Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support midwifery education, retention, and birth center sustainability. The fund, administered by the state health department, receives state/federal maternal health funds and private donations, with unspent balances rolling over annually. It finances student education costs, midwife loan forgiveness (potentially requiring work in underserved areas), midwifery training programs, and mental health support for practicing midwives. Additionally, the bill mandates that state health insurance programs pay certified midwives and freestanding birth centers at rates no lower than those for physicians or hospital services for equivalent care.

By Representative Jones of North Reading and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Bradley H. Jones, Jr., Bruce E. Tarr and others relative to energy costs, transparency, and sustainability. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 911) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to strengthen the management of the health care connector. Health Care Financing.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 916) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to regulate state health insurance mandates and costs. Health Care Financing.

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 694) of Brendan P. Crighton, James B. Eldridge and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to empower health care consumers. Financial Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SD 164) amends a section of state law to allow multiple entities - such as employers, government programs, and policyholders - to collectively use private vendors for collecting health insurance premiums. It does not create new funding or coverage but requires educating employers and insurers about existing private collection services. The bill directly affects employers, insurers, and government programs that pay for health insurance, not working families as the title suggests. It is a procedural change focused on administrative efficiency, not substantive policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows group health plans formed by multiple employers (known as Association Health Plans or MEWAs) to operate in Massachusetts under specific conditions. It directly affects employers and health plans that organize these multi-employer arrangements. Key requirements include: compliance with all federal health plan rules, maintaining financial stability through actuarial soundness, and following Massachusetts insurance laws (G.L. c. 266 §30) and consumer protection rules (G.L. c. 93A). The bill does not change existing coverage but sets standards for these plans to operate within the state.

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 841) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jason M. Lewis, Brendan P. Crighton, Jacob R. Oliveira and other members of the Senate for legislation to support equal access to community care for elders and the disabled. Health Care Financing.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 913) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to stabilize adult day health services. Health Care Financing.

By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 915) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to ensure temporary nursing service agency quality. Health Care Financing.