It applies to Massachusetts Commonwealth employees (active/retired) covered under group insurance and Medicaid recipients. The bill requires coverage for: mental health acute treatment (24-hour inpatient care), crisis stabilization services (up to 14 days), community-based acute treatment (CBAT, up to 21 days for youth), and intensive community-based acute treatment (ICBAT, up to 14 days for youth). Facilities must notify insurers within 48 hours of admission, and medical necessity must be determined by the treating clinician with patient input - no preauthorization is required, though limited utilization reviews may begin after specified days (e.g., day 7 for crisis services).

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates no preauthorization for mental health services (acute care, crisis, CBAT/ICBAT) for state employees and Medicaid recipients, expanding coverage access per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Mental Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2560: An Act relative to insurance coverage of hearing aids

HD 2560 requires most health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover hearing aids and related services. It directly affects Commonwealth employees and retirees, their children under 26 (or with disabilities), Medicaid beneficiaries, and all insured individuals under group or individual health plans. The bill mandates coverage for hearing aid exams, fittings, adjustments, and supplies (like ear molds) without requiring a prescription for those 18 or older, and prohibits stricter cost-sharing than other health benefits. This applies to group insurance, Medicaid, accident/sickness policies, and hospital service plans, ensuring consistent access to hearing aid coverage across multiple insurance types.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for hearing aids and related services, removing prescription barriers for adults 18+, expanding access to hearing healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 826: An Act relative to the postpartum treatment of women in correctional facilities

HD 826 requires correctional facilities to keep incarcerated women in the hospital after childbirth until two medical professionals approve discharge: the attending physician must certify the mother's safety, and the infant's pediatrician must confirm the baby has had sufficient time with the mother (up to a maximum of 72 hours) to ensure the infant's health. This bill directly affects pregnant and postpartum women in state correctional facilities and their newborn infants. The key provision replaces the previous language with a specific 72-hour maximum stay requirement tied to medical assessments for both mother and infant. The law aims to ensure both the mother's and infant's health are medically verified before transfer back to the facility.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates medical certification for postpartum care in correctional facilities, improving conditions for incarcerated mothers and infants, aligning with humane corrections reform.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates medical certification for postpartum discharge in correctional facilities, ensuring maternal/infant health oversight and access to care per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Women's Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2576: An Act relative to Insurance Coverage for Doula Services

HD 2576 requires most health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover doula services without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) for individuals seeking pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support. It defines doula services as non-medical physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, loss, or postpartum, mandating minimum coverage of 20 hours of prenatal/postpartum care per pregnancy plus continuous labor support. Insurance plans must reimburse doulas at MassHealth rates, eliminate referral requirements, follow state credentialing standards, and cover additional hours for heightened needs. The bill applies to state employee insurance, private health plans, and hospital service plans.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for doula services without cost-sharing, expanding access to non-medical pregnancy/birth support under healthcare coverage policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medical Licensing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2471: An Act improving access to breast pumps

This bill mandates insurance coverage for multi-user breast pumps for specific mothers in Massachusetts. It requires coverage for the rental, usage, and necessary accessories (like replacement parts and storage bags) for mothers with infants in intensive care, special care nurseries, or those with medical conditions preventing direct breastfeeding. The law defines "multi-user breast pumps" with specific safety and functionality requirements (closed system, adjustable suction, electric operation) and requires them to be available within 24 hours of hospital discharge. It applies to Commonwealth employee insurance, Medicaid plans, and private health insurance policies meeting certain criteria, also covering initial and ongoing lactation consultant support. This directly affects mothers of medically vulnerable newborns who rely on breast milk expression.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance coverage for breast pumps in medically necessary cases, expanding access to essential healthcare services for vulnerable mothers and infants.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates insurance coverage for breast pumps for nursing mothers with medical needs, enabling continued employment without cost barriers, directly advancing workplace accommodation standards for workers.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 245: An Act to reduce incidence and death from pancreatic cancer

HD 245 creates a state-wide pancreatic cancer initiative administered by the Department of Public Health. It establishes a 13-member pancreatic cancer advisory council (including patient advocates and representatives from cancer networks) to develop hospital certification standards, identify underserved areas for improved care access, create a multi-provider consortium for best practices, and develop a standard tissue consent form for research. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study on pancreatic cancer prevalence and patient needs, plus a public education program about genetic risks and symptoms. Additionally, it requires the insurance commissioner to survey genetic testing coverage and the health center to update pancreatic cancer screening benefit reviews by 2026. This bill directly affects pancreatic cancer patients, healthcare providers, and the state's public health infrastructure.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates state-wide pancreatic cancer initiative with advisory council to develop hospital standards, improve underserved access, and mandate study - directly advancing cancer care services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 2870: An Act to protect 340B providers in the MassHealth program

By Representative Lipper-Garabedian of Melrose, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 779) of Kate Lipper-Garabedian relative to hospital access to discounted purchase of prescription drugs. Elder Affairs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill protects 340B providers in MassHealth, ensuring discounted drug access for Medicaid patients and improving healthcare affordability and access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals

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