By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 629) of Jason M. Lewis and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to reduce the use of polystyrene, opting for reusable alternatives to protect the environment. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 868) of Cindy F. Friedman, Joanne M. Comerford and Rebecca L. Rausch for legislation to enhance health care market oversight and pharmaceutical access. Health Care Financing.
By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 882) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to require MassHealth to make Graduate Medical Education payments. Health Care Financing.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 842) of Joanne M. Comerford and Steven Owens for legislation to offer financial assistance for medical debt to those below the federal poverty level. Health Care Financing.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2152) of Cindy F. Friedman for legislation to designate June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 29) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Rebecca L. Rausch, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge and other members of the Senate for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 197) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Rebecca L. Rausch, Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford and other members of the General Court for legislation to protect reproductive health access, LGBTQ lives, religious liberty, and freedom of movement by banning the sale of cell phone location information. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 45) of Michael O. Moore, Joanne M. Comerford, Rebecca L. Rausch, James B. Eldridge and others for legislation to establish the Massachusetts Data Privacy Protection Act. Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.
Senate, May 12, 2025 -- (Filed by Ms. Comerford) Order relative to the calling of a proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to agricultural and horticultural lands.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts hospitals to establish clear financial assistance policies for low- and moderate-income patients. It sets income-based discounts: free care for households under 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL), 75% discounts for 201-300% FPL, 50% for 301-350% FPL, and 25% for 351-400% FPL. Hospitals must provide written and verbal notices about these policies during registration and billing, post notices prominently in facilities, and include clear financial assistance information on all billing statements. The bill also prohibits hospitals from considering immigration status, total bill cost, or restrictive contracts when determining eligibility, and mandates annual reporting of application data by hospital.
