By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 551) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Joanne M. Comerford, Michael O. Moore, Jason M. Lewis and other members of the General Court for legislation to prohibit the sale of newly farmed fur products. Environment and Natural Resources.
Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts' legal definition of "veteran" to expand eligibility for state benefits. It adds two key categories: (1) members of the American Merchant Marine who served during WWII (1941-1946) with honorable discharge, and (2) veterans awarded service-connected disabilities by the U.S. Veterans Administration. The revised definition also clarifies that "active duty" includes training periods where service members were disabled. This change directly affects veterans seeking state benefits who previously may not have qualified under the older definition, while maintaining existing exclusions like dishonorable discharges.
Senate, June 11, 2026 -- The committee on Senate Ways and Means, to whom was referred the Senate Bill relative to primary care for you (Senate, No. 867),- reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 3116).
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 867) of Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch, Joanne M. Comerford and Mike Connolly for legislation relative to primary care for you. Health Care Financing.
Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 4526) [Local Approval Received]. April 30, 2026.
Maddy summaryHD 2540 creates a legal process for terminally ill Massachusetts residents to request medication for a peaceful death. It requires patients to be mentally capable adults with a terminal diagnosis (expected death within 6 months), prove Massachusetts residency, and complete a 15-day waiting period after an initial oral request. The process involves two physicians confirming the diagnosis and mental capacity, plus two non-family witnesses verifying the patient’s voluntary participation. Patients with legal guardians are excluded, and the bill explicitly does not affect existing hospice or palliative care options.
Maddy summaryThis bill (H 4333) requires health insurers to calculate enrollees' out-of-pocket costs more transparently. Specifically, it mandates that all cost-sharing payments (like deductibles and copays) made by or on behalf of an enrollee must be fully applied toward their total annual out-of-pocket obligation at the time services are provided. It also clarifies that insurers must include all covered health care services within essential health benefits categories when calculating annual cost-sharing limits. The law applies to health plans entered into, amended, extended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, directly affecting insurers and enrollees in Massachusetts health plans.
By Representative Scanlon of North Attleborough, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Adam J. Scanlon for legislation to establish an exemption for personal vehicle values from the MassHealth asset limits. Health Care Financing.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits discrimination against entities participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. It requires insurers and drug distributors to pay 340B-covered entities (like community health centers and safety-net hospitals) and their contract pharmacies the same rate as non-340B providers for covered drugs, without imposing special requirements or modifiers for 340B drugs. The law also protects patients' choice to receive 340B drugs from participating providers without interference. Violations are treated as unfair trade practices under Massachusetts law, enforced by the Attorney General and pharmacy board. The bill directly affects 340B program participants, their pharmacy partners, insurers, and drug manufacturers/distributors operating in Massachusetts.
Maddy summaryThis bill protects 340B providers - like community health centers and safety-net hospitals that participate in the federal 340B drug discount program - from unfair practices by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). It prohibits PBMs from reimbursing these providers at lower rates than non-340B entities, charging extra fees for 340B participation, restricting network access based on 340B status, or requiring special drug identifiers. The bill also bans PBMs from imposing higher patient copays or steering patients away from 340B providers. These changes ensure 340B providers can operate fairly and patients can access discounted medications without additional barriers.
