Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new intensive case management program in Massachusetts to support older adults with complex medical or behavioral needs who are enrolled in or seeking state home care services. It defines "clinically complex" individuals as those facing serious mental illness, difficult family dynamics, or multiple health issues that make standard care insufficient. The legislation directs the state department to establish specific reimbursement rates that reflect the extra time and expertise required to help these individuals successfully access and remain in the home care program.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2387) of Bruce E. Tarr, Sally P. Kerans and Jerald A. Parisella (by vote of the town) for legislation relative to appointing the town clerk of the town of Wenham. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local approval received]

Senate, December 1, 2023 -- (filed by Messrs. Tarr, Durant, Fattman and O'Connor) Order relative to suspension of Joint Rule 12A

Senate, October 30, 2023 -- The committee on Health Care Financing, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 732) of John J. Cronin for legislation to promote comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 749) of Cindy F. Friedman, Rebecca L. Rausch, Susannah M. Whipps, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation relative to pharmaceutical access, costs and transparency; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 767) of Jason M. Lewis for legislation to define modest meals and refreshments in prescriber education settings; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 778) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 783) of Mark C. Montigny and Michael J. Barrett for legislation to promote transparency and prevent price gouging of pharmaceutical drug prices; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 784) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to coverage for chronic illness; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 797) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to bring down the cost of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 619) of Nicholas A. Boldyga relative to establishing a prescription drug rebate program for seniors; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1176) of Edward F. Coppinger and others relative to promoting comprehensive transparency in the pharmaceutical industry; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1201) of Kate Hogan relative to the pricing of prescription drugs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1205) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others that the Health Policy Commission and health insurers create listings of certain high cost prescription drugs and that the Attorney General require drug manufacturers to provide information to justify increases in costs; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1206) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to contracts between the MassHealth program and pharmaceutical benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1215) of John J. Lawn, Jr., and others relative to pharmacy benefit managers; (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1246) of William M. Straus relative to drug prices paid by carriers; and (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1247) of Alyson M. Sullivan-Almeida, Michael J. Soter and David F. DeCoste relative to pharmacy benefit managers reimbursements to pharmacies in the Commonwealth, reports the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2492).

By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2954) of Michael J. Soter and others relative to property taxes for 100% disabled veterans. Revenue.

By Representative Pignatelli of Lenox, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2924) of Smitty Pignatelli and others relative to the residency requirement for property tax exemptions eligibility for veterans'. Revenue.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants property tax exemptions to disabled veterans in Massachusetts who have a service-connected disability rating of 100 percent from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To qualify, the veteran must be at least 65 years old, a legal resident of the state, and have served under honorable conditions, while the property must be their primary residence. The exemption covers a percentage of the home's value equal to the veteran's disability rating, with the state covering the resulting tax loss by reimbursing local municipalities. Additionally, the benefit extends to the surviving spouse if they continue to own and occupy the home after the veteran passes away.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify how assets transferred into special needs trusts by seniors aged 65 or older are treated for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Specifically, it instructs the state to count these transfers as a disposal of resources at fair market value, meaning the value of the assets used to fund the trust will be considered available to the individual. This change directly affects disabled seniors and their families who rely on special needs trusts to maintain eligibility for government health benefits while preserving assets for their care. The provision ensures that the state can accurately assess an individual's financial resources when determining their need for assistance under the program.