ACCESSING HEALTH CARE

These are the bills filed in 2025-2026 regarding accessing health care; all reproductive and maternal health care bills are found in their own section as are public health-related bills. There are many others that I have cosponsored this session. Please click on the bill name to view the full text.

An Act relative to physician assistant interstate compact

The proposed bill establishes the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing participating states to recognize each other’s physician assistant licenses, enhancing portability for medical practice across state lines. It requires participating states to maintain processes for licensure, investigate complaints, and adhere to a shared data system for compact participants. The compact also includes provisions for disciplinary actions, including taking adverse action against a physician assistant’s compact privilege if necessary for patient safety. Additionally, this bill facilitates military families by offering compact privileges to active-duty personnel and their spouses based on licenses from participating states.

An Act to Improve Continuity of Care for MassHealth Members with Chronic Conditions

This bill amends Chapter 118E of the General Laws to introduce prior authorization requirements for community-based long-term care services for MassHealth members with chronic conditions. It mandates that prior authorization for such services be issued for up to five years unless the member's condition changes. This bill also outlines service authorization duties for skilled medical providers employed by an Aging Services Access Point (ASAP), which will handle community long-term care services. MassHealth or its agents can modify service plans based on changes in a member's condition as requested by the member or their primary care provider.

An Act establishing peer respites throughout the Commonwealth

This bill establishes a system of regional peer respites across Massachusetts, providing voluntary, short-term, community-based residential peer-run programs for individuals in emotional or mental distress. These respites will be staffed by trained peer supporters with lived or living experience, offering culturally competent services tailored to diverse communities, including LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. The Department of Mental Health will allocate funding and ensure proper training for peer supporters, as well as oversee the operation of the peer respites. Annual progress reports will be submitted to the legislature detailing the implementation and challenges of the program. Filed with Rep. Davis.

An Act relative to insulin access

This bill caps the cost of insulin at no more than $100 for a 30-day supply across various healthcare programs, including MassHealth, insurance providers, and pharmaceutical companies. It also mandates that pharmaceutical companies offer a no-cost, 30-day insulin supply annually to individuals urgently in need and meeting financial eligibility. Companies must ensure easy access to their insulin patient assistance programs and provide timely determinations of eligibility. Violations of these provisions will result in a $100,000 monthly fine for non-compliance. Filed with Rep. LeBoeuf.

An Act establishing Medicare for All in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Medicare for All bill aims to establish a single-payer healthcare system for the state, providing universal health coverage to all residents. It would replace private insurance with a state-run plan, covering medical, dental, mental health, and long-term care. The plan is intended to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for residents and streamline healthcare administration. Funding would come through a combination of taxes and other state resources. Filed with Rep. Scarsdale.

An Act establishing the psychology interjurisdictional compact

This bill seeks to expand access to mental health care by allowing licensed psychologists to practice across state lines through an interstate compact. This would enable Massachusetts psychologists to provide telehealth services in other participating states and vice versa. This bill aims to address the shortage of mental health professionals and improve access to care. By joining the PsychPACT agreement, Massachusetts would streamline licensure processes and increase the availability of psychological services.

An Act assuring prompt access to health care

This bill mandates that reimbursement for medically appropriate evaluation and management services in outpatient settings be included in basic insurance benefits, without requiring a deductible. However, deductibles are allowed if the plan is governed by the Federal Internal Revenue Code and would lose its tax-exempt status due to the deductible prohibition. This requirement applies across various chapters of the General Laws, including those for insurers, third-party plans, and different health insurance categories. It aims to ensure access to these services while balancing federal tax regulations.

An Act relative to therapeutic psilocybin treatment centers

This bill establishes a 5-site pilot program for nonprofit therapeutic centers offering psilocybin treatment for mental and physical health needs across Massachusetts. These centers must be staffed by trained medical professionals and comply with safety, education, and monitoring requirements. Participants and staff involved in these centers are protected from criminal or civil penalties related to psilocybin use. The Department of Public Health will oversee the program, report on its outcomes, and regulate its implementation with the help of an advisory board.

An Act relating to patient choice in dispensing of clinician-administered drugs

This bill requires health benefit carriers to provide coverage for clinician-administered drugs without imposing additional fees, penalties, or restrictions, ensuring that patients can obtain these drugs from their provider or pharmacy of choice. It prohibits health carriers from limiting coverage based on where the drug is dispensed or requiring patients to use specific pharmacies or infusion sites. Health carriers may offer, but cannot mandate, home infusion or external infusion sites. The goal is to protect patient choice and ensure fair reimbursement for clinician-administered drugs.

An Act establishing senior psychologist licensure

This bill requires the creation of a senior psychologist licensure category by July 1, 2026, for psychologists with a doctoral degree and extensive practice experience but limited access to training records. The licensure requirements will include the number of years licensed, practice history, and lack of disciplinary sanctions. The board may require additional assessments, like a jurisprudence exam, if they don't impose undue burden on applicants. This aims to facilitate licensure for experienced psychologists relocating to Massachusetts.