By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2103) of Michael D. Brady for legislation to clarify lobbying law violations. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Mr. Payano, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 901) of Pavel M. Payano, Liz Miranda, Manny Cruz, Patricia D. Jehlen and others for legislation to advance health equity. Health Care Financing.
Maddy summaryHD 492 allows minors aged 15 or older who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to consent to supportive services without parental involvement. It defines "mature minors" as those not in a parent's custody, lacking stable housing, and capable of understanding the services' implications. Service providers must obtain written consent from the minor, detailing their age, guardianship status, and living situation, before offering housing assistance, education support, emotional wellbeing resources, or financial stability services. The bill also grants providers immunity from liability (except for gross negligence) when following these rules, and requires the Office of Children, Youth, and Families to create implementing regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands telehealth coverage and digital access for Massachusetts residents. It requires health insurers to cover virtual visits, digital consultations, remote patient monitoring, and related devices at the same rate as in-person care. The bill also creates a shared application portal for affordable broadband programs and mandates insurers to provide interpreter services and digital literacy support for patients with limited English proficiency or low tech skills. These provisions directly affect patients, healthcare providers, and insurers across Massachusetts.
Maddy summaryThis bill (HD 2566) requires health insurance carriers to pay emergency ambulance service providers directly for covered services, rather than billing patients. It sets payment rates based on municipal rates (if established) or 325% of Medicare rates, capping patient cost-sharing at $100. The law protects insured patients from surprise bills and prohibits providers from billing them further after receiving payment, while also limiting charges for uninsured patients to Medicare rates. It applies to all emergency ambulance services requiring immediate response, affecting patients, insurers, and ambulance providers across Massachusetts.
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.
Substituted by the House, on motion of Mr. Walsh of Peabody, for a bill with the same title (House, No. 2270) [Local Approval Received]. September 25, 2025.
By Mr. Brady, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 839) of Michael D. Brady for legislation to fund nursing home staff. Health Care Financing.
Maddy summarySD 924 requires state health coverage to pay for medically necessary habilitative and rehabilitative treatments for adults aged 21+ with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder. The bill mandates coverage for treatments like applied behavior analysis (provided by licensed professionals) and both dedicated and non-dedicated communication devices (including medically necessary tablets). Coverage applies only to individuals already receiving state health coverage under Chapter 118E, with diagnoses confirmed by licensed physicians or psychologists. This policy change directly expands access to essential, evidence-based care for a specific group of adults with qualifying disabilities.
By Ms. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 877) of Robyn K. Kennedy, Paul W. Mark, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and other members of the General Court for legislation to promote an enhanced care worker minimum wage. Health Care Financing.
